Can Adding More Junctions Increase Thermoelectricity Production?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between the number of junctions in thermoelectric modules and electricity production, specifically through the Seebeck effect. It concludes that while adding more junctions can increase amperage, it does not necessarily lead to a proportional increase in voltage or overall electricity production due to the impact of contact resistance. The current design of thermoelectric modules already maintains very low contact resistance, limiting potential gains from additional junctions.

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matthewgill
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Just a quick question:

It is the seebeck effect whereby a directly proportional voltage to the temperature dif is produced. I am wondering whether adding more junctions in that style would produce more electricity.

Would this...
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3140/54089643.jpg
produce 3 (three) times more electricity than this...
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/148/30093508.jpg
?

Thank you.
 
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Adding junctions will only increase the electricity produced if the overall contact resistance goes down. That will increase the amperage but not the voltage. Contact resistance is a significant consideration when designing and producing thermoelectric modules and is typically very, very low so there isn't much to be gained over present art.
 

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