Can Adding More Junctions Increase Thermoelectricity Production?

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    Thermoelectric
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the potential impact of adding more junctions in thermoelectric devices on electricity production, specifically in relation to the Seebeck effect. Participants explore whether increasing the number of junctions can lead to a proportional increase in electricity generated.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if adding more junctions would produce three times more electricity based on the Seebeck effect.
  • Another participant notes that the visibility of attachments is unclear, indicating a potential communication issue in the discussion.
  • A different participant argues that adding junctions will only increase electricity production if the overall contact resistance decreases, suggesting that while amperage may increase, voltage may not, and emphasizes the importance of contact resistance in thermoelectric module design.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effects of adding junctions, with some proposing potential benefits while others caution about the limitations imposed by contact resistance. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall impact of additional junctions on electricity production.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations related to the assumptions about contact resistance and its role in thermoelectric efficiency, which have not been fully explored or quantified in the discussion.

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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how is that? are they viewable now?
 
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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