Can Thermocouples Replace Steam Turbines for Nuclear Reactors?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of replacing steam turbines in nuclear reactors with thermocouples for electricity generation. While thermoelectric generators utilizing thermocouples can theoretically generate electricity, their efficiency remains low, typically under 10%. Despite ongoing research in condensed matter physics aimed at improving this technology, significant advancements have not been made in the past two decades. The consensus indicates that while it is possible to enhance thermoelectric efficiency, it would require substantial investment and innovation.

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  • Understanding of thermoelectric generators and their principles
  • Familiarity with thermocouple technology and applications
  • Knowledge of efficiency metrics in energy generation
  • Basic concepts in condensed matter physics and ongoing research trends
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Engineers, researchers, and energy policy makers interested in alternative energy generation methods, particularly in the context of nuclear reactor technology and thermoelectric systems.

Kalrag
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Lately I have been doing some research on thermocouples and the steam turbine. What I have been wondering is if it is possible that the steam tubine on like a nuclear reactor could be replaced with a thermocouple to generate electricity. Could that work?
 
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Yes, but the efficiency of thermoelectric generators is very low, typically less than 10%.
 
So is there any way to make them more efficent?
and thanks
 
Yes, there are thermo-electric generator modules that use a thermocouple effect. But as Mender pointed out they are not very efficient. Could they be made better? Yes. It would be a big project and if it was easy someone would be working on it.
 
Wiki thermopile.
DC
 
Last edited:
Kalrag said:
So is there any way to make them more efficent?
and thanks

Rest assured that it is an active area of condensed matter research.
 
With what looks like promising progress, but in reality not much has changed in the last twenty years.
 

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