Does peltier effect account for lose of voltage of the cell?

In summary: However, the Peltier effect can cause the battery voltage to drop below the heated junction output voltage.
  • #1
Ahmed Abdullah
203
3
The Peltier effect is the reverse of the Seebeck effect; a creation of a heat difference (between two joint) from an electric voltage.

This temperature difference gives rise to a seebeck voltage which is opposite to the voltage of the cell. So we can resonably conclude that it can contribute to the loss of voltage of the battery, can't we?

I understand seebeck effect but not peltier ... I don't understand why heat energy should be released when electron flow from a higher density to lower density site when it is propelled by an energy source (battery).
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Well yea...but...

Ahmed Abdullah said:
The Peltier effect is the reverse of the Seebeck effect; a creation of a heat difference (between two joint) from an electric voltage.

This temperature difference gives rise to a seebeck voltage which is opposite to the voltage of the cell. So we can resonably conclude that it can contribute to the loss of voltage of the battery, can't we?

I understand seebeck effect but not peltier ... I don't understand why heat energy should be released when electron flow from a higher density to lower density site when it is propelled by an energy source (battery).


Why would that ever happen in real life? Once you connect a battery, you get the peltier effect. Adding heat at this point won't change anything. You are trying to out think the process and you really shouldn't.
 
  • #3
Video Eddie said:
Why would that ever happen in real life? Once you connect a battery, you get the peltier effect. Adding heat at this point won't change anything. You are trying to out think the process and you really shouldn't.

Would you explain things, a bit?
 
  • #4
Ahmed Abdullah said:
Would you explain things, a bit?

When you apply a voltage, you have the peltier effect. The battery discharges at a rate dependant upon the resistance if the junction times the current flow. While the current flow does carry heat to one side of the junction. There is no Seebeck effect until the battery voltage drops below what the heated junction produces. After the heated junction output voltage is greater than the battery voltage, the Seebeck effect could recharge the battery to the point where the battery voltage equaled heated junction output voltage, but really the voltage would be very small by then.

The Seebeck voltage really can't contribute to the loss of battery voltage since it does not occur when the battery is connected and charged.
 

1. How does the Peltier effect affect the voltage of a cell?

The Peltier effect is a phenomenon where heat is either absorbed or released at the junction of two different conductors when an electric current flows through them. In a cell, this means that the temperature difference between the two sides can cause a change in the voltage output.

2. Can the Peltier effect cause a decrease in voltage for a cell?

Yes, the Peltier effect can cause a decrease in voltage for a cell. This is because the temperature difference between the two sides of the cell can result in a decrease in the voltage output. However, the magnitude of this decrease is typically small and can be mitigated by external factors such as proper insulation and cooling.

3. Does the Peltier effect only affect certain types of cells?

No, the Peltier effect can affect any type of cell that has two different conductors connected by an electric current. This includes batteries, solar cells, and thermoelectric cells.

4. How can the Peltier effect be minimized in a cell?

The Peltier effect can be minimized in a cell by using proper insulation to reduce the temperature difference between the two sides, as well as implementing cooling mechanisms such as heat sinks. Additionally, using materials with lower thermal conductivity can also help reduce the impact of the Peltier effect.

5. Are there any benefits to the Peltier effect in cells?

Yes, the Peltier effect can actually be utilized in some cells to improve their efficiency. For example, in thermoelectric cells, the Peltier effect can be used to convert heat energy into electrical energy, making them more efficient at generating power from heat sources. However, in most cases, the Peltier effect is seen as a disadvantage and steps are taken to minimize its impact on the voltage of a cell.

Similar threads

Gauss' divergence theorem and thermoelectricity contradiction
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
680
B Heat Pumps And The Peltier Effect
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
6
Views
1K
Engineering Cooling Integrated Circuits with Peltier Cells
    • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
I An attempt to understand the associated variable conventions in circuits
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
821
Why isn't the Heat generated = Voltage*Charge carried?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
1K
Help understanding the Voltage in a circuit.
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
876
Why does an element in a circuit cause a "voltage drop"
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
3
Views
2K
I Recombination and open-circuit voltage in solar cells
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
1K
I Trying to understand the inner workings of a solar cell
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
2
Views
712
Does electrical conduction require energy state changes?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top