Thermoelectric Effect: Powering a House?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of using the thermoelectric effect to power a typical house. A significant temperature difference is required, typically in the range of 100°C to 200°C, to achieve meaningful power generation. The efficiency of thermoelectric converters is highly dependent on this temperature difference, with typical efficiencies ranging from 5% to 10%. Additional challenges include the high costs of thermoelectric converters (TECs) and inverters, as well as the complexities involved in generating and maintaining the necessary heat.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermoelectric converters (TECs)
  • Knowledge of heat flux and temperature gradients
  • Familiarity with power consumption metrics for residential homes
  • Basic principles of energy conversion and efficiency
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  • Research the efficiency curves of various thermoelectric materials
  • Explore methods for generating and maintaining high temperature differences
  • Investigate the cost-benefit analysis of thermoelectric systems for residential use
  • Learn about inverter technologies suitable for thermoelectric applications
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Engineers, researchers, and homeowners interested in alternative energy solutions, particularly those exploring the application of thermoelectric technology for residential power generation.

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What type of temperature difference do you think you need to to power a typical house using the thermoelectric effect?

Suppose you could obtain a constant huge temperature difference, is there any other issues with powering a house this way?
 
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Physiks111 said:
What type of temperature difference do you think you need to to power a typical house using the thermoelectric effect?

Suppose you could obtain a constant huge temperature difference, is there any other issues with powering a house this way?

What is the typical power consumption of a home? There are several sources of this information online.

What is the typical efficiency of thermoelectric converters? How does it depend on the temperature difference? How does the energy flux depend on the radiating areas at the two temperature reservoirs?
 
Temperature difference determines efficiency, but the power available depends on heat flux.

Other issues: Cost of the tecs. Cost of the inverter. Generating the heat. There is a reason nobody does this.
 

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