- #1
Lasha
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Is it real? how does it work?
Transforming heat to electricity with semiconductors?
- Context: Undergrad
- Thread starter Lasha
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the concept of transforming heat into electricity using semiconductors, exploring the mechanisms involved, terminology, and the necessity of heat differences in the process. It touches on theoretical and practical aspects of thermoelectric generators and the role of semiconductors.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants assert that a heat difference is essential for generating electricity from heat, with thermoelectric generators being a direct method that does not necessarily require semiconductors.
- Others point out that recent devices utilize semiconductor p–n junctions made from materials like bismuth telluride and lead telluride, suggesting that while semiconductors can be used, they are not mandatory.
- There is a discussion about the terminology surrounding "heat" and "heat difference," with some participants emphasizing the precise definitions used in English-language textbooks and noting that terminology can vary in different languages.
- Questions are raised regarding the mechanisms that cause electrons to move in one direction when heat is applied, indicating a need for further exploration of the underlying physics.
- Some participants express varying levels of familiarity with thermodynamics and quantum mechanics, suggesting a range of expertise within the discussion.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the necessity of semiconductors in thermoelectric generators, and there is no consensus on the terminology related to heat. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the mechanisms driving electron movement in this context.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about terminology and the physics involved, as well as the varying levels of understanding among participants.
- #2
mfb
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You always need a heat difference - a warm area and a cold area. Photovoltaic cells do that in an indirect way (via light from the hot sun). Thermoelectric generators are a direct way to generate electricity from heat differences, but they don't need semiconductors.
- #3
jtbell
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mfb said:
According to precise usage in English-language textbooks, "heat" = "energy transferred because of a difference in temperature between two objects." Therefore in the OP's statement, "heat" is appropriate. "Heat difference" doesn't make sense here.
(However, even many physicists get sloppy with this terminology sometimes.
)- #4
Lasha
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"More recent devices use semiconductor p–n junctions made from bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3), lead telluride (PbTe)"
Wait you said that they don't need semi-conductors right?Then what's this?
Wait you said that they don't need semi-conductors right?Then what's this?
- #5
mfb
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You can use them, you do not have to. That is an important difference.Lasha said:
@jtbell: Oh, sorry. In German, you can describe both with "Wärme", I didn't know that heat is energy transfer only in English.
- #6
Lasha
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But what makes the electrons move from one side to another? I get that electrons get more active but what makes them move in one direction?
- #7
mfb
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How much do you know about quantum mechanics and thermodynamics? Overview at Wikipedia
- #8
russ_watters
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And we engineers ignore the difference completely, seeing it as trivial.jtbell said:According to precise usage in English-language textbooks, "heat" = "energy transferred because of a difference in temperature between two objects." Therefore in the OP's statement, "heat" is appropriate. "Heat difference" doesn't make sense here.
(However, even many physicists get sloppy with this terminology sometimes.
- #9
Lasha
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Well, I know the very basics of thermodynamics and I can understand how wave functions work.
- #10
ModusPwnd
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mfb said:
Not in colloquial English, but in physics as jargon it has that specific meaning.
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