What Are the Best Methods for Harvesting Thermal Energy and Their Efficiency?

[physior]

hello

is there a good article or reference to outline the available methods to harvest ambient or solid thermal energy and their efficiency and limitations?

thanks!

 

[Quantum Defect]

hello

is there a good article or reference to outline the available methods to harvest ambient or solid thermal energy and their efficiency and limitations?

thanks!

Look up "thermoelectric materials".

Also look at what you can find on the DOE website. I recall DOE being interested in projects with molten salts as thermal storage materials.

 

[physior]

what's the DOE website?

 

[Quantum Defect]

what's the DOE website?

doe.gov -- Department of Energy (Department of Energy)

 

[anorlunda]

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Search&search=Energy+harvesting

 

[Khashishi]

A well known limitation is the Carnot efficiency. You can't beat that with a cycle powered by temperature differences.