Product Details
This complete thermoelectric experiment set comes with a Thermoelectric generator (SS20311), digital multimeter, digital timer, 2 alcohol thermometers, bulb holder w/ 1.5V bulb, D cell series battery holder and connecting wires. Students will gain a better understanding of thermoelectrics by plotting temperature/voltage relationships and exploring thermocouple construction, application and current limitations. This experiment set will allow for a broad range of experimentation, and comes with instructions and sample questions.
Background
Thermoelectric generators are devices that convert heat energy into electricity. This device utilizes a thermocouple sandwiched between 2 aluminum conductors (the aluminum "legs" you see in the product photo). A thermocouple is formed when two electrical conductors composed of dissimilar materials, come in contact with each other. Thermocouples are able to generate voltages through a process called the thermoelectric effect. The underlying principle behind thermocouples, the thermoelectric effect, was discovered by Thomas Johann Seebec. The thermoelectric effect, sometimes called the Seebec effect, occurs when a thermal gradient is applied to a conductor and produces an Electromotive Force generated across the gradient. The magnitude of the Electromotive Force is a function of the temperature differential applied.
Specifications
Dimensions (lxwxh): 2" x 1.5" x 9"
Weight: 3.2 lbs.
Additional Information
Unlike traditional dynamic heat engines, thermoelectric generators contain no moving parts and are completely silent. Such generators have been used reliably for over 30 years of maintenance-free operation in deep space probes such as the Voyager missions of NASA. Compared to large, traditional heat engines, thermoelectric generators have lower efficiency. But for smallapplications, thermoelectrics can become competitive because they are compact, simple (inexpensive) and scaleable. Thermoelectric systems can be easily designed to operate with small heat sources and small temperature differences. Such small generators could be mass produced for use in automotive waste heat recovery or home co-generation of heat and electricity. Thermoelectrics have even been miniaturized to harvest body heat for powering a wristwatch.
