The difference of temperature in a material can convert heat energy into electrical energy. To harvest the heat energy, the material should have
- low thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity
- low thermal conductivity and low electrical conductivity
- high thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity
- high thermal conductivity and low electrical conductivity
Answer
(1) low thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity
Solution
Seebeck effect: emf temperature difference across the material
Low thermal conductivity ⇒ the temperature difference is maintained
High electrical conductivity ⇒ low resistance, little Joule loss
Figure of merit ZT= S2 T is large for large , small
Answer: (1)