Abstract
A continuum theory of thermoelectric bodies and proposed large-scale application in energy conversion
Liping Liu
Rutgers University
We develop a continuum theory for thermoelectric bodies following the framework of continuum
mechanics and conforming to general principles of thermodynamics. For steady states, the governing
equations for local fields are intrinsically nonlinear. However, under conditions of small
variations of electrochemical potential, temperature and their gradients, the governing equations
may be reduced to a linear elliptic system, which can be conveniently solved to determine behaviors
of thermoelectric bodies. The linear theory is further applied to predict effective properties of thermoelectric
composites. In particular, explicit formula of e ffective properties are obtained for simple
microstructures of laminates and periodic E-inclusions, which implies useful design principles for
engineering thermoelectric composites. We also discuss feasibility of large scale power generation
by thermoelectric materials.
mechanics and conforming to general principles of thermodynamics. For steady states, the governing
equations for local fields are intrinsically nonlinear. However, under conditions of small
variations of electrochemical potential, temperature and their gradients, the governing equations
may be reduced to a linear elliptic system, which can be conveniently solved to determine behaviors
of thermoelectric bodies. The linear theory is further applied to predict effective properties of thermoelectric
composites. In particular, explicit formula of e ffective properties are obtained for simple
microstructures of laminates and periodic E-inclusions, which implies useful design principles for
engineering thermoelectric composites. We also discuss feasibility of large scale power generation
by thermoelectric materials.