thermoelectric efficiency
Thermoelectric efficiency refers to how effectively a material converts heat energy into electrical energy. This efficiency is measured by a dimensionless figure of merit, known as ZT, which takes into account the material's electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient. A higher ZT value indicates better performance in converting temperature differences into electrical power.
Improving thermoelectric efficiency is crucial for applications like power generation from waste heat and cooling systems. Researchers aim to develop new materials and optimize existing ones to achieve higher ZT values, making thermoelectric devices more viable for sustainable energy solutions.