thermoelectric
Meaning: Relating to the direct conversion of temperature differences into electrical voltage, or vice versa, through effects such as the Seebeck and Peltier effects.
Thermoelectric devices have two main applications: generating electricity from heat differentials (Seebeck effect) and cooling or heating using electric current (Peltier effect). Thermoelectric generators power spacecraft using radioactive heat sources, while Peltier coolers are found in portable fridges, CPU coolers, and laboratory equipment. In energy research, thermoelectric materials that can efficiently recover waste heat are a significant area of investigation. The term appears in engineering, materials science, and energy policy discussions.
Examples
- Thermoelectric generators on the Mars rover convert heat from radioactive plutonium into the electricity needed to power its instruments. 火星探测车上的热电发电机将放射性钚产生的热量转化为仪器运行所需的电力。Los generadores termoeléctricos del vehículo explorador de Marte convierten el calor del plutonio radiactivo en la electricidad necesaria para alimentar sus instrumentos.火星探査車の熱電発電機は、放射性プルトニウムの熱を計器の稼働に必要な電力に変換する。화성 탐사 로버의 열전 발전기는 방사성 플루토늄의 열을 장비 작동에 필요한 전력으로 변환한다.
- The company has developed thermoelectric modules capable of recovering waste heat from industrial exhaust systems. 该公司开发了能够从工业排气系统中回收废热的热电模块。La empresa ha desarrollado módulos termoeléctricos capaces de recuperar el calor residual de sistemas de escape industriales.その企業は、工業排気システムからの廃熱を回収できる熱電モジュールを開発した。그 기업은 산업 배기 시스템에서 폐열을 회수할 수 있는 열전 모듈을 개발했다.
- Peltier-based thermoelectric coolers are increasingly used in medical devices where precise temperature control is essential. 基于珀尔帖效应的热电冷却器越来越多地应用于需要精确温控的医疗设备中。Los enfriadores termoeléctricos basados en el efecto Peltier se emplean cada vez más en dispositivos médicos donde el control preciso de la temperatura resulta esencial.ペルチェ式の熱電冷却器は、精密な温度管理が不可欠な医療機器にますます多く使用されている。펠티에 방식의 열전 냉각기는 정밀한 온도 제어가 필수적인 의료 기기에 점점 더 많이 사용되고 있다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: scientific, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
A compound of Greek therme (heat) + electric (from Greek elektron, amber). Coined in the early 19th century following Thomas Seebeck's discovery in 1821 that a temperature difference between two metals produces a voltage.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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