Barothermoelectric Conversion
Barothermal conversion is the process of converting the thermal energy of a material into electrical energy. This process takes advantage of the fact that different materials have different electrical properties at different temperatures. By placing one such material at a higher temperature, and another material of the same type at a lower temperature, a voltage difference is created that can be harnessed, as long as the two materials are intimately connected in some way.
The phenomenon of barothermal conversion was first discovered in 1834 by the French physicist Jean-Baptiste-Michel Joule, who observed that when two pieces of metal were bridged together by a wire, the junction between them would become heated, regardless of whether the current was flowing in one direction or the other–a phenomenon he called “thermoelectric coefficient”. Joule eventually realized that the phenomenon could be used to generate electricity.
Barothermal conversion is based on the Seebeck effect, which states that when a temperature difference is applied across a conductor, a measureable electric potential will be created. This potential is a result of the different electrochemical properties of the two materials at different temperatures. The higher temperature material will have a higher concentration of charge carriers (electrons), and thus, a greater potential will be generated.
In order to make use of this potential, an interface between the two materials must be created. This interface can take the form of a thermocouple, which is a device that contains two dissimilar metals connected through an insulating material (e.g. of mica). The two dissimilar metals will provide the required temperature difference, thereby creating voltage across the thermocouple. This voltage can then be harnessed to provide useful electricity. Alternatively, the interface can be made of two electrodes, one at a high temperature, and one at a lower temperature, which are then connected together with a metal bridge.
The amount of electricity produced by barothermal conversion depends on the temperature difference, the electrical connection between the two materials, and the type of material used. Generally speaking, barothermal conversion is most efficient when using highly conductive materials, such as metals. It is also often used in conjunction with other techniques, such as solar cells and thermoelectric generators, in order to increase efficiency.
Barothermal conversion has many practical applications, from cooling computer chips to powering air conditioners. It is also used in a variety of consumer electronics, including cell phones and laptop computers. In addition, the technology has recently been used in the growing field of electric vehicles, particularly those powered by renewable sources such as solar and wind.
In conclusion, barothermal conversion is a highly efficient process for converting thermal energy into electricity. By taking advantage of the electrical properties of different materials at different temperatures, barothermal conversion is able to produce useful electricity with minimal effort and cost. The technology is becoming increasingly popular, both as an alternative energy source, and as a means of powering consumer electronics.
