Meaning
Measure of the magnitude of an induced thermoelectric voltage in response to a temperature difference across a material. Calculating the seebeck coefficient determines how effectively a substance can convert thermal gradients into electrical energy or act as a temperature sensor. This property is expressed in microvolts per kelvin.
It varies based on the electronic structure and carrier concentration of the material.
Thermoelectric Conversion
Efficiency of heat recovery systems depends heavily on the magnitude of the thermal gradient. When the seebeck coefficient is high, a small temperature difference generates a usable voltage. This effect is used in radioisotope thermoelectric generators and small scale energy harvesting devices.
Material Selection
Semiconductors typically exhibit much larger properties than common industrial metals. Engineers choose materials where the seebeck coefficient remains stable over the intended operating temperature range. N type and p type materials are often paired to create a thermocouple with a high net voltage output.
The choice of dopants can tune the response to specific thermal windows.
Measurement Precision
Accurate determination of the thermal properties requires precise control of the temperature gradient across the sample. Stray thermal paths or electrical contact resistance can introduce errors during the measurement of the seebeck coefficient. Specialized equipment maintains a vacuum or inert atmosphere to prevent oxidation of the sample during heating.
The resulting data allows for the design of more sensitive thermal sensors and efficient solid state cooling devices.