Solid-liquid thermoelectric systems with uncorrelated properties
This project aims at reaching unprecedented improvements in the heat-to-electricity energy conversion efficiency employing thermoelectric materials. One of the main problems of the thermoelectric technology is the adverse correlation that exists between the properties that determine how good a thermoelectric material is. These properties are the Seebeck coefficient (S), the electrical conductivity (σ), and the thermal conductivity (λ). A good thermoelectric material needs high S and σ, but low λ. Typically, when S is increased σ decreases, and is quite difficult to break this correlation between these two properties. UncorrelaTEd will achieve this introducing a new concept in thermoelectricity, which is based on the combination of a thermoelectric solid material with a tactically designed electrolyte (liquid with ions).
UncorrelaTEd concept will potentially lead to an extraordinarily powerful technology with unprecedented efficiencies in the heat-to-electricity energy conversion. UncorrelaTEd outcomes will enable the thermoelectric technology to be implemented in many areas, such as self-powered sensors for the internet of things, empowering the elimination of batteries, textiles, factories, and power plants.
Specific program: Future and Emerging Technologies (FET).
Call identifier: H2020-FETOPEN-2018-2019-2020-01
Grant Agreement number: 863222 – UncorrelaTEd