The Seebeck effect is named after the Baltic German physicist Thomas Johann Seebeck.It is the conversion of temperature differences directly into electricity.In 1821,Seebeck discovered that a compass needle would be deflected by a closed loop formed by two different metals joined in two places, with a temperature difference between the junctions. This was because the metals responded to the temperature difference in different ways, creating a current loop and a magnetic field. Seebeck did not recognize there was an electric current involved, so he called the phenomenon the thermomagnetic effect. Danish physicist Hans Christian Ørsted rectified the mistake and coined the term “thermoelectricity”.
How does the “Seebeck Effect” worked on devices?
So Thermoelectric generators are devices which are used Seebeck effect to generate electrical energy.When two dissimilar semiconductors (p-type and n-type) at the same temperature are connected together they establish a static electric potential difference. With the introduction of a temperature difference, heat flows across the joined semiconductors which in turn permits electrons to flow. With the electron flow or current comes the ability to power electrical devices such as heat powered stove fan motors.
You can get more information about the Seebeck Effect theory on stove fan from Viola Technology.
