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"Efficiency is a red herring, and many devices (thermoelectric generators in particular) become more useful the less efficient they get." I don't understand th
by warent 8y ago
"Efficiency is a red herring, and many devices (thermoelectric generators in particular) become more useful the less efficient they get."
I don't understand this part. How does a thermoelectric generator become more useful with less efficiency?
- badosu 8y agoAs I understand they mean that a thermoelectric generator is much more useful in small scales of size and weight, where it can't operate very efficiently. It's primary application being for spacecraft since it can have a decent power output for a very long time, which is what's typically required from a long standing mission.
- mchannon 8y agoWhen getting down to the nuts and bolts of a Seebeck (thermoelectric) junction, the efficiency is highest when the heat flow is minimized and the temperature difference is minimized. You get no power when those things are minimized, and in fact you want them both as high as possible.