3 ms·

This is the first of its kind to reach this efficiency, correct? I assume that means there could be room to significantly improve its efficiency or operating r

• Manuel_D 5y ago
  Compared to other TEGs. Not compared to steam turbines. The article is actually being very generous in saying it's "as efficient" as steam turbines. Steam turbines are more efficient with scale, and industrial ones for power generation are over 90% efficient [1]. This new TEG's efficiency is "around 40 percent". Higher than the previous TEGs in the 25-35% range. But not compared to steam engines, that also benefit from much lower operating temperatures. 1. Multistage (moderate to high pressure ratio) steam turbines have thermodynamic efficiencies that vary from 65 percent for very small (under 1,000 kW) units to over 90 percent for large industrial and utility sized units. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-07/documents/catalog_of_chp_technologies_section_4._technology_characterization_-_steam_turbines.pdf https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-07/documents/ca...