Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have unveiled significant advancements in energy management through the exploration of nanoscale thermoelectric effects. As detailed in this case study, this offers exciting opportunities to harness these effects to greatly improve energy efficiency across a wide range of devices. Riku Tuovinen, a Senior Lecturer at the university, emphasizes that the ability to convert heat back into useful electricity, while simultaneously managing overheating, could revolutionize energy efficiency.
To calculate these properties more efficiently, the study presented a computational framework based on non-equilibrium Green’s functions. With this framework, high-throughput, accurate atomic-level predictions can be made to optimize thermoelectric materials at the nanoscale. These kinds of predictions are key for leveraging the full power of thermoelectric phenomena in real-world applications.
Out of all these different thermoelectric effects, the Seebeck effect is the most remarkable. It happens when an electric voltage appears between the ends of a conductor held at different temperatures. The Peltier effect is obvious at first glance a really cool phenomenon. In this one, an electric current warms one end while cooling the other. Gaining a nanoscale understanding of these effects presents exciting opportunities to exploit them for smart energy solutions, while maximizing innovation.
Femtosecond time scale thermoelectric fluctuations are at the heart of this cool research. These ultrashort fluctuations inside molecular junctions can have a tremendous impact on energy control. The research indicates that, at least for some specific conditions, thermoelectric conversion efficiency can exceed steady-state values. This introduces novel and tantalizing opportunities for controlling the energy flow inside nanoscale devices.
Artist Riku Tuovinen on buoyancy fluctuations harnessing these could make an energy-efficiency leap. Such an improvement would make the entire ecosystem of devices, roads, and infrastructure smarter. This breakthrough in quantum transport theory elucidates how femtosecond time scale fluctuations can be utilized to control energy flow, thus enhancing the performance of electronic devices.
The potential impacts of these findings go well beyond academic interest. They suggest that integrating advanced nanoscale thermoelectric effects into modern technology could yield significant improvements in how energy is managed and utilized. The products applications span across consumer electronics, to industrial and infrastructure systems in an effort to increase productivity and eliminate waste.