Department of Environmental Science, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni (Solan) 173 230, India
The factor that has slowed the emergence of thermoelectric generators as a viable alternative for the production of electricity is the relatively low energy conversion efficiency, which is only about 5% to 7% whereas photovoltaic (solar panels) are now in excess of 20%. Unfortunately this low efficiency rating also had a negative impact on further research and development of thermoelectric generators. However, comparing TEGs to PV panels by the watt rating is a grossly inaccurate comparison and makes it appear that TEGs are simply too expensive of an option. In this review article the development and drawbacks of thermocouple at each stage has revealed that greenhouse gases produced by solar radiation can be used as heat source in a thermocouple.
Thermocouple, greenhouse gases, solar radiation
