Potencial termodinámico para dispositivos termoeléctricos

Abstract

In this document we discuss the concept of Thermodynamic Potential for Thermoelectric Devices as part of the Theory of Irreversible Processes. Moreover, we show how the analysis based on the thermoelectric potential provides a simple description of the thermodynamics for thermoelectric processes, including terms of heat and entropy production. In terms of this potential we can more clearly analyze the behavior of the relative efficiency and maximum efficiency in a thermoelectric system. To this end, we get the main contributions to the energy and entropy flows using a description of flux-force, using the reduced current flows coupled electrical and thermal. These concepts are considered for optimization of solid-state thermoelectric devices, such as generators and refrigerators, which currently have applications in industry.