Thermoelectrics Network -TEMPEST (ThermoElectric Materials, Physics, Electronics & SysTems)

塞贝克和珀耳帖效应是热电效应，其在半导体中特别强烈地发生，由此材料上的温度梯度被转换成可以用于发电的电流，或者使用外部供应的电流来引起材料中的热流。对化石燃料和碳排放的日益关注导致对能源生产、运输和路线的各个方面进行详细审查，以减少消费。热电（TE）技术，利用废热直接转换为电能或反之亦然，已成为一个严重的竞争者，特别是自供电传感器，汽车和热力发动机相关的应用。热电功率模块采用多对n型和p型TE材料，这些材料在电学上串联布置并且在热学上并联布置，并且形成为通常小于60 mm X 60 mm的陶瓷模块。为了提高英国在这一关键领域的能力，我们建议建立一个TE材料、器件物理和系统网络。该网络将作为活动的焦点，并将不同学科的工作者聚集在一起，以确定和解决在实现这项技术所提供的潜力方面所面临的巨大研究挑战。该网络的初始成员将包括13所大学（代表物理，化学，材料和工程学科），国家物理实验室，7个工业合作伙伴，涵盖热电模块设计和制造供应链的各个方面，以及大量的最终用户。总共有32个组织将派代表参加。通过广泛的跨学科合作伙伴关系，我们将采用综合方法解决：（i）理论-了解控制热电性能的因素以及基于结构和成分预测性能的方法。(ii)结构研究-在原子水平和微观结构水平上，以支持理论研究和支持加工-结构-性能研究。(iii)材料和器件处理-确定改进材料和器件的方法（四）性能测量-验证测量技术（五）器件和系统性能的模拟和建模（六）接口和互连-了解限制性能的问题（七）系统电子学-确定适合不同应用的结构;应用和市场-确定需求和所需的设备/系统。将设立一个管理委员会，协调该网络的活动，并监测科学和技术方案。管理委员会将：（i）每年至少组织两次会议和一次年度讲习班;（ii）帮助确定合作方案的主题;（iii）协助学生/工人的交流;（iv）与国家和国际组织建立联系。秘书/管理员将支持网络的日常运作，并负责通过网页和通讯进行沟通。该网络将为联合项目，实验室间测量比较，热电路线图的定义以及新研究计划的启动提供更多的机会。

The Seebeck and Peltier effects are thermoelectric effects which occur particularly strongly in semiconductors whereby a temperature gradient across a material is converted to a current which can be exploited for power generation, or the use of an externally supplied electrical current to cause a flow of heat in the material. The growing concern over fossil fuels and carbon emissions has led to detailed reviews of all aspects of energy generation, transportation and routes to reduce consumption. Thermoelectric (TE) technology, utilising the direct conversion of waste heat into electric power or vice versa has emerged as a serious contender, particularly for self-powered sensors, automotive and heat engine related applications. Thermoelectric power modules employ multiple pairs of n-type and p-type TE materials arranged electrically in series and thermally in parallel and formed into ceramic modules of usually less than 60mm x 60mm. In an effort to enhance the UK's capability in this key area, we propose to establish a network in TE materials, device physics and systems. The network will serve as a focal point for activity and bring together workers in different disciplines to define and address the considerable research challenges presented in realising the potential offered by this technology. The initial membership of the Network will include 13 universities (representing Physics, Chemistry, Materials and Engineering disciplines), The National Physical Laboratory, 7 industrial partners covering all aspects of the Thermoelectric module design and manufacture supply chain, plus a large number of end users. In total over 32 individual organisations will be represented. With a broad based interdisciplinary partnership we will adopt an integrated approach addressing:(i) Theory - to understand the factors controlling thermoelectric properties and ways to predict properties on the basis of structure and composition.(ii) Investigations of structure - at both atomic levels and microstructure levels to underpin theoretical studies and support processing-structure-properties studies.(iii) Materials and device processing - to identify ways of improving materials and devices(iv) Property Measurements - validation of measurement techniques(v) Simulation and modelling of device and system performance(vi) Interfaces and interconnects - understanding the problems limiting performance(vii) Systems electronics- identification of architectures appropriate to different applications; (viii) Applications and Markets - identifying needs and the devices/systems required. A management committee will be established to co-ordinate the activities of the Network and to monitor the scientific and technical programmes. The management committee will: (i) organise at least two meetings per year and an annual workshop; (ii) help with defining themes for collaborative programmes; (iii) assist with the exchange of students/workers; (iv) establish links with national and international organisations. A secretary/administrator will support day to day running of the Network, and be responsible for communication via a web page and newsletters. The Network will provide increased opportunities for joint projects, inter-laboratory measurement comparisons, the definition of a Roadmap for Thermoelectrics, and the initiation of novel research programmes.