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

Seebeck和Peltier效应是在半导体中发生的特别强烈的热电效应，通过将材料上的温度梯度转换为可用于发电的电流，或使用外部供应的电流在材料中引起热流。对化石燃料和碳排放的日益担忧，导致对能源生产、运输和路线的所有方面进行了详细的审查，以减少消耗。利用废热直接转化为电能或反之亦然的热电(TE)技术已成为一个强有力的竞争者，特别是在自供电传感器、汽车和热机相关应用中。热电功率模块采用多对n型和p型TE材料，电串联和热并联排列，并形成通常小于60 mm×60 mm的陶瓷模块。为了加强英国在这一关键领域的能力，我们建议在TE材料、器件物理和系统方面建立一个网络。该网络将作为活动的协调中心，并将不同学科的工作人员聚集在一起，以确定和解决在实现这项技术提供的潜力方面提出的相当大的研究挑战。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、涵盖热电模块设计和制造供应链所有方面的7个工业合作伙伴，以及大量最终用户。总共将有超过32个单独的组织代表参加。通过广泛的跨学科伙伴关系，我们将采用一种综合的方法来解决：(I)理论--了解控制热电性能的因素以及根据结构和组成预测性能的方法。(Ii)结构调查--在原子水平和微结构水平上--以支持理论研究和支持加工--结构--性能研究。(Iii)材料和器件加工--找出改进材料和器件的方法(Iv)性能测量--测量技术的验证(V)器件和系统性能的模拟和建模(Vi)接口和互连--了解限制性能的问题(Vii)系统电子学--识别适合不同应用的架构；(Viii)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，以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)协助交流学生/工人；(Iv)与国家和国际组织建立联系。一名秘书/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、确定热电路线图和启动新的研究方案提供更多机会。

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.