Thermoelectric conversion and thermochemical storage

The principles governing thermal energy exploitation sectors are addressed in this EU. After presenting the technological challenges and prospects associated with thermoelectric conversion and thermochemical storage, the focus is placed in particular on the design and development of functional materials for the direct conversion of thermal energy into electricity and for the storage of thermal energy by sorption.

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 11 a.m .

            Tutorial: 9 hours

The objective is to provide a solid foundation of skills for:

1) understanding the principles governing thermoelectric conversion and thermochemical storage;

2) knowledge of thermoelectric and thermochemical storage devices currently in use and under development;

3) acquisition of knowledge enabling the design and optimization of suitable materials and their integration into practice;

4) a better understanding of the specific conditions for implementing each type of process and the main parameters affecting its effectiveness.

Knowledge of thermal phenomena and the electronic properties of materials (heat transfer and related quantities, laws of thermodynamics, density of states, and electronic band structures); solid foundations in the synthesis and characterization of organic, inorganic, and hybrid materials.

Knowledge of sorption phenomena in porous materials, mastery of surface characterization techniques.
Knowledge of crystallography, thermodynamics, characterization methods.

Terminal inspection (100%)

1) Thermoelectric conversion (5.5 CM - 4.5 TD)

The three thermoelectric effects: Seebeck, Pelletier, Thomson (macroscopic and microscopic aspects).
Determining conversion efficiency (cooling, production). Figure of merit.
Overview of the main classes of existing materials and avenues for improvement.
Explanation of the different methods for measuring thermoelectric coefficients.

2) Thermochemical Storage (5.5 CM - 4.5 TD)

General introduction(4 H CM): main phenomena underlying thermal energy storage through sensible heat, latent heat, sorption, and thermochemical reactions, and the limitations of existing technologies; parameters affecting the efficiency of thermochemical storage; application aspects of storage systems (inter-seasonal and daily storage).

Storage materials (1.5 CM and 4.5 TD): overview of the main existing materials or innovative materials currently under development (silica gels, zeolites, MOFs, coordination polymers, ionosilicates); analysis of the thermal performance of sorption pairs (vapor – solid adsorbent); open and closed storage systems; analysis of the conditions of use of storage materials according to the complexity of the specifications.

Administrative contact(s):

Master's Program in Chemistry Secretariat

https://master-chimie.edu.umontpellier.fr/