Thermoelectric Conversion and Thermochemical Storage

This course covers the principles governing thermal energy conversion technologies. Following an overview of the technological challenges and prospects associated with thermoelectric conversion and thermochemical storage, the course focuses in particular on the design and development of functional materials for the direct conversion of thermal energy into electricity and for thermal energy storage via sorption.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 11:00 a.m .

            TD: 9:00 a.m.

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

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

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

3) acquiring the knowledge needed to design and optimize appropriate materials and integrate them into practice;

4) a better understanding of the specific conditions for implementing each type of process and the key parameters that affect 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); a solid foundation in the synthesis and characterization of organic, inorganic, and hybrid materials

Knowledge of sorption phenomena in porous materials; proficiency in surface characterization techniques.
Knowledge of crystallography, thermodynamics, and characterization methods.

Final Inspection (100%)

1) Thermoelectric conversion (5.5 CM - 4.5 TD)

The 3 thermoelectric effects: Seebeck, Pelletier, Thomson (macroscopic and microscopic aspects).
Determination of conversion efficiency (refrigeration, power generation). Merit factor.
Overview of the main classes of existing materials and avenues for improvement.
Explanation of the various methods for measuring thermoelectric coefficients.

2) Thermochemical Storage (5.5 CM - 4.5 TD)

General Introduction(4 lecture hours): key phenomena underlying thermal energy storage through sensible heat, latent heat, sorption, and thermochemical reactions, as well as the limitations of existing technologies; parameters affecting the efficiency of thermochemical storage; practical applications of storage systems (inter-seasonal and daily storage)

Storage materials (1.5 CM and 4.5 TD): an overview of the main existing materials and 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 operating conditions for storage materials based on the complexity of the specifications.

Administrative contact(s):

Master's in Chemistry Office

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