Thermoelectric conversion and thermochemical storage

The principles governing the exploitation of thermal energy are addressed in this course. After a presentation of the technological issues and perspectives associated with thermoelectric conversion and thermochemical storage, the focus is 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 H

            TD : 9 H

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

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

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

3) acquisition of knowledge to design and optimize appropriate materials and their integration in practice;

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

Knowledge of thermal phenomena and electronic properties of materials (heat transfer and associated quantities, laws of thermodynamics, densities of states and electronic band structures); solid foundation in 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.

Final exam (100%)

1) Thermoelectric conversion (5,5 CM - 4,5 TD)

The 3 thermoelectric effects: Seebeck, Pelletier, Thomson (macroscopic and microscopic aspects).
Determination of the conversion efficiency (refrigeration, production). Factor of merit.
Overview of the main classes of existing materials and ways to improve them.
Explanation of the different methods of measuring thermoelectric coefficients.

2) Thermochemical storage (5,5 CM - 4,5 TD)

General introduction (4 H CM): main phenomena at the origin of thermal energy storage by sensible heat, latent heat, sorption and thermochemical reaction 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): state of the art of the main existing materials or innovative materials under development (silica gels, zeolites, MOFs, coordination polymers, ionosilicas); analysis of the thermal performances of sorption couples (vapor - solid adsorbent); open and closed storage systems; analysis of the conditions of use of the storage materials according to the complexity of the specifications

Administrative contact(s):

Secretariat Master Chemistry

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