Thermoelectric conversion and thermochemical storage

This course covers the principles governing the exploitation of thermal energy. After a presentation of the technological challenges and prospects associated with thermoelectric conversion and thermochemical storage, particular emphasis is placed 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 aim is to provide a solid skills base 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) acquiring the knowledge needed to design and optimize suitable materials and integrate them into practical applications;

4) a better understanding of the specific conditions under which each type of process is used and the main parameters affecting its efficiency.

Knowledge of thermal phenomena and electronic properties of materials (heat transfer and associated quantities, thermodynamic laws, densities of states and electronic band structures); solid foundations 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 and 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 conversion efficiency (refrigeration, production). Factor of merit.
Overview of the main classes of existing materials and ways of improving 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 behind thermal energy storage using sensible, latent, sorption and thermochemical reaction heat and the limitations of existing technologies; parameters affecting thermochemical storage efficiency; 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 under development (silica gels, zeolites, MOFs, coordination polymers, ionosilicas); 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) :

Secretariat Master Chemistry

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