THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS AS ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF LOW-POWER

The explosive expansion in microelectronics, with a relentless drive towards smaller and smaller circuits, is accompanied by a requirement for miniature power sources. Thermoelectric generating devices offer a potential for meeting this requirement. In this paper an introduction to the fundamentals of thermoelectric generation is followed by a brief description of the basic components of a thermoelectric generator. The developments in fabrication methods are outlined which have resulted in a progressive reduction in device dimensions from monolithic structures, a few centimetres in extent, to tapes and films and finally integrated thermoelectric circuits of microscopic dimensions. This is followed by a comprehensive review of the applications of miniature thermoelectric generating devices. Finally, some conclusions are drawn regarding future advances in this area of thermoelectric research.