Analysis of thermoelectric materials for the high temperature direct conversion of nuclear energy

Abstract

High temperature thermoelectric materials show great promise for the direct conversion of nuclear energy to electricity. There are several basic reasons for this promise. An analytical technique is presented which may be used to predict and select high temperature thermoelectric materials, utilizing basic information on chemical compounds in their family groupings. This technique is demonstrated, and proposed materials are analytically evaluated for conversion efficiency and nuclear system compatibility. The predicted range of conversion efficiencies is competitive with or superior to present techniques of nuclear energy conversion. High temperature thermoelectric materials are expected to be superior to conventional thermoelectric materials because of radiation effects annealing as well as higher conversion efficiency.