ABSTRACT
New thermopower, wave-based energy sources are particularly attractive as they are capable of generating higher specific power (power-to-mass ratio) compared to conventional sources such as batteries and fuel cells, especially at smaller dimensions. This chapter provides an overview of the thermopower wave technology. Thermopower wave systems appear to be an attractive technology for micro-and nanoscale energy generation systems, as their efficiency and the energy discharge rates increase with a reduction in dimensions. Choi et al. first demonstrated the phenomenon of thermopower waves using Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNTs) as a core thermoelectric material. Such a directional thermal wave evolves a corresponding thermopower wave in the same direction, resulting in a high specific power electrical pulse with a constant polarity. Thermopower wave generation is demonstrated in the thin film geometry by coupling exothermic chemical reaction of nitrocellulose to Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3 films supported by a highly thermally conductive alumina (Al2O3) substrate in comparison to a much less thermally conductive terracotta substrate.
