Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

The magnesium silicide germanide stannide alloy: A new concept in ocean thermal energy conversion

Conference · · Alternative Energy Sources; (United States)
OSTI ID:6453469

In devices hitherto used for the direct conversion of heat into electricity, commonly known as ''thermoelectric energy converters'', the efficiency of conversion is appreciably lower than that of conventional reciprocating or rotary heat engines. This low efficiency is brought about by the physical properties of the materials selected for the manufacture of these devices. The materials that are currently being used for this purpose are either simple elements and alloys thereof, such as silicon and germanium, or intermetallic compounds, either simple or alloys and solid solutions thereof. Of the latter, mention may be made of bismuth telluride, antimony telluride, lead telluride, antimony silver telluride, lead selenide, bismuth selenide, antimony selenide, etc., as well as mixtures and solid solutions of these and other compounds. A search in respect of these materials carried out in the U.S. Patent literature indicates indeed a quite substantial and impressive record.

Research Organization:
Departamento de Engenharia Mecanica, Faculdade de Tecnologia, Universidade de Brasilia
OSTI ID:
6453469
Report Number(s):
CONF-831205-
Journal Information:
Alternative Energy Sources; (United States), Journal Name: Alternative Energy Sources; (United States); ISSN ALESD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English