Thermoelectrics for High Temperatures - A Survey of State of the Art

A survey of state of the art of the development of high temperature materials is presented and will be discussed in comparison to the situation in the 1990(th). An attempt will be made to assess the state of the art of the materials thermoelectric properties, their technical level, and possible potential for standardized device technology. Also a first assessment based on current commodity prices for some important thermoelectric compounds will be made. As a roundup advantages and drawbacks for some classical and upcoming compounds will be given. The main challenges, which will have to be overcome to finally enable thermoelectric power generation as a recycling technology of nomadic energy, will be summarized. As a result, thermoelectrics should play an important role in the field of green energies.