Abstract

Thermocouple

Thermoelectricity

       Energy is the ability to any body produce  work, action or movement. In the case of Electric Energy is caused by the movement of electrons in a conducting material, this movement occurs when there is a potential difference (ddp). One of the ways of obtaining electric energy conversion and through other forms of energy.

       The thermoelectricity studies the effects of the transformation of Thermal Energy for Electric Energy and vice versa. A thermoelectric device when there is a temperature difference it will generate an electromotive force (or voltage), and when there is a ddp creates a temperature difference. In thermoelectricity we found three effects:

• Seebeck Effect: This effect describes the generation of an electromotive force (mV order) there because of the temperature difference  two metals or  metal alloys contact . Through the thermal conduction this effect is able to transform Thermal Energy for Electric Energy.
•  Peltier Effect: The Peltier effect is the reverse of the Seebeck effect, which consists in producing a temperature gradient in two junctions of conductive (or semiconductor) of different materials when subjected to a potential difference in a closed circuit.
• Thomson Effect: The Effect Thomson was inspired in a theoretical approach to unify the Seebeck and Peltier effects, it describes generally  the ability of a metal subjected to an electric current and a temperature gradient to produce cold or heat.

     This project will addresses the functioning of the thermocouples, based on the Seebeck effect and used as temperature sensors, being of great use in industry.