What does «termoeléctrico» mean in Spanish?
- Describes a device in which electricity is developed by the action of heat. A thermoelectric device creates a voltage when there is a temperature difference on either side. Electrons move from the hot end of the material to the cold end, creating positive and negative electrodes and thus the electrical voltage (this effect or phenomenon is known as Peltier-Seebeck or thermoelectric phenomenon - see definition below - and is reversible). This phenomenon does not occur in all materials. For example, the filaments of incandescent bulbs produce heat when a voltage difference is applied to them (called Joule effect), in this case it is not a reversible effect.
- Of or relating to thermoelectricity.
Examples of use in Spanish: "propiedades termoeléctricas".
- Thermoelectric effect. Direct conversion of temperature difference to electrical voltage and vice versa. This can be used to generate electricity, measure temperature, cool or heat objects, or cook food. Because the direction of heating or cooling is determined by the sign of the applied voltage, thermoelectric devices produce very convenient temperature controllers.
- Thermoelectric phenomenon (or Peltier-Seebeck effect). Said of any of three phenomena or effects related to each other by the Thomson relations discovered by Lord Kelvin: the Seebeck effect, the Peltier effect, and the Thomson effect. The Peltier-Seebeck and Thomson effects can in principle be thermodynamically reversible.