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Thermal energy refers to the energy that is caused by heat. Thermal electrical engineers manage the heat that is created by electronics and electrical systems. When working with Thermal Electrical Engineering, engineers will model energy systems and heat-mass transfer in order to learn how to cool systems efficiently.
An Overview of Thermal Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineers work with electronics and electrical systems to design machinery, wiring systems and motors. Dealing with the heat or thermal energy generated by electrical systems is an important aspect of an electrical engineer's job. Although most machines and electrical systems generate heat, the heat may not be needed for a machine to work. Thermal electrical engineers determine how to cool systems and prevent them from overheating.
The Thermoelectric Effect
The thermoelectric effect is a key concept that forms the foundation of Thermal Electrical Engineering. It refers to the conversion of temperature differences into electrical voltage. The thermoelectric effect covers the science underlying cooking, heating, cooling, generating electricity and measuring temperature.
The thermoelectric effect is comprised of three components:
* Seebeck Effect: The Seebeck Effect is a temperature difference between two dissimilar materials or conductors causes a current to flow through the circuit.
* Peltier Effect: The Peltier Effect is the phenomenon that defines the temperature difference that arises when an element from the thermoelectric series has wires connected to it to form a circuit.
* Thompson Effect: The Thompson Effect occurs when a conductor that is unevenly heated causes heat to flow into or out of the material when electrical currents flow between the two points.
Applications of Thermal Electrical Engineering
Thermal electrical engineers must possess practical experience in the development, construction and operation of thermal energy conversion systems and components, typically gained in lab settings and in real-world applications.
They must use their knowledge of various methods, functions and relationships between systems and diverse components of thermal energy conversion technology to formulate solutions for numerous purposes, including heating or cooling of various processes, equipment or encased settings:
* Microprocessors
* Electronic equipment
* Power plants
* Thermal system and imaging equipment
* Thermal Storage systems - hot water tanks and air conditioning systems
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