Special Applications of Thermoelectric Generators

A summary of the development of gas-fired thermo-electric power plants is given for the period from 1962 to 1966. Present-day thermoelectric generator equipment is portrayed with a description of good site preparation and installation steps showing the simplicity of operation. The power cost per kilowatt hour is portrayed for present-day equipment and compared with conventional power sources. Actual field installations are described in the major usage areas, including radio repeaters, railroad uses, remote telemetry, remote control, and cathodic protection. Other probable uses are summarized and a projection is given for the power range that thermoelectric generators will occupy in competition with other direct energy conversion devices in the foreseeable future.