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Warwick Manufacturing Group

Thermoelectric Generator

Thermoelectric Generator - Dr Antonia Betzou

Meet the Academic

What inspired you to become a scientist?

“My biggest inspiration was my mother. I admire her encouragement and passion. So, I decided to become a Scientist just like her.”

To learn more about Antonia and her story:

Download the transcriptLink opens in a new window.

Bringing Science to Life

How do thermoelectric generators work?

Thermoelectric generators (TEG) are semiconductors that can convert temperature difference and heat flow to electricity. TEG ability to generate electricity is because of Seebeck effect. Seebeck effect is an energy conversion from heat to a voltage potential due to the movement of charge carriers within the semiconductors. The semiconductors include two types, p-type and n-type. Charge carries diffuse away from the hot side of the semiconductor. Therefore, we need a heat source to keep the one side hot and the opposite side needs to remain cold. The more temperature difference the more charge carriers moving away from the hot side and the more voltage potential generated.

Investigating Insulators and Conductors

Materials Required:

  • Ice cubes
  • Different materials e.g. metal, plastic, wood, foam
  • Paper towels (to clean up any spillages)

Step by Step Instructions:

1. Place your materials side by side. Make sure to get a variety of different materials to see the difference.

5 rectangular materials placed on a table: felt, cardboard, plastic, metal and wood

2. At the same time, place the ice cube on top of the material.

5 rectangular materials placed on a table: felt, cardboard, plastic, metal and wood. There is an ice cube on each.

3. Observe which ice cube will melt the quickest. You can even measure how long it takes using a stopwatch.

5 rectangular materials placed on a table: felt, cardboard, plastic, metal and wood. There is water seen on each from a melted ice cube

4. Consider what type of materials (insulators or conductors) will cause the ice cube to melt quicker

We tested five materials: wood, felt, plastic, cardboard and metal. Which one do you think will melt first and why? Can you identify the insulators and conductors?

To explore this concept further:

  • Repeat this experiment for a different set of materials
  • Repeat this experiment in different conditions such as outside
  • Try to combine materials and see what effect this has on the rate of melting of ice cubes

Bringing Science to Life resources was created by interns: Laura Lotkowska and Seorin Park.



Dr Antonia leading on a table with her hands pressed up on the thermoelectric generator and the light bulb attached to this is on.

Resources to download:

Teacher Resource Pack

Do it at home instructions