Goupil, Christophe; Ouerdane, Henni; Zabrocki, Knud; Seifert, Wolfgang; Hinsche, Nicki F.; Müller, Eckhard (2016). "Thermodynamics and thermoelectricity". In Goupil, Christophe (ed.). Continuum Theory and Modeling of Thermoelectric Elements. New York: Wiley-VCH. pp. 2–3. ISBN9783527413379.
As the "figure of merit" approaches infinity, the Peltier–Seebeck effect can drive a heat engine or refrigerator at closer and closer to the Carnot efficiency. Disalvo, F. J. (1999). "Thermoelectric Cooling and Power Generation". Science. 285 (5428): 703–706. doi:10.1126/science.285.5428.703. PMID10426986. Any device that works at the Carnot efficiency is thermodynamically reversible, a consequence of classical thermodynamics.
In 1794, Volta found that if a temperature difference existed between the ends of an iron rod, then it could excite spasms of a frog's leg. His apparatus consisted of two glasses of water. Dipped in each glass was a wire that was connected to one or the other hind leg of a frog. An iron rod was bent into a bow and one end was heated in boiling water. When the ends of the iron bow were dipped into the two glasses, a thermoelectric current passed through the frog's legs and caused them to twitch. See:
As the "figure of merit" approaches infinity, the Peltier–Seebeck effect can drive a heat engine or refrigerator at closer and closer to the Carnot efficiency. Disalvo, F. J. (1999). "Thermoelectric Cooling and Power Generation". Science. 285 (5428): 703–706. doi:10.1126/science.285.5428.703. PMID10426986. Any device that works at the Carnot efficiency is thermodynamically reversible, a consequence of classical thermodynamics.
