A fusion study of thermoelectric conversion in magnetic fields

We studied thermoelectric conversion and its application in a fusion reactor. We propose three new elements: first, a Nernst element; second, high-temperature thermoelectric materials; and third, a Peltier current lead. As these require new semiconductors, we conducted experimental and theoretical studies of semiconductor transport properties. Initially, we measured electrical resistivity, Hall coefficient, thermoelectric power, and Nernst coefficient of InSb. The Nernst coefficient is proportional to the mobility of the carrier, and InSb is a highly mobile semiconductor. The Nernst coefficient also depends on temperature, so a circular current is induced requiring Ohmic voltage considerations when estimating this coefficient. There is a microscopic effect, as electrical resistivity increases with the magnitude of the magnetic field, and a macroscopic effect, as a Hall voltage is induced, which creates a non-uniform current distribution.