Abstract
A simple analytic expression for the efficiency of a thermoelectric power generator with temperature varying parameters is obtained in terms of temperature averages of these parameters. The expression is derived assuming that the Thomson effect may be treated as a small perturbation on the heat flow in the generator. The assumption is also made that half the Thomson heat generated (absorbed) in the generator flows to (from) the hot junction and the other half flows to (from) the cold junction. Using this method, the performances of three hypothetical generators are calculated and found to be in excellent agreement with exact machine calculations.

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