Theory of Galvano-Thermomagnetic Energy Conversion Devices. V. Devices Constructed from Anisotropic Materials

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Abstract
Operating characteristics of galvano-thermomagnetic generators and refrigerators for any anisotropic material are summarized in tabular form for both the longitudinal (thermoelectric) and transverse (Nernst) devices and for isothermal and adiabatic operating conditions. In the most general case, device performance is governed not only by the figure of merit, but also by an anisotropy factor. This factor involves off-diagonal elements of the Nernst and Seebeck tensors for Nernst devices and diagonal elements of the Nernst and Seebeck tensors for thermoelectric devices. It is believed that the ``Umkehr'' effect (such as observed in Bi) is due to a nonvanishing diagonal component of the Nernst tensor.