Pyroelectric energy conversion: Hysteresis loss and temperature sensitivity of a ferroelectric material

Abstract

Measurements of polarization versus applied electric field have been made on specimens of lead zirconate modified with Sn4+ and Ti4+ as a function of temperature. These data were analyzed to estimate the amount of hysteretic loss which may be encountered in heat-to-electrical conversion using this ferroelectric. The hysteretic loss is determined to be small (8% to 16% of the total electrical energy). Also analyzed was the sensitivity of the electrical energy output to the operating temperature. Eighty percent of the maximum energy production is estimated to be available over a 16 °C range of conversion cycle mean temperatures (for cycles with 25 °C temperature excursions).