Compare this to a Phonovoltaic cell, which is similar to a photovoltaic cell, but instead of converting the energy of a photon into electricity, it converts the energy of phonons - packets of heat vibrations in solids [1].
Unfortunately, no one has as yet found a material with the right combination of thermodynamic properties to realize such devices. Otherwise, you could stick these to any source of high temperature heat and get electricity out.
Unfortunately, no one has as yet found a material with the right combination of thermodynamic properties to realize such devices. Otherwise, you could stick these to any source of high temperature heat and get electricity out.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phonovoltaic