An introduction to the DARPA program in advanced thermoelectric materials and devices

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) initiated its program in advanced thermoelectric materials and devices in 1995 in response to a belief that these materials could play a significant role in the development of new and enhanced military capabilities. The current and future use of these all-solid-state devices for both cooling and power generation is driven by their inherent advantages: high reliability with no maintenance, silent operation with no moving parts or vibrations, and environmental compatibility (no compressed gases or chemicals).