 Thermoelectric effect

A thermoelectric effect couples heat transfer and the transport of electric charge: a temperature gradient can generate an electromotive force, while an electric current can carry heat and cause heating or cooling at a junction of different materials. This coupling makes electrical measurement of temperature possible through a thermocouple, and permits conversion of a sustained flow of heat into electrical work. A finite open-circuit voltage does not itself deliver power: electrical power requires an electric current through a load. Thermoelectric conversion therefore involves both electromagnetism and thermodynamics. ^[ref].