6. Conclusion

Far from being a separate topic from the rest of thermodynamics and the science of thermal machines, thermoelectricity and its mechanisms possess deep analogies with common thermodynamic fluids and the uses to which they are put. Whether we're talking about describing the electron gas or the optimum conditions under which it can be used, the similarities with the perfect gas are relevant and make it possible to envisage the development of thermoelectric applications in the light of the numerous works that have marked the history of thermal machines. As a prototype system for converting heat into work, thermoelectric generators offer a reformulation of the conditions for optimizing the operation of machines coupled by exchangers, in line with the work initiated by Chambadal, Novikov, Curzon and Ahlborn.