Pyroelectric conversion cycles

Abstract
The effect of the type of power cycle upon the amount of output electrical work for a pyroelectric converter has been measured. Output electrical energy densities are reported for ceramic lead zirconate modified with Sn4 + and Ti4 + in the execution of a variety of thermal‐electrical cycles. The effect upon the energy density due to changes in the voltage cycle limits and changes in the load resistance were also studied. A conversion cycle which is an electric analog of the Ericsson cycle is shown to yield the largest output energy density (100 mJ/cm3 for a 12.6 K temperature excursion and a 28‐kV/cm electric field excursion).