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An estimate of the intrinsic thermodynamic efficiency of heat to electrical energy conversion of a specific ferroelectric material, Pb0.99Nb0.02(Zr0.68,Sn0.25Ti0.07)0.98O3, is made. Measurements of pyroelectric effect, electrocaloric effect and polarization versus electric field are combined to yield an efficiency estimate which is greater than 80% of the Carnot value for a cycle which employes heat regeneration. For an ideal multiple-stage heat engine a system efficiency of 30% would result. Practical limitations are also discussed.
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Olsen et al. (1982) studied this question.
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