Evolution of Thermoelectric Generators: From Application to Hybridization

Abstract

Considerable thermal energy is emitted into the environment from human activities and equipment operation in the course of daily production. Accordingly, the use of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) can attract wide interest, and it shows high potential in reducing energy waste and increasing energy recovery rates. Notably, TEGs have aroused rising attention and been significantly boosted over the past few years, as the energy crisis has worsened. The reason for their progress is that thermoelectric generators can be easily attached to the surface of a heat source, converting heat energy directly into electricity in a stable and continuous manner. In this review, applications in wearable devices, and everyday life are reviewed according to the type of structure of TEGs. Meanwhile, the latest progress of TEGs’ hybridization with triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG), and photovoltaic effect is introduced. Moreover, prospects and suggestions for subsequent research work are proposed. This review suggests that hybridization of energy harvesting, and flexible high‐temperature thermoelectric generators are the future trends.

The Potential of Electrospinning to Enable the Realization of Energy-Autonomous Wearable Sensing Systems

“…While CNT is traditionally prepared by a floating gas-phase catalysis technique, this method creates high thermal conductivity and is not ideal for TEG devices. An alternate wet spinning technique has been used, but it requires integration with additional insulating polymer as reinforcement, which can reduce TEG performance . To address these challenges, Jin et al utilized an electrostatic spray technique to develop high-performance CNT-based TEG (26.2 nW at T of 33.4 K) .…”

“…An alternate wet spinning technique has been used, but it requires integration with additional insulating polymer as reinforcement, which can reduce TEG performance. 174 To address these challenges, Jin et al utilized an electrostatic spray technique to develop high-performance CNT-based TEG (26.2 nW at T of 33.4 K). 175 He et al utilized a coagulation bath electrospinning method to produce a TEG that is both stretchable and interactive, taking wearable TEG to the next level.…”

The Effect of Ge Doping on α-Ag2S’s Thermoelectric and Mechanical Properties

“…The Peltier and Seebeck effects are utilized by the majority of thermoelectric refrigerators and generators, respectively [1,[12][13][14]. Thermoelectric cooling devices that are commercially available find application in a wide range of fields and sectors, such as aerospace, consumer products, laboratory and scientific devices, industrial temperature regulation, and restaurant equipment, among others [12][13][14][15][16][17][18].…”

Thermoelectric Properties of Ductile Doped Ag2S for Low Power Factor Application

“…Two categories of thermoelectric devices are used: Peltier effect devices for cooling tasks and those that use the Seebeck effect for generating electricity. Thermometric devices are used in a wide range applications, including industrial temperature control, restaurant equipment, space and others [3,[5][6][7][8]. Thermocouples are often used in contact-based temperature measurement applications, process control in industry, and temperature measurement for various objects and environments.…”