Recent Advances in Thermoelectric Power Generation Technology

Abstract

Thermoelectric power generation (TEG) technology with high figure of merit (ZT) has become the need of the modern world. TEG is a potent technology which can tackle most of the environmental issues such as global warming, change in climatic conditions over the globe, and for burning out of various resources of non-renewable energy like as petroleum deposits and gasolines. Although thermoelectric materials generally convert the heat energy from wastes to electricity according to the theories Seebeck and Peltier effects yet they have not been fully exploited to realize their potential. Researchers are focusing mainly on how to improve the current ZT value from 1 to 2 or even 3 by various approaches. However, a higher ZT value is found to be difficult due to complex thermoelectric properties of materials. Hence, there is a need for developing materials with high figure of merit. Recently, various nanotechnological approaches have been incorporated to improve the thermoelectric properties of materials. In this review paper, the authors have performed a thorough literature survey of various kinds of TEG technology.

Realizing High Thermoelectric Performance of Bi-Sb-Te-Based Printed Films through Grain Interface Modification by an In Situ-Grown β-Cu2-δSe Phase

“…However, several roadblocks hold researchers back from reaching the goal . So far, the vast majority of work on thermoelectrics has been involved in designing bulk TE materials and improving their figure-of-merit ( ZT = S 2 σT / κ , where S, σ, and κ are the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity), − but lesser effort has been put forward to develop cost-effective TE devices. Even though a large number of high-performance TE materials with ZT > 1 have been developed already, it is still a challenge to produce low-cost and high-output power-density TE devices using bulk materials because of a complex manufacturing process .…”

Advancements in Thermoelectric Generator Design: Exploring Heat Exchanger Efficiency and Material Properties

“…Developing high figure-of-merit materials and their interfaces with metallic interconnects has been critical in TEG development [27]. Recent advances in TEG technology, including incorporating nanotechnological approaches, have been highlighted [28].…”

A Study Exploring Opportunities to Utilize Wind Charge in Bangladesh

“…Tidal [5], sea wave [6], and solar cell [7] sources are expensive compared to other conventional power sources. The thermoelectric [8,9] process does not produce a huge amount of electric power. The harvesting of space and cloud charge can be an energy source, which is environmentally friendly since it is pollution-free.…”