Thermoelectric (TE) technology is regarded as alternative and environmentally friendly technology for harvesting and recovering heat which is directly converted into electrical energy using thermoelectric generators (TEG). Conversely, Peltier coolers and heaters are utilized to convert electrical energy into heat energy for cooling and heating purposes The main challenge lying behind the TE technology is the low efficiency of these devices mainly due to low figure of merit (ZT) of the materials used in making them as well as improper setting of the TE systems. The objective of this work is to carry out a comprehensive review of TE technology encompassing the materials, applications, modelling techniques and performance improvement. The paper has covered a wide range of topics related to TE technology subject area including the output power conditioning techniques. The review reveals some important critical aspects regarding TE device application and performance improvement. It is observed that the intensified research into TE technology has led to an outstanding increase in ZT, rendering the use TE devices in diversified application a reality. Not only does the TE material research and TE device geometrical adjustment contributed to TE device performance improvement, but also the use of advanced TE mathematical models which have facilitated appropriate segmentation TE modules using different materials and design of integrated TE devices. TE devices are observed to have booming applications in cooling, heating, electric power generation as well as hybrid applications. With the generation of electric energy using TEG, not only does the waste heat provide heat source but also other energy sources like solar, geothermal, biomass, infra-red radiation have gained increased utilization in TE based systems. However, the main challenge remains in striking the balance between the conflicting parameters; ZT and power factor, when designing and optimizing advanced TE materials. Hence more research is necessary to overcome this and other challenge so that the performance TE device can be improved further.

/pdf/a-comprehensive-review-of-thermoelectric-technology-2zghp2rn7k.pdf

A comprehensive review of thermoelectric technology: materials, applications, modelling and performance improvement

Advanced solar energy utilization technology requires high-grade energy to achieve the most efficient application with compact size and least capital investment recovery period Concentrated solar power (CSP) technology has the capability to meet thermal energy and electrical demands Benefits of using CSP technology with parabolic trough collector (PTC) system include promising cost-effective investment, mature technology, and ease of combining with fossil fuels or other renewable energy sources This review first covered the theoretical framework of CSP technology with PTC system Next, the detailed derivation process of the maximum theoretical concentration ratio of the PTC was initially given Multiple types of heat transfer fluids in tube receivers were reviewed to present the capability of application Moreover, recent developments on heat transfer enhancement methods for CSP technology with PTC system were highlighted As the rupture of glass covers was frequently observed during application, methods of thermal deformation restrain for tube receivers were reviewed as well Commercial CSP plants worldwide with PTC system were presented, including those that are in operation, under construction, and announced Finally, possible further developments of CSP plants with PTC system were outlined Besides, suggestions for future research and application guidance were also illustrated

Progress in concentrated solar power technology with parabolic trough collector system: A comprehensive review

Thermoelectric generators are solid state energy harvesters which can convert thermal energy into electrical energy in a reliable and renewable manner. Over the last decade, the human body has been considered as a good source of heat to harvest electrical energy through wearable thermoelectric generators. It may become an alternative power generation technique compared to other conventional ones used for many wearable devices. The wearable thermoelectric generator has potential to generate sufficient energy for any wireless sensor nodes (typically power requirements

A review of the state of the science on wearable thermoelectric power generators (TEGs) and their existing challenges

https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/14401/3/FullText.pdf

Heat pipe based systems - Advances and applications

Silk fabric-based wearable thermoelectric generator for energy harvesting from the human body

This paper presents the progress of thermoelectric power generation systems and their potential to be incorporated in small to medium scale power generation systems with encouraging prospects of grid connection. To begin with this paper demonstrates the urgency and necessity of finding an alternative source of energy to replace the existing inclination of human race towards fossil fuels. Following this the potential of thermoelectric technology to be used with alternate energy sources is demonstrated. Development in the field of thermoelectric materials with high Seebeck coefficients, suitable for power generation modules is discussed in the literature review. New advanced materials and innovative techniques to utilise renewable energy for power generation using thermoelectric generators are described in the main body of this paper. Various active and passive cooling systems with thermoelectric power generation modules to enhance the performance of the system are illustrated in the paper. A brief literature survey is presented at the end about grid connection for thermoelectric generators .These advances in thermoelectric technology, places it in a comfortable position to become a major contributor to renewable and sustainable electricity production in the future, essentially replacing fossil fuels.

Progress of thermoelectric power generation systems: Prospect for small to medium scale power generation

Theoretical and experimental study on heat pipe cooled thermoelectric generators with water heating using concentrated solar thermal energy

Theoretical and experimental estimation of limiting input heat flux for thermoelectric power generators with passive cooling

Miniature loop heat pipes (mLHPs) are coming up with a promising solution for the thermal management of futuristic electronics systems. In order to implement these devices inside compact electronics, their evaporator has to be developed with small thickness while preserving the unique thermal characteristics and physical concept of the loop scheme. This paper specifically addresses the design and testing of a mLHP with a flat evaporator only 5 mm thick for the cooling of high performance microprocessors for electronic devices.

Novel Design of a Miniature Loop Heat Pipe Evaporator for Electronic Cooling

Development in the design and thermal performance of the loop heat pipes (LHPs) demands the corresponding improvement in the theoretical modeling capabilities of these devices. In this paper, mathematical model for assessing the thermal performance of the miniature LHPs (mLHPs) on the basis of the operating temperature and thermal resistance of the loop has been discussed in detail. In order to validate the theoretical model, a mLHP with the flat disk shaped evaporator, 30 mm in diameter and 10 mm thick, was developed and tested with nickel and copper wick structure. By comparison with experimental results, it was found that the theoretical model was able to predict the evaporator temperature and loop thermal resistance very well and within the uncertainties imposed by the underlying assumptions. The mathematical model can be used to validate the design of the mLHP and verify whether the proposed design is consistent with the maximum heat load capacity required for the intended application. In addition to this, the model can assists in understanding and refining the outcomes of the experimental studies.

Chris Dixon

Papers

Progress of thermoelectric power generation systems: Prospect for small to medium scale power generation

Theoretical and experimental study on heat pipe cooled thermoelectric generators with water heating using concentrated solar thermal energy

Theoretical and experimental estimation of limiting input heat flux for thermoelectric power generators with passive cooling

Novel Design of a Miniature Loop Heat Pipe Evaporator for Electronic Cooling

Theoretical modelling of miniature loop heat pipe