Integrating radiative cooling and thermoelectric: A comprehensive review

S. Ali Akbar Mousavi, Hamidreza Aghakhani, Behzad Baghapour and Song Lv

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2025, vol. 222, issue C

Abstract: Thermoelectric systems generate power from temperature differences or provide cooling by applying an electric current. Radiative cooling passively dissipates heat into space, enabling cooling without energy input, even under sunlight. Combining radiative cooling with thermoelectric systems can then provide sustainable, silent, and efficient energy conversion technology, which is emerging as a promising approach in the area of renewable energy. This paper presents the first comprehensive review of studies integrating thermoelectric systems with radiative cooling technologies, examining various implementations in a sequence that depicts radiative cooling technological evolution: it begins with power generation during nighttime, advances to daytime systems utilizing solar concentration, and progresses to all-day generation setups, followed by photovoltaic-integrated systems, wearable applications, and concludes with configurations focused on cooling applications. Material compositions for radiative cooling/thermoelectric are evaluated, followed by an assessment of thermal management approaches. Performance and structural design complexity analyses of system configurations are conducted, followed by an evaluation of environmental and geometrical parameters. An economic evaluation identifies challenges requiring further research. Based on a comprehensive analysis of existing technologies, the paper then presents an enhanced system design for generation. This review further identifies critical areas requiring investigation, such as more advanced thermoelectric materials, heat loss reduction strategies, novel applications such as desalination, together with the utilization of machine learning and the Internet of Things. By providing a comprehensive literature review, this work offers valuable insights into the current state and future potential of integrating radiative cooling and thermoelectric systems to advance sustainable energy technologies.

Keywords: Thermoelectric generator; Thermoelectric cooler; Radiative cooling material; Thermal management; Performance analysis; Economic analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.115946

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