Thermoelectric Generator Applications in Buildings: A Review

Sein Lae Yi Win, Yi-Chang Chiang, Tzu-Ling Huang and Chi-Ming Lai ()
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Sein Lae Yi Win: Department of Civil Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
Yi-Chang Chiang: Research Center for Energy Technology and Strategy, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
Tzu-Ling Huang: Department of Architecture and Interior Design, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung City 833, Taiwan
Chi-Ming Lai: Department of Civil Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City 701, Taiwan

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 17, 1-25

Abstract: With growing concerns about building energy consumption, thermoelectric generators (TEGs) have attracted significant attention for their potential to generate clean, green, and sustainable power. This comprehensive review explores the applications of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) in building systems, focusing on recent advancements from 2013 to 2024. The study examines TEG integration in building envelopes, including façades, walls, windows, and roofs, as well as non-integrated applications for waste heat recovery and HVAC systems. Key findings highlight the potential of TEGs in energy harvesting and thermal management, with façade-integrated systems generating up to 100.0 mW/m² and hybrid LCPV/T-TEG systems achieving overall efficiencies of 57.03%. The review also identifies critical parameters affecting TEG performance, such as solar intensity, thermoelectric arm length, and PCM melting temperature. Despite promising results, challenges remain in improving overall system efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. Future research directions include developing more efficient thermoelectric materials, optimizing system designs for various climatic conditions, and exploring integration with smart building management systems. This review provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners working towards more energy-efficient and sustainable building designs using TEG technology.

Keywords: building; energy; thermoelectric; thermoelectric generator (TEG); thermal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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