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Asymmetric Thermoelectrochemical Cell for Harvesting Low-grade Heat under Isothermal Operation
Published on: February 5, 2020
Design of Thermoelectric Materials and Modules for Power Generation Below 300 °C and Cooling Applications Near Room
1Department of Physics and Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston (TcSUH), University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
Abstract:
The discovery of Bi2Te3 semiconducting alloys in the 1950s catalyzed advancements in the development of compact Peltier cooling devices for solid-state active temperature control. Recently, thermoelectric power generators based on the Seebeck effect have been explored as a means to recover ubiquitous waste heat for enhanced energy efficiency. However, it has become increasingly clear that the competitiveness and market viability of these devices are largely limited to near-room-temperature operation. In this perspective, a timely, application-oriented framework is provided for evaluating and selecting materials with favorable near-room-temperature Seebeck, Peltier, and Thomson effects. By integrating materials-level innovations, performance optimization strategies, and device-level considerations, promising candidates are highlighted, critical scientific challenges are identified, and actionable directions are proposed to accelerate the translation of thermoelectric materials into next-generation commercial devices with improved performance.
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