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Advanced Thermoelectric Generation Technologies 2022
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Advanced Thermoelectric Generation Technologies 2022

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "F: Electrical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 29678

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Terry J. Hendricks

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Propulsion, Thermal, and Materials Systems, NASA - Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
Interests: thermoelectric systems; design optimization; hybrid systems; cost-performance optimization; energy conversion systems (solar, Stirling, organic Rankine, etc.); terrestrial and spacecraft power systems; advanced thermal systems in power generation
Dr. Thierry Caillat

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Thermal Energy Conversion Technology and Engineering Group, Power and Sensors Systems, Autonomous Robotics Division, NASA - Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
Interests: thermoelectric materials, devices, and systems; inorganic materials; spacecraft power; energy conversion systems
Prof. Dr. Takao Mori

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA), Namiki 1-1, Tsukuba 305-0044, Japan
2. Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba 305-8671, Japan
Interests: thermoelectrics; magnetism; thermal conductivity; inorganic materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Guest Editors are pleased to invite submissions in a Special Issue of the Journal of Energies entitled “Advanced Thermoelectric Generation Technologies 2021“.

The critical features, strengths, and capabilities of thermoelectric (TE) power generation  technologies allow for effective recovery of waste thermal energy throughout worldwide industrial, automotive, marine, oil and gas production, and aircraft energy and power production processes.  On a smaller energy scale, thermoelectric power generation (TEG) systems can also utilize those same critical features, strengths, and capabilities as a recent effort to benefit IoT (Internet of Things) power production has shown to enable highly-robust sensor networks.  There is also more research being conducted on TE thin-films to enhance basic TE material performance, and hybrid power generation where thermoelectric generation is integrated with other power generation technologies to achieve combined benefits.   These applications and others indicate that thermoelectric systems can be a key contributor and be part of the solutions to more energy sustainable economies with increased integration of renewable energy sources worldwide.  The objective of this special issues is to show latest progress in demonstrating thermoelectric power systems for these key applications and related applications; address the remaining challenges related to implementation of thermoelectric power systems; and provide key design parametrics and new design paradigms from the most recent research and lessons learned to guide the effective design and implementation of future advanced thermoelectric power systems in new sustainable energy economies.  This Special Issue seeks excellent journal-quality articles in the latest TE and TEG research, progress, and accomplishments to achieve these objectives and realize and demonstrate advanced thermoelectric power technologies in the 21st century.

Topics of Interest in the Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

  • Most Recent Advances in TE Materials, including Thin-Film TE Materials
  • Recent TE Technology, System and Applications
  • Hybrid Power Systems
  • Lessons and Reviews of the Last 15 Years in Worldwide Energy and Power Projects
  • Key Remaining Barriers and New Design and Application Paradigms
  • Thermoelectric Power System Economics
  • Terrestrial and Spacecraft Power Applications
  • Future Applications & Focus to Develop and Mature Future TE technology
    • Thermoelectric-powered sensor networks in IoT
    • Small scale applications
    • Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) applications – Next Generation RTG’s
    • eMMRTG (enhanced Multi-Mission RTG) future promise

Dr. Terry J. Hendricks
Dr. Thierry Caillat
Prof. Dr. Takao Mori
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Thermoelectrics
  • Thermoelectric systems
  • Thermoelectric materials
  • Thin-Film
  • Integrated Thermal – Thermoelectric design
  • Hybrid Systems
  • Cost and Performance Optimization
  • Thermoelectric interfaces
  • IoT power
  • RTG power
  • Waste heat recovery
  • Energy recovery
  • Energy sustainability

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 4727 KiB  
Article
Recent Studies on the Environmentally Benign Alkaline-Earth Silicide Mg2Si for Middle-Temperature Thermoelectric Applications
by Daishi Shiojiri, Tsutomu Iida, Naomi Hirayama, Yoji Imai, Hiroharu Sugawara and Jin Kusaka
Energies 2022, 15(13), 4859; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15134859 - 2 Jul 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1936
Abstract
Most primary energy sources, such as the fossil fuels of oil, coal, and natural gas, produce waste heat. Recycling of this unused thermal energy is necessary in order to increase the efficiency of usage. Thermoelectric (TE) conversion technologies, by which waste heat is [...] Read more.
Most primary energy sources, such as the fossil fuels of oil, coal, and natural gas, produce waste heat. Recycling of this unused thermal energy is necessary in order to increase the efficiency of usage. Thermoelectric (TE) conversion technologies, by which waste heat is directly converted into electricity, have been extensively studied, and the development of these technologies has continued. TE power-generation has attracted significant attention for use in self-powered wireless sensors, which are important for our increasingly sophisticated information society. For the middle-temperature range (i.e., 600–900 K), with applications such as automobiles, intensive studies of high-performance TE materials have been conducted. In this study, we review our recent experimental and theoretical studies on alkaline-earth silicide Mg2Si TE materials, which consist of nontoxic abundant earth elements. We demonstrate improvements in TE performance brought about by lightly doping Mg2Si with isoelectronic impurities. Furthermore, we examine the electrode formation and material coatings. Finally, we simulate the exhaust heat requirements for the practical application of TE generators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Thermoelectric Generation Technologies 2022)
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13 pages, 3513 KiB  
Article
Influence of Thermoelectric Properties and Parasitic Effects on the Electrical Power of Thermoelectric Micro-Generators
by Soufiane El Oualid, Francis Kosior, Gerhard Span, Ervin Mehmedovic, Janina Paris, Christophe Candolfi and Bertrand Lenoir
Energies 2022, 15(10), 3746; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15103746 - 19 May 2022
Viewed by 2081
Abstract
Heat recovery systems based on thermoelectric micro-generators (µ-TEGs) can play a significant role in the development of wireless, energetically autonomous electronics. However, to date, the power density recovered for low temperature differences using µ-TEGs is limited to a few micro-watts or less, which [...] Read more.
Heat recovery systems based on thermoelectric micro-generators (µ-TEGs) can play a significant role in the development of wireless, energetically autonomous electronics. However, to date, the power density recovered for low temperature differences using µ-TEGs is limited to a few micro-watts or less, which is still insufficient to power a wide-range of wireless devices. To develop more efficient µ-TEGs, material, device and system requirements must be considered simultaneously. In this study, an innovative design of an in-plane µ-TEG integrating bismuth telluride forming sinusoidal-shaped trenches is reported. Using 3D numerical modelling, the influence of boundary conditions, parasitic effects (electrical and thermal contact resistances), and transport properties of thermoelectric materials on the output power of these µ-TEGs are investigated in detail for a small temperature difference of 5 K between the hot and cold sources. Compared to wavy-shaped trenches, this novel shape enables enhancing the output power. The results show that either the thermal conductivity or the Seebeck coefficient of the active n- and p-type semiconductors is the key parameter that should be minimized or maximized, depending on the magnitude of the parasitic effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Thermoelectric Generation Technologies 2022)
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9 pages, 1831 KiB  
Article
Thermoelectric Performance Optimization of n-Type La3−xSmxTe4/Ni Composites via Sm Doping
by Jian Li, Qingfeng Song, Ruiheng Liu, Hongliang Dong, Qihao Zhang, Xun Shi, Shengqiang Bai and Lidong Chen
Energies 2022, 15(7), 2353; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15072353 - 23 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1942
Abstract
La3Te4-based rare-earth telluride is a kind of n-type high-temperature thermoelectric (TE) material with an operational temperature of up to 1273 K, which is a promising candidate for thermoelectric generators. In this work, the Sm substitution in La3−x [...] Read more.
La3Te4-based rare-earth telluride is a kind of n-type high-temperature thermoelectric (TE) material with an operational temperature of up to 1273 K, which is a promising candidate for thermoelectric generators. In this work, the Sm substitution in La3−xSmxTe4/Ni composites is reported. The electrical transport property of La3−xSmxTe4 is modified by reducing carrier concentration due to the substitution of Sm2+ for La3+. The electric thermal conductivity decreases by 90% due to carrier concentration reduction, which mainly contributes to a reduction in total thermal conductivity. Lattice thermal conductivity also decreases by point-defect scattering by Sm doping. Meanwhile, based on our previous study, compositing nickel improves the thermal stability of the La3 − xSmxTe4 matrix. Finally, combined with carrier concentration optimization and the decreased thermal conductivity, a maximum zT of 1.1 at 1273 K and an average zTave value of 0.8 over 600 K–1273 K were achieved in La2.315Sm0.685Te4/10 vol.% Ni composite, which is among the highest TE performance reported in La3Te4 compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Thermoelectric Generation Technologies 2022)
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Review

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35 pages, 8781 KiB  
Review
Keynote Review of Latest Advances in Thermoelectric Generation Materials, Devices, and Technologies 2022
by Terry Hendricks, Thierry Caillat and Takao Mori
Energies 2022, 15(19), 7307; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15197307 - 5 Oct 2022
Cited by 93 | Viewed by 6476
Abstract
The last decade created tremendous advances in new and unique thermoelectric generation materials, devices, fabrication techniques, and technologies via various global research and development. This article seeks to elucidate and highlight some of these advances to lay foundations for future research work and [...] Read more.
The last decade created tremendous advances in new and unique thermoelectric generation materials, devices, fabrication techniques, and technologies via various global research and development. This article seeks to elucidate and highlight some of these advances to lay foundations for future research work and advances. New advanced methods and demonstrations in TE device and material measurement, materials fabrication and composition advances, and device design and fabrication will be discussed. Other articles in this Special Issue present additional new research into materials fabrication and composition advances, including multi-dimensional additive manufacturing and advanced silicon germanium technologies. This article will discuss the most recent results and findings in thermoelectric system economics, including highlighting and quantifying the interrelationships between thermoelectric (TE) material costs, TE manufacturing costs and most importantly, often times dominating, the heat exchanger costs in overall TE system costs. We now have a methodology for quantifying the competing TE system cost-performance effects and impacts. Recent findings show that heat exchanger costs usually dominate overall TE system cost-performance tradeoffs, and it is extremely difficult to escape this condition in TE system design. In regard to material performance, novel or improved enhancement principles are being effectively implemented. Furthermore, in addition to further advancements in properties and module developments of relatively established champion materials such as skutterudites, several high performance ZT ≈≥ 2 new material systems such as GeTe, Mg3(Sb,Bi)2 have also been relatively recently unearthed and module applications also being considered. These recent advancements will also be covered in this review. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Thermoelectric Generation Technologies 2022)
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27 pages, 8584 KiB  
Review
Review on Wearable Thermoelectric Generators: From Devices to Applications
by Sijing Zhu, Zheng Fan, Baoquan Feng, Runze Shi, Zexin Jiang, Ying Peng, Jie Gao, Lei Miao and Kunihito Koumoto
Energies 2022, 15(9), 3375; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15093375 - 5 May 2022
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 8299
Abstract
Wearable thermoelectric generators (WTEGs) can incessantly convert body heat into electricity to power electronics. However, the low efficiency of thermoelectric materials, tiny terminal temperature difference, rigidity, and neglecting optimization of lateral heat transfer preclude WTEGs from broad utilization. In this review, we aim [...] Read more.
Wearable thermoelectric generators (WTEGs) can incessantly convert body heat into electricity to power electronics. However, the low efficiency of thermoelectric materials, tiny terminal temperature difference, rigidity, and neglecting optimization of lateral heat transfer preclude WTEGs from broad utilization. In this review, we aim to comprehensively summarize the state-of-the-art strategies for the realization of flexibility and high normalized power density in thermoelectric generators by establishing the links among materials, TE performance, and advanced design of WTEGs (structure, heatsinks, thermal regulation, thermal analysis, etc.) based on inorganic bulk TE materials. Each section starts with a concise summary of its fundamentals and carefully selected examples. In the end, we point out the controversies, challenges, and outlooks toward the future development of wearable thermoelectric devices and potential applications. Overall, this review will serve to help materials scientists, electronic engineers, particularly students and young researchers, in selecting suitable thermoelectric devices and potential applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Thermoelectric Generation Technologies 2022)
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16 pages, 5039 KiB  
Review
Additive Manufacturing of Bulk Thermoelectric Architectures: A Review
by Cagri Oztan, Ryan Welch and Saniya LeBlanc
Energies 2022, 15(9), 3121; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15093121 - 25 Apr 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3928
Abstract
Additive manufacturing offers several opportunities for thermoelectric energy harvesting systems. This new manufacturing approach enables customized leg geometries, minimized thermal boundary resistances, less retooling, reduced thermoelectric material waste, and strong potential to manipulate microstructure for higher values of figure of merit. Although additive [...] Read more.
Additive manufacturing offers several opportunities for thermoelectric energy harvesting systems. This new manufacturing approach enables customized leg geometries, minimized thermal boundary resistances, less retooling, reduced thermoelectric material waste, and strong potential to manipulate microstructure for higher values of figure of merit. Although additive manufacturing has been used to fabricate thin thermoelectric films, there has been comparatively limited demonstrations of additive manufacturing for bulk thermoelectric structures. This review provides insights about the current progress of bulk thermoelectric material and device additive manufacturing. Each additive manufacturing technique used to produce bulk thermoelectric structures is discussed in detail along with future directions and challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Thermoelectric Generation Technologies 2022)
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16 pages, 893 KiB  
Review
Silicon–Germanium: The Legacy Lives On
by Bruce Cook
Energies 2022, 15(8), 2957; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15082957 - 18 Apr 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3489
Abstract
Alloy systems comprised of silicon with germanium, lead with tellurium, and bismuth with antimony have constituted a majority of thermoelectric applications during the last half-century. These legacy materials are primarily covalently bonded with a maximum ZT near one. Silicon–germanium alloys have provided the [...] Read more.
Alloy systems comprised of silicon with germanium, lead with tellurium, and bismuth with antimony have constituted a majority of thermoelectric applications during the last half-century. These legacy materials are primarily covalently bonded with a maximum ZT near one. Silicon–germanium alloys have provided the thermal to electrical conversion for many of NASA’s radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) configurations and for nearly all of its deep space and outer planetary flights, such as Pioneer I and II, Voyager I and 11, Ulysses, Galileo, and Cassini. The remarkable success of these materials and their respective devices is evidenced by the fact that there has never been a failure of the RTG systems even after over 1 billion cumulative mission-hours. The history of this alloy system as a thermoelectric conversion material spans over six decades and research to further improve its performance continues to this day. Si-Ge alloys have long been a mainstay of thermoelectric research because of a fortuitous combination of a sufficiently high melting temperature, reasonable energy band gap, high solubility for both n- and p-type dopants, and the fact that this alloy system exhibits complete miscibility in the solid state, which enable tuning of both electrical and thermal properties. This article reviews the history of silicon–germanium as a thermoelectric material and its use in NASA’s RTG programs. Since the device technology is also a critical operational consideration, a brief review of some of the unique challenges imposed by the use in an RTG is also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Thermoelectric Generation Technologies 2022)
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