Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs)

Detailed overview of innovation with sample startups and prominent university research


What it is

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are solid-state devices that convert heat energy directly into electrical energy based on the Seebeck effect. This phenomenon occurs when there is a temperature difference across a conductor or semiconductor, causing electrons to flow and generate an electric current. TEGs offer a simple and reliable way to recover waste heat and convert it into electricity without moving parts or complex systems.

Impact on climate action

Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) in Industrial Waste Heat Recovery bolster climate action by converting waste heat into usable electricity. By capturing and utilizing thermal energy that would otherwise be lost, TEGs enhance energy efficiency, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, promoting a more sustainable industrial landscape.

Underlying
Technology

  • Seebeck Effect: The Seebeck effect is the direct conversion of a temperature difference into electrical voltage. When a temperature gradient exists across a thermoelectric material, electrons move from the hot side to the cold side, creating a voltage potential.
  • Thermoelectric Materials: TEGs are made from materials with good thermoelectric properties, meaning they have a high Seebeck coefficient (the ability to convert temperature differences into voltage) and low thermal conductivity (to maintain a temperature gradient). Common thermoelectric materials include bismuth telluride, lead telluride, and silicon-germanium alloys.
  • Module Design: TEG modules consist of multiple thermoelectric elements connected electrically in series and thermally in parallel. This design allows for higher voltage and current output.

TRL : 6-7


Prominent Innovation themes

  • High-Performance Thermoelectric Materials: Researchers are developing new thermoelectric materials with higher Seebeck coefficients and lower thermal conductivities, improving the efficiency of TEGs.
  • Nanostructured Thermoelectric Materials: Nanotechnology is being used to create nanostructured thermoelectric materials with enhanced properties, such as increased surface area and reduced thermal conductivity.
  • Flexible and Lightweight TEGs: Flexible and lightweight TEGs are being developed for applications where space and weight constraints are critical, such as wearable electronics and IoT devices.
  • Hybrid TEG Systems: Hybrid systems combine TEGs with other energy harvesting technologies, such as solar PV or piezoelectric generators, to increase energy output and provide a more reliable power source.

Other Innovation Subthemes

  • Advanced Thermoelectric Materials Development
  • Nanostructured Thermoelectric Innovations
  • Flexible and Lightweight TEG Technology
  • Scalable TEG Module Designs
  • Enhanced Seebeck Effect Utilization
  • Thermal Management Solutions for TEGs
  • Wearable TEG Devices
  • IoT TEG Applications
  • TEG Performance Optimization Techniques

Related Innovations

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Sample Global Startups and Companies

  1. Alphabet Energy:
    • Technology Enhancement: Alphabet Energy focuses on developing advanced thermoelectric materials and systems for waste heat recovery and power generation. Their thermoelectric generators (TEGs) convert heat directly into electricity using the Seebeck effect, offering a sustainable and efficient way to harness waste heat from industrial processes, automotive exhausts, and other sources.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Alphabet Energy stands out for its innovative approach to waste heat recovery and power generation using thermoelectric technology. Their solutions enable the conversion of low-grade heat into electricity, providing a clean and reliable source of power for various applications, including transportation, manufacturing, and distributed energy systems.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Alphabet Energy serves industries and applications seeking efficient and sustainable solutions for waste heat recovery and power generation. Their TEG systems are deployed in automotive vehicles, industrial facilities, and remote off-grid locations, helping customers reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions, and increase energy efficiency.
  2. Gentherm:
    • Technology Enhancement: Gentherm specializes in thermoelectric solutions for automotive, industrial, and medical applications. Their thermoelectric generators (TEGs) utilize proprietary materials and design techniques to convert waste heat into electricity, offering a scalable and efficient way to recover energy from exhaust systems, engine coolant, and other heat sources.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Gentherm stands out for its expertise in automotive-grade thermoelectric technology and its focus on integrating TEGs into vehicles for waste heat recovery and power generation. Their solutions help improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance overall vehicle performance while providing a sustainable energy source for ancillary systems.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Gentherm serves automotive OEMs, industrial manufacturers, and medical device companies seeking thermoelectric solutions for waste heat recovery and power generation. Their TEG systems are integrated into passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, industrial equipment, and medical devices, enabling energy-efficient operation and environmental sustainability.
  3. Laird Thermal Systems:
    • Technology Enhancement: Laird Thermal Systems specializes in thermal management solutions, including thermoelectric modules for cooling and power generation applications. Their thermoelectric generators (TEGs) convert heat into electricity using high-performance thermoelectric materials and precision-engineered modules, offering efficient and reliable power generation solutions for various industries.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Laird Thermal Systems stands out for its comprehensive portfolio of thermoelectric solutions and its focus on custom engineering for specific customer requirements. Their TEG systems are designed to withstand harsh operating conditions, deliver high power output, and integrate seamlessly into existing systems, providing a versatile and adaptable solution for waste heat recovery and power generation.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Laird Thermal Systems serves a diverse range of industries, including telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, and medical, with thermoelectric solutions for cooling, heating, and power generation. Their TEG systems are deployed in telecommunications infrastructure, aerospace applications, industrial processes, and medical devices, providing reliable and efficient power generation solutions tailored to customer needs.

Sample Research At Top-Tier Universities

  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):
    • Research Focus: MIT is a leader in research on Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) for Industrial Waste Heat Recovery, focusing on developing advanced thermoelectric materials, device architectures, and system integration approaches to efficiently capture and convert waste heat into electricity.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves the synthesis and characterization of novel thermoelectric materials with high figure of merit (ZT) values, capable of converting waste heat into electricity at elevated temperatures encountered in industrial processes. They also explore innovative TEG designs, thermal management strategies, and optimization techniques to enhance device performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in various industrial sectors, including manufacturing, chemical processing, and power generation. By recovering waste heat and converting it into usable electricity, MIT’s research enables industrial facilities to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower operating costs.
  2. California Institute of Technology (Caltech):
    • Research Focus: Caltech conducts pioneering research on Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) for Industrial Waste Heat Recovery, leveraging its expertise in materials science, solid-state physics, and thermal engineering to develop innovative solutions for capturing and utilizing waste heat in industrial settings.
    • Uniqueness: Their research encompasses the design and optimization of high-performance thermoelectric materials, nanostructured thin films, and hybrid TEG systems capable of operating under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. They also investigate advanced manufacturing techniques, scalable fabrication processes, and system-level integration to enable practical deployment and commercialization of TEG technologies.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work find applications in steel mills, refineries, cement plants, and other energy-intensive industries. By harnessing waste heat for electricity generation, Caltech’s research contributes to reducing energy consumption, enhancing resource efficiency, and promoting sustainable industrial practices.
  3. Northwestern University:
    • Research Focus: Northwestern University is engaged in innovative research on Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) for Industrial Waste Heat Recovery, leveraging its expertise in materials design, nanotechnology, and thermal management to develop next-generation TEGs with enhanced performance and reliability.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves the synthesis of novel thermoelectric materials, nanostructured composites, and multifunctional coatings optimized for high-temperature stability, mechanical robustness, and compatibility with harsh industrial environments. They also explore advanced heat exchanger designs, waste heat recovery systems, and predictive modeling tools to maximize energy conversion efficiency and minimize system downtime.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in chemical plants, glass manufacturing facilities, and semiconductor fabs. By converting waste heat into electricity, Northwestern’s research helps industrial operators reduce their carbon footprint, comply with environmental regulations, and improve overall process efficiency.

commercial_img Commercial Implementation

TEGs are being implemented in various applications, including waste heat recovery in industrial processes, automotive exhaust heat recovery, and power generation for remote sensors and devices. For example, Alphabet Energy has deployed its TEG modules in industrial facilities to recover waste heat and generate electricity.



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