Thermoelectric energy conversion in buildings

Buildings consume almost one-third of the total global energy and emit nearly 15% of the direct CO2 generated on the planet. However, intelligent buildings taking advantage of modern energy efficient technologies have attracted large interest in recent years. In this regard, the application of vario...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Materials today energy Vol. 32; p. 101257
Main Authors:	Jabri, Milad, Masoumi, Saeed, Sajadirad, Fahimehsadat, West, Roger P., Pakdel, Amir
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Elsevier Ltd 01-03-2023
Subjects:	Cement Composites Concrete Smart buildings Thermal energy harvesting Thermoelectric generators Thermoelectric materials Thermoelectric materials Smart buildings Composites Thermoelectric generators Cement Concrete Thermal energy harvesting
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	Buildings consume almost one-third of the total global energy and emit nearly 15% of the direct CO2 generated on the planet. However, intelligent buildings taking advantage of modern energy efficient technologies have attracted large interest in recent years. In this regard, the application of various energy harvesters to convert different forms of energy present inside and around buildings into electrical energy has been widely investigated. These include photovoltaic, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, electromagnetic, and thermoelectric devices. Among them, thermoelectric generators (TEGs), capable of producing electricity directly from a temperature gradient, have demonstrated great potential. This review paper categorizes and explains plausible applications of thermoelectric materials and devices in buildings. In particular, state-of-the-art cement- and concrete-based thermoelectric composites and the potential applications of TEGs in windows, walls, pipes, and chimneys are discussed. Moreover, current challenges that face thermoelectric energy harvesters in buildings and practical approaches to tackle them are examined. [Display omitted] •State-of-the-art cement- and concrete-based thermoelectric composites for thermal energy conversion in buildings are reviewed.•Potential applications of thermoelectric energy generators in windows, walls, pipes, and chimneys are discussed in detail.•Effective strategies for enhancing the performance of thermoelectric energy generators in buildings are elaborated.
ISSN:	2468-6069 2468-6069
DOI:	10.1016/j.mtener.2023.101257