How can thermoelectric generators (TEGs) help advance renewable energy technology? This is what a 2024 study published in Energy Engineering hopes to address as a team of researchers investigated the benefits of TEGs and their applications, as TEGs gain energy from the Sun and deep space and convert this energy into electricity. This study has the potential to help scientists develop novel methods for advancing renewable energy while reducing humanity’s need for fossil fuels, the latter of which continues to contribute to climate change.
For the study, the researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of TEGs, including their applications, storage management, thermal management, simulations, and power systems integrations, just to name a few. In the end, the researchers found promising benefits of TEGs, specifically regarding reduced costs and enhanced efficiency, while also identifying limitations and knowledge shortcomings. Most importantly, the researchers found that TEGs are more efficient at converting energy into electricity compared to solar panels, with the former achieving conversion rates of 9.6 percent, with one potential involving powering buildings.
"Most renewable technologies only work intermittently—solar panels don't function at night, for instance," said Dr. Lin Lu from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a corresponding author on the study. "Our work shows how TEGs can bridge this gap by harvesting energy from both the sun's heat and the extreme cold of outer space, offering truly 24/7 clean power generation."
While the researchers note the promises of this technology, they are quick to highlight that further research is needed to better understand TEG applications, which include smartphones, building integrations, and LED lights. This study comes as renewable energy continues to gain traction as a replacement to fossil fuels, with the latter being the primary catalyst for climate change.
How will TEGs help advance renewable energy technology in the coming years and decades? Only time will tell, and this is why we science!
As always, keep doing science & keep looking up!
Sources: Energy Engineering, EurekAlert!