Energy harvesting through thermoelectrics: topological designs and materials jetting technology

Abstract

The vast amount of waste heat released into the environment, from body heat to factories and boilers, can be exploited for electricity generation. Thermoelectrics is a sustainable clean energy solution that converts a heat flux directly into electrical power and vice versa and therefore has the potential for both energy harvesting and cooling technologies. However, the usage of thermoelectrics for large-scale applications is restrained by its device topologies and energy conversion cost efficiency trade-offs. The increase in complex topological designs reported in literature shows a shift towards customizability and improvement of thermoelectric devices for maximum energy conversion efficiency. Increasing design complexity will require an innovative, cost-effective fabrication method with design freedom capabilities. In light of this, this review paper seeks to summarize various thermoelectric topological designs as well as how 3D Printing technology can be a solution to the fabrication of cost-and performance-efficient thermoelectric devices. Specifically, as a process category of 3D Printing technology, Materials Jetting will be elaborated for its usefulness in the fabrication of thermoelectric devices. With in-depth research in materials jetting of thermoelectrics, the gap between small-scale materials research and scaled-up industry applications for energy harvesting through thermoelectric devices is expected to be bridged.