Thermoelectric materials and devices: Applications in enhancing building energy conversion and efficiency

As energy consumption in buildings increases and the search for clean energy intensifies, the application of various energy harvesters to convert different forms of energy present within and around buildings into electrical energy has been extensively researched. This includes technologies such as photovoltaics and piezoelectrics. Among these, the integration of thermoelectric generators offers a promising solution to alleviate the energy consumption burden of buildings. However, there is currently a lack of systematic reviews on the application of thermoelectric generators in this context. This review systematically summarizes the research status of thermoelectric generators in buildings from three perspectives: materials, devices, and applications. It begins by introducing the fundamental principles of thermoelectric conversion and thermoelectric generators, followed by a summary of representative thermoelectric materials, performance optimization methods, and optimized device designs for building energy harvesting applications. Finally, a detailed classification and discussion of the applications of thermoelectric generators in various building structures are provided. This review offers valuable insights for researchers and practitioners aiming to utilize thermoelectric generators technology for more energy-efficient and sustainable building design.