The principle phenomenon that underpins thermoelectric energy generation is known as the Seebeck effect: the conversion of a temperature differential into electricity at the junction of two materials. The conversion process is reversible, i.e. when a thermoelectric generator is connected to a power supply it acts as a cooler/heater according to the underlying physical principle, the Peltier effect. The Peltier effect stipulates that electrical power input into a junction of two different materials leads to the creation of a temperature difference. For that reason, thermoelectric coolers are also known as Peltier coolers or Peltier modules (see figure 1).

Figure 1. Representation of the Peltier (left) and the Seebeck (right) effect. Source: University of Suffolk

 

Markets For Thermoelectric Generators

Wireless sensors powered by thermoelectric generators in environments where temperature differentials exist would lead to avoiding issues with battery lifetime and reliability and lead to an increase in wireless sensor network implementations. It would also lead to the ability to move away from wired sensors, which are still the solution of choice when increased reliability of measurement over prolonged periods of time is necessary. Some applications have low enough power demands to operate with small temperature differentials, as small as a few degrees in some cases. Some other segments on the other hand are characterized by extreme temperature differentials but at the same time, have very stringent safety requirements which could lead to long development times -e.g. condition monitoring of turbine blades while in-service. These varying kinds of considerations pertaining to different segments demonstrate the versatility that needs to be demonstrated by the technology developers in order to capture available opportunities in different verticals.

Waste heat recovery systems in vehicles

A large number of car companies, including Volkswagen, VOLVO, FORD and BMW in collaboration with NASA have been developing thermoelectric waste heat recovery systems in-house, each achieving different types of performance but all of them expecting to lead to improvements of 3-5% in fuel economy while the power generated out of these devices could potentially reach up to 1200W. This type of application has great potential, even with the advent of vehicle electrification which would take several decades and would not entirely substitute internal combustion engine vehicles in the immediate future. At the same time, due to the high temperature tolerances necessary for waste heat recovery systems, a lot of work is going into the development of the correct type of material systems, interconnects, etc. Again, the critical safety characteristics that need to be fulfilled in order to see widespread adoption of such technology in vehicles along with demands for low cost solutions lead to longer adoption cycles by the automotive industry.

In consumer applications, the type of solution that thermoelectric generators provide varies: it could be related to saving energy when cooking by using thermo-powered cooking sensors, powering mobile phones, watches or other consumer electronics, even body sensing could become more widespread with sensory wristbands, clothing or athletic apparel that monitor vitals such as heart rate, body temperature, etc. Developments in material and device design have led to thermoelectric devices on flexible substrates that allow for innovation in form factor that could allow for seamless integration in different products.

In the meantime, military and aerospace applications have already become a market of several million dollars, having supported mature thermoelectric harvesting technologies for several decades now (e.g. radioisotope thermoelectric generators in space probes, satellites, etc.). These are purely performance driven applications in a segment where cost considerations are not as important as the ability to efficiently and reliably provide power when needed most, in hostile, remote environments and applications. Even some terrestrial applications have seen adoption of thermoelectric generator technologies, with one of the most interesting examples being the installations by Global Thermoelectric, a company that has fitted thermoelectric generators worldwide in remote locations such as oil or natural gas pipelines, wells, offshore platforms, etc.

Forecasts for thermoelectric generators

Figure 2 outlines the way the market for thermoelectric generators is expected to grow in the next few years, and shows how the interest in wireless sensor applications is going to spearhead the growth of a new niche market for these types of generators from 2015 onwards. Interest in consumer applications will also increase but the dominant market will remain that for bespoke military and aerospace applications.

Figure 2: Forecasts for growth in the thermoelectric generators market to 2014. Source: IDTechEx http://www.IDTechEx.com/thermo

 

The report continues to give an overview of devices, materials and manufacturing processes, with a specific focus on emerging technologies that allow for new functionality, form factor and application in various demanding environments with high specificity. Whether it is operation in high temperatures or corrosive environments, applications with increased safety demands or components that need to be thin, flexible, or even stretchable, research and development work worldwide on these topics is highlighted.

Visit IDTechEx at www.IDTechEx.com/thermo