Modelling and optimisation of thermoelectric devices for energy harvesting, cooling, and heating: A comprehensive review
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Thermoelectric (TE) technology, which enables the direct conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy and vice versa, presents a promising pathway for sustainable power generation and solid-state refrigeration. Despite its potential for waste heat recovery and precise temperature control, widespread adoption remains constrained by material and engineering challenges. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state and prospects of TE technology. It begins by establishing the foundational principles of the Seebeck, Peltier, and Thomson effects, outlining the unique advantages and significance of TE devices. The core of the review explores advanced modelling and optimisation approaches, including finite element analysis and machine learning, which are crucial for predicting performance and guiding device design. The paper thoroughly investigates application landscapes, detailing the integration of TE generators in power generation from industrial and automotive waste heat, and the use of TE coolers in electronics thermal management, medical devices, and niche heating applications. Finally, the review concludes by discussing the primary barriers to commercialisation: namely, material limitations, scalability issues, manufacturing costs, and long-term durability concerns, and proposes targeted future research directions. By bridging the gap between fundamental material research and practical system implementation, this review aims to chart a course for overcoming these hurdles and advancing TE technology toward broader, mainstream adoption.
Source: Results in Engineering
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,940
OpenAlex ID: W7167678458