Strategies on the Optimization of Thermoelectric Systems for Heat Transfer Applications: State of the Art Review

Abstract

Thermoelectric technology is one of the fast-developing technologies in the present days due to its excellent heat transfer and heat conversion capabalities. This uses the electromotive force produced by the temperature difference at each end of the device to produce electricity and vice versa. There are various applications developed based on this thermoelectric technology which includes thermoelectric coolers, thermoelectric generators, and thermoelectric air conditioners. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of thermoelectric (TE) technologies, starting with a complete summary of their working principles explaining the effects like Seebeck, Peltier, and Thomson effects, as well as optimization techniques, applications, semi-conductor materials used, and potential future developments.