Thermoelectric generator for energy production from renewable sources
R. Mecke, P. Kußmann Department of Automation and Computer Sciences. Harz University of Applied Sciences. Wernigerode (Germany) 2026-01-20

Abstract

Thermoelectric generators (TEG) produce electrical energy from a temperature difference between the cold and hot side of TEG modules (Seebeck effect); in principle, they can be used at temperature differences greater than 3 K [1].
Thermoelectric energy generation is primarily known for supplying self-sufficient sensors or in exhaust systems of motor
vehicle internal combustion engines [2], where high temperature differences of up to 700 K are used. In this paper, basic
investigations are carried out in order to expand the power range of thermoelectric energy generation and their potential for the energy transition. To this end, the area of application should be expanded to include medium and small temperature differences. The output characteristic of a TEG module has a power maximum, which increases quadratically with the temperature difference and linearly with the module area. At a temperature difference of 40 K, an output of 250 W/m2 can be generated. A solar module can generate 150 W/m2 in full sunlight; this output is only available for 12 % of the year given the 1000 full-load hours of sunshine that are usual in our latitudes. A continuous
thermoelectric energy source could provide energy all year. Under optimal conditions, an annual usage time of 5000 hours and a service life of 10 years, electricity production costs of around 10 Cents/kWh can be expected [3]. This price is quite comparable to other renewable energy sources (photovoltaics, wind) [4].

Key words: Thermoelectric power generation, TEG module, Energy harvesting, Seebeck, Peltier.

References

[1] Irrgang: Altes und Neues zu thermoelektrischen Effekten und Thermoelementen, Springer, 2019.

[2] Jänsch, D.: Thermoelektrik – Eine Chance für die Auto-mobilindustrie, Expert Verlag, 2009.

[3] https://quickcool-shop.de/pdf/bibliothek/thermogenerator/prinzip-der-stromerzeugung.pdf.

[4] Fraunhofer ISE, Juni 2021.

[5] Deutscher Wetterdienst; 14.01.2023; Die Sonne machte 2022 Überstunden – Endbilanz; https://www.dwd.de/DE/
wetter/thema_des_tages/2023/1/14.html.

[6] Pfitzenmaier, G.: Potential Peltier-Effekt, https://globalmagazin.eu/themen/wissenschaft/strom-aus-waerme-
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%20in%20greifbare%20N%C3%A4he%20ger%C3%BCckt.

[7] Hellwig, Ralf: Peltierelemente und Funktionsweise, https://de.rs-online.com/web/generalDisplay.html?id=
ideen-und-tipps/peltier-module-leitfaden

[8] Vogel, Benedikt: Potenzial der Thermoelektrik,https://www.bulletin.ch/de/news-detail/alexia-das-schlummernde-potenzial-der-thermoelektrik.html

[9] Vorugant, Vinod: Marktanalyse und Prognose Thermoelek-trische Module 2020-2029, https://exactitudeconsultancy.
com/de/reports/27788/thermoelectric-modules-market/