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Advancements in Thermoelectric Systems for Waste Heat Recovery

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "J: Thermal Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 March 2026 | Viewed by 680

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Engineering, Institute of Smart Cities, Public University of Navarre, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
Interests: heat transfer; thermal management; heat exchangers; renewable energies; thermoelectricity

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Engineering, Institute of Smart Cities, Public University of Navarre, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
Interests: heat transfer; refrigeration systems; heat exchangers; renewable energies; thermoelectricity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Waste heat recovery is a key strategy in achieving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impacts across various applications. Thermoelectric systems offer a promising solution by directly converting waste heat into electrical energy through this technology. Recent advancements in thermoelectric materials, device engineering, thermal management and system integration have significantly enhanced their efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

This Special Issue aims to bring together innovative research and technological advancements in the field of thermoelectric systems for waste heat recovery. We welcome contributions that explore cutting-edge developments in thermoelectric materials, novel device architectures, and the integration of thermoelectric technologies into real-world applications. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Advanced thermoelectric materials, including nanostructures, composites, and hybrid systems.
  • Novel device designs and system optimization techniques.
  • The integration of thermoelectric systems in industrial and automotive sectors.
  • The computational modelling and simulation of thermoelectric systems.
  • Experimental methodologies and the performance characterization of thermoelectric devices.
  • Techno-economic analyses and lifecycle assessments of thermoelectric technologies.
  • Emerging applications of thermoelectric systems, such as in renewable energy and wearable devices.

We aim to promote interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation, driving the development of thermoelectric systems as a cornerstone of sustainable energy solutions.

Dr. Miguel Araiz
Dr. Alvaro Casi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • thermoelectric materials
  • waste heat recovery
  • energy efficiency
  • renewable energy
  • sustainable energy technologies
  • heat transfer in thermoelectrics

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

19 pages, 2373 KB  
Article
Waste Heat Recovery in a Transcritical Carbon Dioxide Vapor Compression Cycle with Thermoelectric Generators
by Álvaro Casi, David Chavarren, Patricia Aranguren, Iñaki Alzuguren, Miguel Araiz and Antonio Rodríguez
Energies 2025, 18(23), 6119; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18236119 - 22 Nov 2025
Viewed by 282
Abstract
Thermoelectric generators are a great alternative for waste heat energy harvesting in several technological fields. Vapor compression refrigeration systems present great potential for waste heat energy harvesting as they dissipate heat in a condenser/gas cooler from the refrigerant to the ambient. This heat [...] Read more.
Thermoelectric generators are a great alternative for waste heat energy harvesting in several technological fields. Vapor compression refrigeration systems present great potential for waste heat energy harvesting as they dissipate heat in a condenser/gas cooler from the refrigerant to the ambient. This heat can be harvested by utilizing a thermoelectric generator. The objective of this study is to evaluate the energy harvesting potential of thermoelectric generators in transcritical vapor compression cycles and their effect on cycle performance. A computational model is used to simulate a transcritical carbon dioxide refrigeration cycle with the inclusion of a thermoelectric generator between the compressor and the gas cooler. The energy harvested by the generator is calculated, and the effect on the vapor compression system is quantified. The results show that by including the thermoelectric generator, two positive effects are obtained: the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric system positively enhances the efficiency of the cycle, and the heat extracted in the generator leaves room for further cooling in the gas cooler, producing an increase in cooling capacity that also enhances efficiency. The results show an increase in the coefficient of performance that ranges between 3.74 and 12.14% for different working conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Thermoelectric Systems for Waste Heat Recovery)
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