Abstract
The incorporation of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) into building systems has considerable potential for energy harvesting and merits further exploration. In this study, the electricity generation and thermal characteristics of the TEG façades comprised of TEG cells and feasible wall constructions under different solar heating conditions (peak heat gain: 400–1200 W/m2) were experimentally investigated. The results showed that applying TEGs to a typical structural façade using a 25 cm-thick reinforced concrete (RC), the peak electricity generation was 100.0 mW/m2. For TEG nonstructural façades, if the indoor heat gain was considered, the TEG attached to the 2.5 cm-thick microencapsulated phase change material (mPCM) honeycomb board showed the highest energy ratio. Correlation equations of the power generated by TEG façades per unit area with time during the daytime are provided, which designers can use to estimate the power generation for a TEG façade with a given peak solar heat gain.
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