Solar-and/or Radiative Cooling-Driven Thermoelectric Generators: A Critical Review

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) play a critical role in collecting renewable energy from the sun and deep space to generate clean electricity. With their environmentally friendly, reliable, and noise-free operation, TEGs offer diverse applications, including areas with limited power infrastructure, microelectronic devices, and wearable technology. The review thoroughly analyses TEG system configurations, performance, and applications driven by solar and/or radiative cooling, covering non-concentrating, concentrating, radiative cooling-driven, and dual-mode TEGs. Materials for solar absorbers and radiative coolers, simulation techniques, energy storage management, and thermal management strategies are explored. The integration of TEGs with combined heat and power systems is identified as a promising application. Additionally, TEGs hold potential as charging sources for electronic devices. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into this energy collection approach, facilitating improved efficiency, reduced costs, and expanded applications. It also highlights current limitations and knowledge gaps, emphasizing the importance of further research and development in unlocking the full potential of TEGs for a sustainable and efficient energy future. © 2024 The Authors.