idtechex research has released its latest report about the potential for thermoelectric technology in energy harvesting applications, which discusses what is hype and what is reality about a technology that has received a lot of excitement and investment in recent years.

the article discusses where thermoelectric technology is headed for wearables.
(wikimedia commons)

the report, written by dr. harry zervos and raghu das, indicates that the market for this technology will reach $1.5 billion by 2028, despite difficulties in commercializing the technology for practical purposes.

one of the points that dr. zervos explained in a post highlighting some of the finding from the report is that the development of thermoelectric generators in vehicles has run into a dead end, regardless of the estimated $250 million that has been spent on it.

“grants came to an end,” the article explained, “project deliverables delivered and revealed mechanical robustness problems and material systems development requirements that would still take a few more years until they were deployment ready’. no follow-up work was announced, and reduced press releases and marketing from automotive oems followed.”

reduction in fuel consumption and higher-powered engines never materialized and have been co-opted by the rapid development of electric vehicles with very different requirements and technology paths.

in terms of thermoelectric applications in wearables, idtechex expects that this is also a dwindling opportunity. the report argues that the application is still conceptual in part because of the challenges of limited power produced by the small temperature gradient and size restrictions that limit the thermal management solutions that can be incorporated.

to read the full report, visit http://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/thermoelectric-energy-harvesting-2018-2028-000552.asp.