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A study on thermoelectric technology application in net zero energy buildings

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  • Shen, Limei
  • Pu, Xiwang
  • Sun, Yongjun
  • Chen, Jiongde

Abstract

Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) has gained increasingly wide attentions over last few years and net zero energy starts to become a new design target of future buildings. This paper presents the first study on thermoelectric technology applications in NZEBs in which both thermoelectric cooling and thermoelectric generation are adopted. Substituting conventional air-conditioning system, the thermoelectric radiant ceiling and the thermoelectric primary air handling unit are adopted to provide thermal comfort and fresh air in NZEBs. Meanwhile, the thermoelectric generation is employed to improve the solar energy generation. Case studies have been performed to investigate the application feasibility of the proposed thermoelectric systems by evaluating the annual energy balance. The study results show that the thermoelectric cooling is able to supply sufficient cooling and heating to ensure thermal comfort. Moreover, the thermoelectric generation significantly improves the annual solar energy generation by 767 kWh (34%) in comparison with conventional photovoltaic system, which eventually turns the targeted office building from a non-zero energy building to a plus energy building. This study provides a new way to apply thermoelectric technology in NZEBs which directly lead to benefits including zero Freon, simple piping, and quiet and reliable operations.

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  • Shen, Limei & Pu, Xiwang & Sun, Yongjun & Chen, Jiongde, 2016. "A study on thermoelectric technology application in net zero energy buildings," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 9-24.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:113:y:2016:i:c:p:9-24
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.07.038
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    6. Ziyu Duan & Seiyong Kim, 2023. "Progress in Research on Net-Zero-Carbon Cities: A Literature Review and Knowledge Framework," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-27, August.
    7. Gao, Jiajia & Li, Anbang & Xu, Xinhua & Gang, Wenjie & Yan, Tian, 2018. "Ground heat exchangers: Applications, technology integration and potentials for zero energy buildings," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 128(PA), pages 337-349.
    8. Prieto, Alejandro & Knaack, Ulrich & Auer, Thomas & Klein, Tillmann, 2019. "COOLFACADE: State-of-the-art review and evaluation of solar cooling technologies on their potential for façade integration," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 395-414.
    9. Sun, Dongfang & Shen, Limei & Chen, Huanxin & Jiang, Bin & Jie, Desuan & Liu, Huanyu & Yao, Yu & Tang, Jingchun, 2020. "Modeling and analysis of the influence of Thomson effect on micro-thermoelectric coolers considering interfacial and size effects," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 196(C).
    10. Zhao, Dongliang & Yin, Xiaobo & Xu, Jingtao & Tan, Gang & Yang, Ronggui, 2020. "Radiative sky cooling-assisted thermoelectric cooling system for building applications," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 190(C).
    11. Zheng, Liang Jun & Lim, Sungmook & Kim, Na Kyong & Kang, Dong Hee & Youn, Young Jik & Lee, Wonoh & Kang, Hyun Wook, 2020. "Experimental study of a thin water-film evaporative cooling system to enhance the energy conversion efficiency of a thermoelectric device," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 211(C).
    12. Joung, Jaewon & Cheon, Seong-Yong & Kang, Yong-Kwon & Kim, Minseong & Park, Junseok & Jeong, Jae-Weon, 2023. "Impact of external electric resistance on the power generation in the thermoelectric energy harvesting blocks," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 779-791.
    13. Ali, Haider & Yilbas, Bekir Sami & Al-Sharafi, Abdullah, 2017. "Innovative design of a thermoelectric generator with extended and segmented pin configurations," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 187(C), pages 367-379.
    14. Zhou, Yuekuan & Cao, Sunliang & Hensen, Jan L.M. & Lund, Peter D., 2019. "Energy integration and interaction between buildings and vehicles: A state-of-the-art review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 114(C), pages 1-1.
    15. Li, Huai & Xu, Wei & Yu, Zhen & Wu, Jianlin & Sun, Zhifeng, 2017. "Application analyze of a ground source heat pump system in a nearly zero energy building in China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 125(C), pages 140-151.
    16. Pourhedayat, Samira, 2018. "Application of thermoelectric as an instant running-water cooler; experimental study under different operating conditions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 229(C), pages 364-374.
    17. Diaz de Garayo, S. & Martínez, A. & Astrain, D., 2022. "Optimal combination of an air-to-air thermoelectric heat pump with a heat recovery system to HVAC a passive house dwelling," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 309(C).
    18. Minseong Kim & Yong-Kwon Kang & Jaewon Joung & Jae-Weon Jeong, 2022. "Cooling Performance Prediction for Hydraulic Thermoelectric Radiant Cooling Panels with Experimental Validation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-17, December.

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