Study of thermoelectric power generation from footbridge lift roof and building glass facade

Abstract

Despite two centuries of research on thermoelectricity, practical power generation remains limited, especially in low-temperature urban environments. Our study aims to assess the feasibility of thermoelectric power generation by deploying a custom-designed prototype on the glass facade of a building and the roof of a footbridge lift. The prototype features 36 TEGs connected in series, generating power in the range of a few mW under typical ambient conditions, primarily due to the smaller temperature difference, especially at night. Temperature mismatches and internal resistance disparities between TEGs lower the prototype power generation. Unidirectional cold air flow and uneven installation surfaces are two additional issues that contribute to inadequate power generation. To address these issues, improvements have been made to the glass facade prototype, including the application of a solar-absorption film to the hot side and the installation of a cooling fan on the cold-side surfaces. These effectively increase the temperature gradient, thereby improving overall power generation. Our work provides a vital framework and actual data for incorporating TEGs into urban infrastructure, moving beyond theoretical promise to a practical assessment of opportunities and constraints. Practical Application: This paper proposes a simple, lightweight, and portable TEG prototype design for use in footbridge lift roofs and building glass facades. The prototype installed on the building’s glass facade demonstrated the potential to generate sufficient electricity to power the LED strips and low-power sensors. This research highlights the feasibility of utilising thermoelectric generators in urban infrastructure and underscores the importance of optimising installation conditions to improve power generation.