Contributing to energy conservation and low carbon emissions through the effective heat use

60% of the primary energy supply is disposed without effective utilization in the form of heat (waste heat). Furthermore, improving the efficiency of thermal management is necessary to achieve energy conservation in various devices and processes. Solid-state semiconductor-based thermoelectric modules allow to directly convert waste heat into valuable electricity (thermoelectric power generation) or can be used for highly accurate temperature control using electric current (Peltier cooling). Our team focuses on all aspects of thermoelectric conversion technologies, from cutting-edge materials, modules, power generation demonstrations, and evaluations, in order to promote their widespread use. Advanced manufacturing, analysis, and evaluation facilities are available in our laboratory to promote research and development of thermoelectric technologies.

Focusing on all aspects of thermoelectrics, from materials, modules, and evaluations

①Improvement in figure of merit of materials using state-of-the-art materials science

Our team focuses on achieving high efficiency in thermoelectric materials through the advanced control of heat and electrical transport and developing new thermoelectric materials made from low resources elements (sulfur, magnesium, etc.) and organic materials.

②Development of module and power generation demonstration

Our team are developing electrode fabrication technology for improving the thermal and electrical contacts between interfaces and investigating the degradation behavior of thermoelectric modules to highly reliable power generation. We are interested in developing thermoelectric systems by integrating related heat technologies (heat transfer, heat radiation, etc.).

③Advanced evaluation methods

One important challenge is the development of advanced evaluation technology to support fair thermoelectric market growth. We developed reference module are conducting interlaboratory testing of thermoelectric conversion in international framework.

④Bridging the technological valley of death for social implementation

We aim to commercialize thermoelectric technologies through a wide range of collaborative efforts with companies in Japan. For example, we have supported the establishment of Mottainai Energy Co., Ltd. (AIST startup company).

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