Thermal Energy Harvesting

This chapter presents some recent advances in the field of thermal energy harvesting, starting with thermoelectric energy harvesting, with a focus on the prospects of materials nanostructuration. Research toward alternative solutions will also be presented. Thermoelectric (TE) conversion is the most straightforward method to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, able to power such systems as autonomous sensor networks. Raman thermometry offers particular advantages for a fast and contactless determination of the thermal conductivity. The highly porous Si material is nanostructured and has the properties of confined systems, including a very low thermal conductivity. The chapter explores an alternative route for thermal energy harvesting (TEH) with composites using the mechanical coupling between a thermal shape memory alloy (SMA) and a piezoelectric material.