Photovoltaic Thermo-Electric (PTE) panel: a low-tech approach for the energy transition in Architecture

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the “Thermo-Electric Photovoltaic Panel” research conducted by Università Iuav di Venezia in partnership with four companies. The research examined a new device that combines the photoelectric properties of photovoltaic panels with those of thermoelectric cells to increase the efficiency of energy production. This technology exploits heat exchange to produce energy in the absence of solar radiation, and marks a significant improvement in photovoltaic panel and thermoelectric cell technology. The research also verified the feasibility of the technology, and identified proposals for its use in architectural envelopes and in the transport sector.