Topics

Thermal-to-electric conversion represents the backbone of the modern industrial economies. Thermomechanical engines are the standard used converters, but they have severe limitations in (down)scalability, maintenance, degradation over time. Solid-state thermal-to-electric converters are steady devices with no movement, corresponding to long lifetimes and no necessity of maintenance, and are fully scalable, with an efficiency not significantly depending on size. An exceptionally increasing interest has been attracting a huge effort in the R&D of solid-state thermal-to-electric converters, based on development of advanced materials, including smart nanofluids, and novel conversion devices operating at moderate, medium, high, and ultra-high temperature.

Topics include but are not limited to:

• Technologies and materials for thermoelectric energy conversion

• Smart fluids for thermoelectric energy conversion

• New concepts and materials for thermionic energy conversion

• Thermophotovoltaic conversion and related materials

• Hybrid thermal energy conversion

• Concentrated solar power storage and conversion

• Other solar energy materials & concepts