A computer creates a thermoelectric generator with an unusual shape, more precise heat flow, and 8 times higher efficiency than the conventional rectangular version.

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 12/05/2026 at 14:41

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Computer-designed thermoelectric generator uses unusual shape to better control heat, reduce electrical losses, and achieve 8.2 times higher efficiency than a conventional rectangular model

A computer-designed thermoelectric generator achieved 8.2 times higher efficiency than a conventional rectangular model made of the same material, in tests by researchers in South Korea.

Design replaces trial and error with calculation

Thermoelectricity is among the most promising alternative energy sources because it allows the use of different forms of heat available in nature. This utilization can range from human body heat to solar heat.

The field also allows for recycling heat produced by technologies used in everyday life. The challenge is not just in creating materials capable of converting heat directly into electricity with greater efficiency.

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Topological optimization defines the best shape

Jungsoo Lee and colleagues assessed that testing everything in the laboratory, by trial and error, would require excessive effort. The team handed the task over to a computer program based on topological optimization.

This method determines the most efficient three-dimensional geometry for a task. Instead of starting from a ready-made design, the program analyzes the project conditions and creates structures to maximize efficiency.

The approach reduces dependence on expensive experiments. It also includes practical parameters, such as thermal environment, material properties, contact resistance, and electrical load, bringing the design closer to real-world use.

Unusual shapes outperform rectangular design

The generated models stood out for their performance and appearance. While traditional thermoelectric generators usually have simple rectangular shapes, being easy to manufacture and test, the program pointed to different geometries.

Among the suggested structures were I-shapes and asymmetric hourglass shapes. These designs would be difficult to imagine with intuition alone but emerged from the computational analysis of variables.

The strongest result appeared in the best prototype tested. This thermoelectric generator achieved 8.2 times higher efficiency than a conventional rectangular model made with the same material.

Generator, Computer — Schematic of the thermoelectric generator based on topological optimization, whose experimental version was built by 3D printing.
[Image: Jungsoo Lee et al. – 10.1038/s41467-026-69901-3]Bat

Heat flow was precisely controlled

The team concluded that the computer-designed shape precisely controls heat flow. This control increases the temperature difference and reduces electrical resistance.

The model also minimizes contact-related losses. The improvement did not come from a new material but from the reorganization of the shape and internal conditions.

Jae Sung Son stated that the study goes beyond the traditional focus on better materials. For him, the work presents a path to elevate performance through guided design.

Next step involves AI tools

The team intends to integrate the program with AI tools. The goal is to expand the performance achieved with topological optimization in real thermal environments.

With this, the thermoelectric generator begins to better explore shape, heat flow, and practical operation. This change points to a different path for transforming heat into electricity.

With information from Inovação Tecnológica.

A computer creates a thermoelectric generator with an unusual shape, more precise heat flow, and 8 times higher efficiency than the conventional rectangular version.

Computer-designed thermoelectric generator uses unusual shape to better control heat, reduce electrical losses, and achieve 8.2 times higher efficiency than a conventional rectangular model

Design replaces trial and error with calculation

Topological optimization defines the best shape

Unusual shapes outperform rectangular design

Heat flow was precisely controlled

Next step involves AI tools

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A computer creates a thermoelectric generator with an unusual shape, more precise heat flow, and 8 times higher efficiency than the conventional rectangular version.

Computer-designed thermoelectric generator uses unusual shape to better control heat, reduce electrical losses, and achieve 8.2 times higher efficiency than a conventional rectangular model

Design replaces trial and error with calculation

Topological optimization defines the best shape

Unusual shapes outperform rectangular design

Heat flow was precisely controlled

Next step involves AI tools

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While Brazil has been discussing bullet trains for 16 years, China delivers 5 new high-speed lines in 2026, surpasses 50,000 km of HSR, and moves 1 billion passengers in a single year.

With a wingspan of 152 meters, 76 tires, and a capacity to carry 1,270 tons, the Boeing Pelican was the giant “flying ship” that promised to cross oceans close to the water on an invisible air cushion beneath its wings.

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