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By: Muhammed Okoliko Ibrahim, Abbas Adamu, Abdullahi Adamu Mazadu, Paul Thomas Muge, and Isaac Jato.
1-4 Scholar, Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Federal Polytechnic N’yak Shendam, Plateau state, Nigeria
5 Scholar, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic N’yak Shendam, Plateau state, Nigeria
This study investigates the feasibility of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) for recovering waste heat from building systems and converting it into electrical energy through the Seebeck effect. A journal-scale simulation framework integrating ANSYS thermal modeling with MATLAB/Simulink electrical analysis was developed to evaluate TEG deployment on building envelope surfaces at the Federal Polytechnic Nyak Shendam, Nigeria. Results demonstrate a proportional increase in electrical output with rising temperature gradients, confirming predictable thermoelectric performance under practical environmental conditions. Roof and wall installations exhibited the highest recovery potential, producing approximately 3–15 W per module depending on thermal differentials and operating parameters. Model validation showed strong agreement between simulation platforms, with deviations remaining below 6%, indicating reliable predictive capability for engineering design and optimization. Parametric studies further identified optimal electrical load resistance, module arrangement, and surface placement strategies to maximize conversion efficiency and power stability. Techno-economic analysis revealed a feasible investment profile, including an estimated payback period of seven years, a net present value of USD 2,150, and an internal rate of return of 15%, supporting long-term deployment potential in institutional buildings. Environmental impact assessment projected annual electricity savings of 7,096 kWh alongside a reduction of approximately 6.03 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, demonstrating measurable sustainability benefits. Overall, the findings confirm that TEG-based waste heat recovery offers a technically viable, economically practical, and environmentally sustainable solution for decentralized, low-power building energy systems in developing regions. The proposed framework also supports scalable retrofitting strategies, enabling integration with existing infrastructure while maintaining minimal maintenance requirements over time.
Citation:
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