Technology
Solid-State Thermoelectric Waste Heat Recovery
NISO Energy is developing modular systems that convert suitable industrial waste heat directly into electricity using solid-state thermoelectric conversion elements. A complete installation also requires heat-capture interfaces, cold-side heat rejection and electrical conditioning.
The Thermoelectric Conversion Chain
Heat flowing through thermoelectric materials from a hot side to a cooled side creates a DC voltage through the Seebeck effect. Effective conversion requires controlled heat capture, continuous cold-side heat rejection and electrical conditioning before the generated power can be used by the facility.
Industrial heat source
Furnaces, exhaust, hot surfaces
Heat-capture interface
Controlled thermal coupling
Thermoelectric module array
Solid-state conversion — Seebeck effect
Cold-side cooling / heat rejection
Required temperature differential
DC collection and power conditioning
DC → AC conversion
On-site electrical load
Power consumed at the host facility
Industrial heat source
Furnaces, exhaust, hot surfaces
Heat-capture interface
Controlled thermal coupling
Thermoelectric module array
Solid-state conversion — Seebeck effect
Cold-side cooling / heat rejection
Required temperature differential
DC collection and power conditioning
DC → AC conversion
On-site electrical load
Power consumed at the host facility
No combustion
The system does not burn fuel. It converts heat that the industrial process already produces.
Solid-state conversion element
The thermoelectric conversion element is solid-state and has no moving parts. The complete system requires heat capture, cold-side heat rejection and electrical conditioning, and may include balance-of-system equipment such as pumps or fans, depending on the application.
Cold-side heat rejection required
Effective conversion requires a maintained temperature difference between the hot side and the cold side. Cold-side heat rejection is a required element of every system design.
Where We Are Today
Module development is currently assessed at approximately TRL 4. Panel engineering and industrial pilot validation are the next stages.
Demonstrated to Date
- Gen-1 module operated and generated electricity under defined laboratory conditions.
- 3.2% module-level conversion efficiency measured under defined laboratory conditions.
- Module development currently assessed at approximately TRL 4.
In Development
- Integrated panel architecture.
- Heat capture and cold-side heat rejection.
- Module interconnection and power conditioning.
- Sealing, mounting and industrial integration.
Pilot Validation Required
- Net installed output.
- Thermal-cycling durability.
- Environmental and mechanical reliability.
- Installation and maintenance requirements.
- Installed cost and site-specific economics.
NISO Gen-1 thermoelectric module — laboratory prototype.
Gen-1 Laboratory Module
- Module size
- 4 × 4 cm
- Thermoelectric legs
- 30 — 15 n-type and 15 p-type
- Measured conversion efficiency
- 3.2% under defined laboratory conditions
- Development objective
- 5–7% — not yet achieved
Detailed test conditions are available for qualified technical review. Laboratory results do not guarantee commercial-site performance.
What We Have Demonstrated, What We Are Building, and What Requires Validation
NISO is committed to accurate representation of its technology status. The sections below distinguish between what is public information, what is available for qualified technical review, and what requires industrial validation before commercial claims can be made.
Public information
- Gen-1 module size: 4 × 4 cm
- 30 thermoelectric legs: 15 n-type and 15 p-type
- 3.2% module-level conversion efficiency measured under defined laboratory conditions
- Module development currently assessed at approximately TRL 4
Available for qualified technical review
- Detailed test conditions
- Measurement approach
- Relevant laboratory methodology and limitations
Requires industrial validation
- Net installed output.
- Thermal-cycling durability.
- Environmental and mechanical reliability.
- Installation and maintenance requirements.
- Installed cost and site-specific economics.
Development status updated September 2026.
Interested in a Technical Discussion?
Detailed technical information is available for qualified industrial, investment and partnership discussions.