Tapping on waste heat for green electricity is a welcomed goal, especially in an energy-scarce era. For more than 200 years, the optimization of thermoelectric modules has been through either materials efficiency or device topology (fill factor, aspect ratio, etc.). Now, there is a pressing need for a re-examination of its design for higher power performance modules. Specifically, there have been recent reports on the potential of leg geometries for increased output power, but progress is hampered by current leg fabrication methods. In this Perspective, we offer a fresh take on how lattice architectural thermoelectric legs are a cost-effective strategy that can drastically improve power output. We will discuss the extent to which lightweight lattice legs can improve output power and the trade-offs with mechanical performance and conclude with strategies to realize them for industrial applications.

中文翻译：

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用于热电能量收集的晶格架构

利用废热产生绿色电力是一个受欢迎的目标，尤其是在能源匮乏的时代。 200 多年来，热电模块的优化一直通过材料效率或器件拓扑（填充因子、纵横比等）来实现。现在，迫切需要重新审查其设计以获得更高功率性能的模块。具体来说，最近有报道称腿部几何形状具有增加输出功率的潜力，但目前的腿部制造方法阻碍了进展。在本视角中，我们对晶格结构热电腿如何成为一种可以大幅提高功率输出的经济高效的策略提供了新的看法。我们将讨论轻质网格腿可以在多大程度上提高输出功率以及与机械性能的权衡，并得出在工业应用中实现它们的策略。