The International Workshop on Thermoelectric Research & Thermal Management Technology was held in the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Namiki Site from June 28 to June 29, 2013, mainly organized by MANA, and co-sponsored by TIA NanoGreen, TC-B Thermal Energy Conversion Open Laboratory. 11 distinguished researchers from overseas participated, including Professor Antoine Maignan, Director of CRISMAT, Professor Yuri Grin, Director of Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids, Dr. James Salvador, Senior Researcher of GM, and Professor David Cahill, University of Illinois. Lab Tours and Round Table Discussions were held and a Lecture Session was held on the afternoon of June 29 with 13 speakers from both Japan and overseas, and over 80 participants.
Approximately two thirds of all primary energy (fossil fuels, etc.) being consumed in the world, sadly turns out to be unutilized, with much of it being waste heat. Development of viable thermoelectric materials which can directly convert part of waste heat to electricity, and advanced thermal management technology can have a huge benefit for society. This workshop had presentations from top researchers in the field, detailing recent breakthroughs and state of the art technology and development strategies.