Experimental characterization of a thermoelectric active insulation panel for boundary-matched thermal control

This study presents an experimental evaluation of a thermoelectric active insulation panel proposed as a proof-of-concept building-envelope component for boundary-matched thermal control. Prototypes comprising a 5 × 5 array of thermoelectric modules bonded to aluminum or copper plates were evaluated in a controlled climate chamber at temperature differences ( ΔT ) of 1 to 15 °C. Electrical power consumption increased nonlinearly with ΔT, with relatively low electrical demand observed below approximately 9 °C under the tested conditions. This range represents a potential operating region for further energy-performance assessment rather than a verified net energy-saving regime. The aluminum prototype consumed more power at lower ΔT , whereas the copper prototype consumed more at higher ΔT , with a crossover near 8 °C; the underlying mechanisms require further verification. Fifth-order polynomial regressions reproduced the measured power consumption with R 2 values of approximately 0.999 and root mean square errors of 1.36 and 1.43 W/m 2 for the aluminum and copper prototypes, respectively. The results provide electrical-input characteristics and empirical correlations within the tested configuration and boundary conditions. Direct heat-flux measurements, wall-assembly energy-balance assessment, and closed-loop control validation are required before confirming thermal benefits and whole-building energy savings.