BITES
Building-Integrated Thermoelectric System: An environmentally friendly approach for self-heating and cooling in buildings
BITES is an environmentally friendly approach to self-heating and cooling in buildings. Funded by the European Union under HORIZON-MSCA-2024 (Grant Agreement No. 101208430), it uses thermoelectric technology—based on the Seebeck and Peltier effects—for heating, cooling, and ventilation, offering silent, reliable, low-maintenance operation with no moving parts. The project explores integrating thermoelectric modules into building envelopes, in combination with solar photovoltaic panels, to create a hybrid energy-harvesting system.
General objective
Custom design and integration of efficient thermoelectric systems and advanced hybrid technology; exploring nanostructured, high-ZT thermoelectric materials and system designs for smart buildings; bringing together a multidisciplinary team of experts to shape the future of sustainable building technologies; and working with various institutions to transform thermoelectric innovations into real-world solutions.
Principal investigator
Reshma Krishnan Madathil
Team researcher
César Martín Gómez
(supervisor)
Duration:
August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2027
Financing and financing entity:
European Union, HORIZON-MSCA-2024, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), Grant Agreement No. 101208430
Location:
University of Navarra (Pamplona) | School of Architecture, Department of Construction, Building Services, and Structures
core topic
WHY IS THIS project NECESSARY?
Buildings are major contributors to global energy consumption and carbon emissions. Thermoelectric technology offers a quiet, refrigerant-free, low-maintenance alternative for heating, cooling, and ventilation with no moving parts, addressing the need for more energy-efficient, climate-resilient buildings.
WHAT SOLUTIONS IS THE BITES project TING EXAMINING?
BITES integrates thermoelectric modules into building envelopes to improve thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption by conventional HVAC systems. It also explores their integration with solar photovoltaic panels to create a hybrid energy-harvesting system that provides self-heating, air conditioning, and ventilation.
how does this project affect society?
It contributes to more energy-efficient, climate-resilient buildings, reduces reliance on conventional HVAC systems, and helps transform thermoelectric innovations into real-world, sustainable building solutions.
Participating partners