*2.4.2 Thermoelectric power generation*

Thermoelectric power generation is a significant freshwater consumer in the United States, with a large part of the water used lost to evaporation. These power plants, operating at 35–55% efficiency, contribute to thermal pollution, endangering local ecosystems. While wet cooling systems, which utilize cooling towers, are more efficient and cost-effective due to water's superior heat transfer capabilities, their extensive use is increasingly seen as unsustainable due to the strain on freshwater resources. As a response, there is a growing need to improve dry cooling technologies. Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Systems (LHTESS), incorporating phase change material (PCM)-based heat exchangers, offer a promising solution. LHTESS enhances the efficiency and reliability of dry cooling systems, particularly beneficial in arid areas prone to significant temperature swings and power generation challenges [55].


**Abstract**

*Capsicum* pods (or chili pepper) constitute the world's second most consumed vegetable crop and spice after tomato in our daily culinary practice. Five indigenous species that are widely domesticated in various parts of India include *Capsicum annuum* L.*, Capsicum chinense* Jacq.*, Capsicum frutescens* L.*, Capsicum baccatum* L., and *Capsicum pubescens* L. The chili pods of *C. chinense* Jacq (locally known as *Bhut Jolokia* in the Assam state of India) was officially recognized as the world's hottest *Capsicum* variety according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Capsaicinoids, a group of chemical principles present in matured *capsicum* pods, are responsible for the pungency as well as pharmacological/medicinal properties of capsicum. Some important capsaicinoids include capsaicin, followed by dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homodihydrocapsaicin, and homocapsaicin. Traditional practices of capsicum pods of *Bhut Jolokia* have been well documented for the management of various human disorders/ailments, particularly in the north-eastern region of India. In modern medicine, *Bhut Jolokia* pods have been used in the treatment of arthritis, gastritis, toothache, and musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain including other pharmacological disorders and microbial infections. Capsaicinoids have been reported to exhibit a diverse range of biological effectiveness such as antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic effects.

**Keywords:** *capsicum*, capsaicinoids, capsaicin, *Bhut Jolokia*, *Dhan Jolokia*, indigenous, Indian varieties, pungency, traditional uses, medicinal properties