An energy recovery method for ultra-low waste heat temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell is presented utilizing a combined thermoelectric generator (TEG), heat pipe and heat sink system. The aim is to analyze the fundamental characteristics through experimental works and obtain a steady-state model of the system under the scenario of a mini hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. A test bench was developed consisting of a 2 kW open-cathode PEM fuel cell and a single TEG. A thermal resistance network model was also developed and validated. The main variables were the TEG cooling modes and orientation of the TEG towards the heat flow. At 37 degrees C waste heat temperature, the highest voltage and power output of 25.7 mV and 218 mW respectively were obtained via forced convection cooling and normal flow orientation. The results obtained are unique as it positively showed that the combined use of TEG, heat pipe and heat sink on a vehicle would offset the ultra-low waste heat temperature from a PEM fuel cell. Successful characterization of this system and validation of the model would also allow the system to be further developed for higher performance and contribute to sustainability of PEM fuel cell systems. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.