Thermoelectric Element Geometry Optimization for Maximum Hybrid Photovoltaic-Thermoelectric System Efficiency

Shittu, Samson; Li, Guiqiang; Zhao, Xudong; Ma, Xiaoli

Abstract

The geometry of thermoelectric elements in a hybrid Photovoltaic-Thermoelectric (PV-TE) power generation system can influence the conversion efficiency of the hybrid system. Therefore, this study investigates the optimum geometry for maximum conversion efficiency of a hybrid PV-TE uni-couple using Finite Element Method (FEM). COMSOL Multiphysics is used to solve the 3-Dimensional heat transfer equations considering thermoelectric materials with temperature dependent properties. The thermoelectric element geometry area ratio is considered for the range 0.5≤R_A≤2. R_A is the cross-sectional area ratio of the thermoelectric element hot and cold junctions (AH/AC). Therefore, three different geometric configurations are analysed. Temperature and voltage distributions in the hybrid system for the different configurations considered are presented. Effects of thermoelectric generator (TEG) geometric parameters and load resistance on the hybrid system efficiency are presented. The results show that a hybrid PV-TE system will perform better with symmetrical TEG geometry (R_A=1) however, this is different from the optimum geometry for a TEG only system (R_A≠1). The influence of solar irradiation and concentration ratio on the hybrid system performance are also studied. Results obtained from this research would influence hybrid PV-TE system designs for obtaining maximum conversion efficiency.

Citation

Shittu, S., Li, G., Zhao, X., & Ma, X. (2018, August). Thermoelectric Element Geometry Optimization for Maximum Hybrid Photovoltaic-Thermoelectric System Efficiency. Paper presented at 17th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies (SET 2018), Wuhan, China

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: 17th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies (SET 2018)
• Start Date: Aug 21, 2018
• End Date: Aug 23, 2018
• Deposit Date: Oct 26, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 20, 2020
• Keywords: PV-TE; FEM; TE Area Ratio; Geometry
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3648936