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Series of detail comparison and optimization of thermoelectric element geometry considering the PV effect

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

Abstract

This study investigates the optimum geometry for maximum efficiency of a hybrid PV-TE uni-couple using Finite Element Method. COMSOL Multiphysics is used to solve the 3-Dimensional heat transfer equations considering thermoelectric materials with temperature dependent properties. Two types of thermoelectric element geometry area ratios are considered for the range 0.5≤RA≤2 and 0.5≤RS≤2. Nine different geometric configurations are analysed for two different PV cells. Effects of thermoelectric generator (TEG) geometric parameters, solar irradiation and concentration ratio on the hybrid system efficiency are presented. The results show that a hybrid PV-TE system will perform better with symmetrical TEG geometry (RA=RS=1) if a PV temperature coefficient of 0.004/K (Cell B) is used. This is different from the optimum geometry for a TEG only system. However, the optimum geometry of the TEG in a hybrid system will be the same as that of a TEG only system (dissymmetrical i.e. RA=RS≠1) if a PV temperature coefficient of 0.001/K (Cell A) is used. The overall efficiency and TE temperature difference show a decreasing trend as thermoelectric element length and area increase respectively no matter the configuration or temperature coefficient value used. Results obtained from this research would influence hybrid PV-TE system design for obtaining maximum conversion efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Shittu, Samson & Li, Guiqiang & Zhao, Xudong & Ma, Xiaoli, 2019. "Series of detail comparison and optimization of thermoelectric element geometry considering the PV effect," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 930-942.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:130:y:2019:i:c:p:930-942
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2018.07.002
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    Cited by:

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    7. Shittu, Samson & Li, Guiqiang & Zhao, Xudong & Ma, Xiaoli, 2020. "Review of thermoelectric geometry and structure optimization for performance enhancement," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 268(C).
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    9. Rejeb, Oussama & Shittu, Samson & Ghenai, Chaouki & Li, Guiqiang & Zhao, Xudong & Bettayeb, Maamar, 2020. "Optimization and performance analysis of a solar concentrated photovoltaic-thermoelectric (CPV-TE) hybrid system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 1342-1353.
    10. Shittu, Samson & Li, Guiqiang & Tang, Xin & Zhao, Xudong & Ma, Xiaoli & Badiei, Ali, 2020. "Analysis of thermoelectric geometry in a concentrated photovoltaic-thermoelectric under varying weather conditions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    11. Wang, Xue & Wang, Hongchao & Su, Wenbin & Mehmood, Fahad & Zhai, Jinze & Wang, Teng & Chen, Tingting & Wang, Chunlei, 2019. "Geometric structural design for lead tellurium thermoelectric power generation application," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 141(C), pages 88-95.
    12. Garud, Kunal Sandip & Lee, Moo-Yeon, 2022. "Thermodynamic, environmental and economic analyses of photovoltaic/thermal-thermoelectric generator system using single and hybrid particle nanofluids," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 255(C).
    13. Gao, Yuanzhi & Wang, Changling & Wu, Dongxu & Dai, Zhaofeng & Chen, Bo & Zhang, Xiaosong, 2022. "A numerical evaluation of the bifacial concentrated PV-STEG system cooled by mini-channel heat sink," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 192(C), pages 716-730.
    14. Yin, Ershuai & Li, Qiang & Xuan, Yimin, 2020. "Feasibility analysis of a tandem photovoltaic-thermoelectric hybrid system under solar concentration," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 1828-1841.
    15. Li, Guiqiang & Shittu, Samson & zhou, Kai & Zhao, Xudong & Ma, Xiaoli, 2019. "Preliminary experiment on a novel photovoltaic-thermoelectric system in summer," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    16. Khalil, ALkhadher & Elhassnaoui, Ahmed & Yadir, Said & Abdellatif, Obbadi & Errami, Youssef & Sahnoun, Smail, 2021. "Performance comparison of TEGs for diverse variable leg geometry with the same leg volume," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 224(C).
    17. Shittu, Samson & Li, Guiqiang & Akhlaghi, Yousef Golizadeh & Ma, Xiaoli & Zhao, Xudong & Ayodele, Emmanuel, 2019. "Advancements in thermoelectric generators for enhanced hybrid photovoltaic system performance," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 24-54.
    18. Shittu, Samson & Li, Guiqiang & Xuan, Qindong & Zhao, Xudong & Ma, Xiaoli & Cui, Yu, 2020. "Electrical and mechanical analysis of a segmented solar thermoelectric generator under non-uniform heat flux," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).

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