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Computational analysis and performance optimization of a solar thermoelectric generator

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  • Kossyvakis, D.N.
  • Vossou, C.G.
  • Provatidis, C.G.
  • Hristoforou, E.V.

Abstract

Solar energy has been considered for many years one of the most reliable and predictable renewable energy resources for the production of both electricity and heat. At the moment, renewable energy market is mainly focused on photovoltaics and solar thermal systems. Quite recently, the implementation of thermoelectric generators in solar energy conversion systems, as an alternative method for exploiting the potential of this huge resource, has attracted increasing attention. In this paper, the performance of a thermoelectric-based solar conversion unit is investigated computationally, using ANSYS Workbench v. 14.0 CAE Software. The electrical output of the system under consideration has been evaluated and performance prediction has been conducted under various operating conditions, demonstrating maximum power output of 33.7 W. Moreover, different techniques are discussed in order to enhance power output and optimize system operation according to the incoming solar irradiation levels, which can differ significantly throughout the year.

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  • Kossyvakis, D.N. & Vossou, C.G. & Provatidis, C.G. & Hristoforou, E.V., 2015. "Computational analysis and performance optimization of a solar thermoelectric generator," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 150-161.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:81:y:2015:i:c:p:150-161
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2015.03.026
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    5. Alghamdi, Hisham & Maduabuchi, Chika & Okoli, Kingsley & Albaker, Abdullah & Alatawi, Ibrahim & Alghassab, Mohammed & Albalawi, Hind & Alkhedher, Mohammad, 2024. "Performance optimization of nanofluid-cooled photovoltaic-thermoelectric systems: A study on geometry configuration, steady-state and annual transient effects," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 296(C).
    6. Rodrigo, P.M. & Valera, A. & Fernández, E.F. & Almonacid, F.M., 2019. "Performance and economic limits of passively cooled hybrid thermoelectric generator-concentrator photovoltaic modules," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(C), pages 1150-1162.
    7. Yao, Haichen & Liu, Xianglei & Luo, Qingyang & Xu, Qiao & Tian, Yang & Ren, Tianze & Zheng, Hangbin & Gao, Ke & Dang, Chunzhuo & Xuan, Yimin & Liu, Zhan & Yang, Xiaohu & Ding, Yulong, 2022. "Experimental and numerical investigations of solar charging performances of 3D porous skeleton based latent heat storage devices," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 320(C).
    8. Maduabuchi, Chika C. & Ejenakevwe, Kevwe A. & Mgbemene, Chigbo A., 2021. "Performance optimization and thermodynamic analysis of irreversibility in a contemporary solar thermoelectric generator," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 168(C), pages 1189-1206.
    9. Rezania, A. & Rosendahl, L.A., 2017. "Feasibility and parametric evaluation of hybrid concentrated photovoltaic-thermoelectric system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 187(C), pages 380-389.
    10. Shen, Zu-Guo & Wu, Shuang-Ying & Xiao, Lan & Chen, Zu-Xiang, 2017. "Proposal and assessment of a solar thermoelectric generation system characterized by Fresnel lens, cavity receiver and heat pipe," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 141(C), pages 215-238.
    11. Rezania, A. & Sera, D. & Rosendahl, L.A., 2016. "Coupled thermal model of photovoltaic-thermoelectric hybrid panel for sample cities in Europe," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 127-135.
    12. 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).
    13. Twaha, Ssennoga & Zhu, Jie & Yan, Yuying & Li, Bo, 2016. "A comprehensive review of thermoelectric technology: Materials, applications, modelling and performance improvement," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 698-726.
    14. Mahmoudinezhad, S. & Rezania, A. & Cotfas, P.A. & Cotfas, D.T. & Rosendahl, L.A., 2019. "Transient behavior of concentrated solar oxide thermoelectric generator," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 168(C), pages 823-832.
    15. Alghamdi, Hisham & Maduabuchi, Chika & Okoli, Kingsley & Albaker, Abdullah & Makki, Emad & Alghassab, Mohammed & Alobaid, Mohammad & Alkhedher, Mohammad, 2023. "Pioneering sustainable power: Harnessing material innovations in double stage segmented thermoelectric generators for optimal 4E performance," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 352(C).
    16. Meysam Karami Rad & Mahmoud Omid & Ali Rajabipour & Fariba Tajabadi & Lasse Aistrup Rosendahl & Alireza Rezaniakolaei, 2018. "Optimum Thermal Concentration of Solar Thermoelectric Generators (STEG) in Realistic Meteorological Condition," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-16, September.

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