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Electrical Generation of a Ground-Level Solar Thermoelectric Generator: Experimental Tests and One-Year Cycle Simulation

Author

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  • Eduard Massaguer

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction, University of Girona, c/Universitat de Girona 4, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Albert Massaguer

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction, University of Girona, c/Universitat de Girona 4, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Eudald Balló

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction, University of Girona, c/Universitat de Girona 4, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Ivan Ruiz Cózar

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction, University of Girona, c/Universitat de Girona 4, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Toni Pujol

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction, University of Girona, c/Universitat de Girona 4, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Lino Montoro

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction, University of Girona, c/Universitat de Girona 4, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Martí Comamala

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction, University of Girona, c/Universitat de Girona 4, 17003 Girona, Spain)

Abstract

Solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs) are a promising technology to harvest energy for off-grid applications. A wide variety of STEG designs have been proposed with the aim of providing non-intermittent electrical generation. Here, we designed and tested a STEG 0.5 m long formed by nine commercial thermoelectric generator modules and located at ground level. Data were used to validate a numerical model that was employed to simulate a one-year cycle. Results confirmed the very high variability of energy generation during daylight time due to weather conditions. By contrast, energy generation during night was almost independent of atmospheric conditions. Annual variations of nighttime energy generation followed the trend of the daily averaged soil temperature at the bottom of the device. Nighttime electrical energy generation was 5.4 times smaller than the diurnal one in yearly averaged values. Mean energy generation values per day were 587 J d −1 (daylight time) and 110 J d −1 (nighttime). Total annual energy generation was 255 kJ. Mean electrical output power values during daylight and nighttime were 13.4 mW and 2.5 mW, respectively. Annual mean output power was 7.9 mW with a peak value of 79.8 mW.

Suggested Citation

  • Eduard Massaguer & Albert Massaguer & Eudald Balló & Ivan Ruiz Cózar & Toni Pujol & Lino Montoro & Martí Comamala, 2020. "Electrical Generation of a Ground-Level Solar Thermoelectric Generator: Experimental Tests and One-Year Cycle Simulation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:13:p:3407-:d:379409
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Massaguer, Albert & Massaguer, Eduard, 2021. "Faster and more accurate simulations of thermoelectric generators through the prediction of the optimum load resistance for maximum power and efficiency points," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).

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