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Evaluation of Efficiency Enhancement in Photovoltaic Panels via Integrated Thermoelectric Cooling and Power Generation

Author

Listed:
  • Muhammad Faheem

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, National University of Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan)

  • Muhammad Abu Bakr

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, National University of Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan)

  • Muntazir Ali

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, National University of Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan)

  • Muhammad Awais Majeed

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, National University of Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan)

  • Zunaib Maqsood Haider

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan)

  • Muhammad Omer Khan

    (Department of Electrical Engineering & Technology, Riphah International University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan)

Abstract

Among renewable resources, solar energy is abundant and cost effective. However, the efficiency and performance of photovoltaic panels (PVs) are adversely affected by the rise in the surface temperature of solar cells. This paper analyzes the idea of utilizing thermoelectric modules (TEMs) to enhance the efficiency and performance of PV panels. The proposed hybrid solar thermoelectric generation (HSTEG) system employs TEMs as thermoelectric coolers (TECs) to enhance panel efficiency and as thermoelectric generators (TEGs) to convert excess heat into additional electricity. This study includes an extensive evaluation of the proposed idea using MATLAB Simulink and experimental validation in indoor as well as outdoor environments. The use of TECs for the active cooling of the PV system leads to an increase in its efficiency by 9.54%. Similarly, the passive cooling by TECs along with the additional power generated by the TEGs from the excessive heat led to an increase in the efficiency of the PV system of 15.50%. The results demonstrate the HSTEG system’s potential to significantly improve PV panel efficiency and energy generation, offering a promising avenue for advancing solar energy technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Faheem & Muhammad Abu Bakr & Muntazir Ali & Muhammad Awais Majeed & Zunaib Maqsood Haider & Muhammad Omer Khan, 2024. "Evaluation of Efficiency Enhancement in Photovoltaic Panels via Integrated Thermoelectric Cooling and Power Generation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:11:p:2590-:d:1403166
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Huang, Shouyuan & Xu, Xianfan, 2017. "A regenerative concept for thermoelectric power generation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 185(P1), pages 119-125.
    2. Bagus Radiant Utomo & Amin Sulistyanto & Tri Widodo Besar Riyadi & Agung Tri Wijayanta, 2023. "Enhanced Performance of Combined Photovoltaic–Thermoelectric Generator and Heat Sink Panels with a Dual-Axis Tracking System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-20, March.
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