PV-hybrid and thermoelectric collectors

Rockendorf, Gunter; Sillmann, Roland; Podlowski, L.; Litzenburger, B.

doi:10.1016/s0038-092x(00)00075-x

Cited by 94 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…For over a century thermoelectric devices have drawn little attention as a potential technology for terrestrial solar power conversion due to low efficiency and/or complicated and bulky designs, making the technology economically viable only for niche solar applications (Telkes, 1954;Goldsmid et al, 1980;Dent and Cobble, 1982;Rockendorf et al, 1999;Vatcharasathien et al, 2005;Li et al, 2010). Solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs) have also been designed and optimized for space applications due to their advantages of reliability and the capability to withstand high incident solar radiation (Fuschillo et al, 1966;Scherrer et al, 2003) However, constraints and designs for earth-based STEGs are different and have not been successfully optimized for large-scale and potentially cost-effective deployment on rooftops or for the integration in solar hot water systems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling and optimization of solar thermoelectric generators for terrestrial applications

et al. 2012

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In this paper we introduce a model and an optimization methodology for terrestrial solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs). We describe, discuss, and justify the necessary constraints on the STEG geometry that make the STEG optimization independent of individual dimensions. A simplified model shows that the thermoelectric elements in STEGs can be scaled in size without affecting the overall performance of the device, even when the properties of the thermoelectric material and the solar absorber are temperature-dependent. Consequently, the amount of thermoelectric material can be minimized to be only a negligible fraction of the total system cost. As an example, a Bi 2 Te 3 -based STEG is optimized for rooftop power generation. Peak efficiency is predicted to be 5% at the standard spectrum AM1.5G, with the thermoelectric material cost below 0.05 $/W p . Integrating STEGs into solar hot water systems for cogeneration adds electricity at minimal extra cost. In such cogeneration systems the electric current can be adjusted throughout the day to favor either electricity or hot water production.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling and optimization of solar thermoelectric generators for terrestrial applications

et al. 2012

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“…The cells will also exhibit long-term degradation if the temperature exceeds a certain limit [5,6]. Therefore, some technology means have been developed for cooling the solar cells, such as hybrid photovoltaic/thermal solar system (PV/T) [7][8][9] and jet impingement cooling device [4,10]. In practical use, most solar cells are in fact encapsulated into a 'sandwich' structure that typically consists of Glass/Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)/ ARC-Si/EVA/Tedlar (see Figure 1).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thermally conductive and electrically insulating EVA composite encapsulant for solar photovoltaic (PV) cell

Lee¹,

Liu²,

Sun³

et al. 2008

Express Polym. Lett.

107

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Abstract.A new way of improving the heat dissipating ability and PV efficiency of the solar cells by enhancing the thermal conductivity of the rear EVA layer was reported. The thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, degree of curing of the EVA encapsulating composites and the PV efficiency of the solar cells are investigated. Filling with the thermal conductive fillers enhances the thermal conductivity of the composites effectively. The thermal conductivity of the filler influences significantly the thermal conductivity of the composite at high filler loading (greater than 20 vol%). Thermal conductivities of the composites filled with SiC, ZnO or BN reach respectively 2.85, 2.26 and 2.08 W/m·K at filler content of 60 vol%. The composites filled with ZnO or BN exhibit superior electrical insulation to those filled with SiC or Al2O3. ZnO can promote the cross-linking reaction of the EVA matrix. The test results indicated that the EVA composite encapsulating rear films filled with thermal conductive fillers are able to improve the PV efficiency and the heat dissipating ability of the solar cell effectively.

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“…Similar mode lings were already carried out on various types of solar collectors [17][18]. In this equation, the tenns of the second member respectively represent the power exchanged by convection and radiation between the pane and the medium external with the back of the module and the power exchanged by conduction between the rear window and the cells.…”

Section: R0(t)= R(t)m ( 19)mentioning

confidence: 99%