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

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

doi:10.1016/j.renene.2018.07.002

Cited by 64 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…The task of improving the performance of a TEG is often related to the optimizing its leg geometry. By leg geometry, it implies the thermoelement area ratio

((), \frac{A_{n}}{A_{p}})

of the n‐ and p‐type legs or the area ratio of the hot and cold junction

((), \frac{A_{h}}{A_{c}}) .

Geometric optimization of TEG involves finding the number of thermocouple and height of leg that result in maximum electrical output. Various research works have been conducted to improve the performance of TEG by changing the TE leg geometry.…”

Section: Hybrid Pv‐tegmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…They concluded that a higher total efficiency could be achieved by employing a large cross‐sectional area and lower TEG height under constant concentration ratio and cold side temperature. Recently, Shittu et al carried out a detailed comparison and geometric optimization of thermoelement in PV‐TEG system while considering the temperature coefficient for two different solar cells. Their results indicated a better performance for a symmetrical leg geometry for a PV with efficiency temperature coefficient of 4 × 10 −3 K −1 .…”

Section: Hybrid Pv‐tegmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Shittu et al extended the study further by conducting detailed geometric optimization and comparison of a TEG for different PV cell and using the area ratio of the hot and cold junction of the thermoelement as shown in Figure .…”

Section: Comparative Assessment Of Integrated Pv‐teg Devicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Shittu et al 68 extended the study further by conducting detailed geometric optimization and comparison of a TEG for different PV cell and using the area ratio of the hot and cold junction of the thermoelement as shown in Figure 23. Their results indicated that the temperature coefficient of the PV cell used has a major effect on the PV-TEG system's performance in terms of output power and total efficiency no matter the modification of the TEG.…”

Section: Using the Geometric Parameters Of The Teg Modulementioning

confidence: 99%

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A review on the performance of photovoltaic/thermoelectric hybrid generators

et al. 2020

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Summary Utilization of a broad range of solar spectrum has the potential for high power output from solar cells. However, solar photovoltaics (PVs) can convert only part of the solar electromagnetic spectrum into electricity efficiently. The remaining of the solar radiation is often dissipated in the form of heat, which causes performance reduction and reduces the life expectancy of the solar PV cell. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are devices that operate like a heat engine by converting thermal energy into electricity through thermoelectric effect. Integrating a TEG into a PV converter will enhance its efficiency and reduce the amount of heat dissipated. Different studies have been carried out and are still taking place to increase the total efficiency of a coupled photovoltaic thermoelectric generator (PV‐TEG) system. This review discusses the concept of PV converters and thermoelectric devices and presents the various models and numerical and experimental investigations on performance enhancement of integrated PV‐TEGs. The influence of key parameters on the performance of PV‐TEG were also discussed. The review is expected to serve as a reference to recent work on research and development of integrated PV‐TEG systems.

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“…The task of improving the performance of a TEG is often related to the optimizing its leg geometry. By leg geometry, it implies the thermoelement area ratio

((), \frac{A_{n}}{A_{p}})

of the n‐ and p‐type legs or the area ratio of the hot and cold junction

((), \frac{A_{h}}{A_{c}}) .

Section: Hybrid Pv‐tegmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Hybrid Pv‐tegmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Comparative Assessment Of Integrated Pv‐teg Devicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Using the Geometric Parameters Of The Teg Modulementioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

A review on the performance of photovoltaic/thermoelectric hybrid generators

et al. 2020

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“…26,27 Theoretical analysis of trapezoidal leg geometries indicates that these geometries can lead to higher device efficiency. [28][29][30]…”

Section: A Thermal Resistance Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of thermoelectric leg geometries on thermal resistance and power output

Thimont

LeBlanc

2019

Journal of Applied Physics

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Thermoelectric devi ces enable direct, solid state conversion of heat to electricity and vice versa. Rather than designing the shape of thermo electric units or l eg s to maximize this energy conversion, the cuboid shape of these l eg s has instead remained unchanged in large part because of limitations in the standard manufacturing process. However, the advent of additive manufacturing (a technique in which freeform geometries are built up l aye r by l aye r) offers the potential to create unique thermoelectric leg geometries desi gn ed to optimize device performance. This work explores this new realm of nove! leg geometry by simulating the thermal and electrical performance of various leg geometries such as prismatic, hollow, and layered structures. The simulations are performed for two materials, a standard bismuth telluride material found in current commercial modules and a higher manganese silicide material proposed for low cost energy conversion in high temperature applications. The results indude the temperature gradient and electrical potential developed across individual thermoelectric legs as well as thermoelectric modules with 16 legs. Even simple hollow and layered l eg geometries result in larger temperature gradients and higher output powers than the traditional cuboid structure. The clear dependence of thermal resistance and power output on leg geometry provides compelling motivation to explore additive manufacturing of thermoelectric devices.

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