Design, Fabrication, and Performance Study of Solar Thermoelectric Generator

Abstract

This project presents the design, fabrication, and performance study of a solar thermoelectric generator. Solar energy is considered one of the most effective types and sources of renewable energy. Among the available options, solar energy has predominantly been harnessed through the use of solar PV panels. However, solar PV panels are quite expensive, an alternative system is designed to utilize solar energy through thermoelectric generators. This new design is a cheaper system because it replaces solar PV panels with thermoelectric generators that can absorb heat and convert it directly into electricity through a concept known as the Seebeck effect. The Seebeck effect is based on the temperature difference between two sides. By heating the hot side of a thermoelectric material, electrons migrate from the hot side to the cooler side, thereby generating an electrical current. Since the Seebeck effect depends on higher temperature differences for more efficiency, a cooling system positioned below which will cool the cold side of the STEG, while the sun above will heat the hot side, creating a higher temperature difference and improved efficiency. This system focuses on a two-stage thermoelectric generator comprised of two modules: a lower-temperature generator and a medium-temperature generator. In accordance with the optimal operating temperature of thermoelectric materials, the medium-temperature generator is positioned on the hot side, while the lower-temperature generator is situated on the cold side. Ultimately, the performance of the two-stage STEG is assessed across various operational conditions. The primary advantage of employing a two-stage STEG is that the heat-to electricity conversion process occurs twice as the heat passes through the two-stage STEG, resulting in higher efficiency compared to a single-stage thermoelectric generator.