Rapid Evaluation System for Photovoltaic Cell and Thermoelectric Generator Hybrid Devices Depending on Temperature via Transparent Heater

Abstract

In this work, we demonstrate an efficient measurement system suitable for photovoltaic cell and thermoelectric generator (PV-TEG) hybrid devices, which employs a large-area (160 mm × 160 mm) transparent heater (TH). The TH can simultaneously transmit solar radiation and effectively heat the PV-TEG hybrid devices. The resulting TH incorporated measurement system enables the rapid measurement of hybrid devices with a larger range of temperatures. In addition, the measurement system exhibits superior reproducibility with a negligible difference in efficiency (<1%). The method can accelerate the development of PV-TEG hybrid devices with various temperature conditions and without long waiting times.

Unlocking the Potential of Recycled End-of-Life Photovoltaic Modules As an Efficient Solar Absorber and Versatile Energy Conversion System

“…In conventional photovoltaic modules, heat generation is considered undesirable as it negatively impacts the performance of the photovoltaic cells. 14 However, in our case, an increase in heat generation within the EoL PV sandwich is actually desired to achieve high-performance SSAs. Figure 3c shows the optical properties of the EoL PV sandwich.…”

“…It is noted that all of the measurement samples are positioned on high-resistance insulator poles located at their edges. This measurement setup is designed to minimize heat conduction and enable accurate temperature measurement . The other components of the photovoltaic module, namely, the EVA and backsheet, were also investigated.…”

“…This measurement setup is designed to minimize heat conduction and enable accurate temperature measurement. 14 The other components of the photovoltaic module, namely, the EVA and backsheet, were also investigated. The EVA and backsheet exhibited low optical absorption in the wavelength range of 300−1300 nm and relatively high absorption at a longer wavelength (>1300 nm), as shown in Figure 3a.…”

Optimization of the Thermoelectric Properties of 2D-PEDOT Derivative Chains Using Electrochemical Control

“…Therefore, an urgent need exists for alternative technologies that can increase the conversion efficiency of fossil fuels used for generating electricity or, alternatively, to produce electricity without them. Among the alternatives, thermoelectric generation (TEG) is an attractive technology due to its ability to generate power using industrial waste heat via the Seebeck effect. − The Seebeck effect can convert temperature differences directly into electrical voltages and is an important element of thermoelectric (TE) materials. − The efficiency of TE materials is expressed as the figure of merit ZT = S 2 σ T /κ, where S is the Seebeck coefficient, σ is the electrical conductivity, κ is the thermal conductivity, and T is the absolute temperature. − From this definition, TE materials have to show large values for S and σ, with low κ, at low temperatures. − However, there are insufficient thermoelectric materials composed of high natural abundance elements that can work in the low-temperature region (<250 °C). − This limitation has triggered studies on conducting polymers as TE materials. These conducting polymers are relatively less expensive than inorganic materials because of the natural abundance of their component atoms and low toxicities. , Furthermore, these conducting polymers are easy to use in TEG devices as they utilize a solution process and a low-temperature annealing step. − …”