Solar thermolectric generator based on skutterudites

Scherrer, H.; Vikhor, L.N.; Lenoir, Bertrand; Dauscher, A.; Poinas, P.

doi:10.1016/s0378-7753(02)00597-9

Cited by 82 publications

(40 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…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. The most recent experimental work on STEG technology showed promising results for those types of applications (Kraemer et al, 2011).…”

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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“…In contrast to previous models, this model considers an open circuit, taking into account the effect of all the parameters contributing to the heat transfer process associated with the thermoelectric device. Scherrer et al 7 provided a model for solar thermoelectric generators for satellite missions close to the sun. The discussion of Scherrer et al emphasizes the influence of the area of the collector and radiator on the performance of such solar thermoelectric generators.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A General Model for the Electric Power and Energy Efficiency of a Solar Thermoelectric Generator

Cai

Xiao

Zhao

et al. 2011

Journal of Elec Materi

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A general model for the electric power and energy efficiency of a solar thermoelectric generator is discussed, considering the influences of the input energy, the thermal conductivity, the absorptivity and emissivity of the heat collector, and the cooling water. The influences of these factors on the performance of the thermoelectric device are discussed, considering the thermoelectric generator as a whole, including the heat collector, the thermoelectric device, and the cooling. Results show that high input energy, and high absorptivity and low emissivity of the heat collector, are helpful for obtaining a high-performance thermoelectric generator. A high thermal transfer coefficient of the cooling water can increase the temperature difference across the thermoelectric device but results in greater accessory power requirements if increased further.

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“…Materials with different thermoelectric properties are under study in order to improve their applications. For example, the incorporation of skutterudite to solar thermoelectric generators material for near sun missions was proposed because thermoelectrics are less sensitive to temperature and radiation damages than the traditionally used solar cells [5]. Other studies determined that pressure application leads to a significant improvement in the thermoelectric efficiency of Bismuth Telluride alloy, Bi 2 Te 3 [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thermoelectric Simulation Using Comsol Multiphysics and Analysis of Contact Resistances Effects

Ramírez¹,

Castillo²

2015

Proceedings of the 13th Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology Engineering Education Facing The

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Abstract-The objectives of this work were to develop a simulation of the thermoelectric transport phenomena in a device leg, and to study the effects of the thermal and electrical contact resistances on the temperature difference across the leg. For this simulation Comsol, a finite element software, was used. The results showed that as the thermal resistance between the sample and the electrode increases the temperature difference increases, improving the performance of the device. Changes in electrical contact resistance showed no effect on the temperature difference in the sample; future works will investigate this behavior. The temperature difference was compared with the results of a previous work. Results were found to be in good agreement for low current values, but not for high ones. This difference could be due to the Joule heating effect or to the use of different properties in both works. The results of this work will be extended to model more complex systems, like cooling electronics devices, by using a thermoelectric module or solar-thermoelectric power generation. The objectives of this work were to develop a simulation of the thermoelectric transport phenomena in a device leg, and to study the effects of the thermal and electrical contact resistances on the temperature difference across the leg. For this simulation Comsol, a finite element software, was used. The results showed that as the thermal resistance between the sample and the electrode increases the temperature difference increases, improving the performance of the device. Changes in electrical contact resistance showed no effect on the temperature difference in the sample; future works will investigate this behavior. The temperature difference was compared with the results of a previous work. Results were found to be in good agreement for low current values, but not for high ones. This difference could be due to the Joule heating effect or to the use of different properties in both works. The results of this work will be extended to model more complex systems, like cooling electronics devices, by using a thermoelectric module or solarthermoelectric power generation.

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Solar thermolectric generator based on skutterudites

Cited by 82 publications

References 8 publications

Modeling and optimization of solar thermoelectric generators for terrestrial applications

Modeling and optimization of solar thermoelectric generators for terrestrial applications

A General Model for the Electric Power and Energy Efficiency of a Solar Thermoelectric Generator

Thermoelectric Simulation Using Comsol Multiphysics and Analysis of Contact Resistances Effects

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