The maximum theoretical performance of unconcentrated solar photovoltaic and thermoelectric generator systems

Bjørk, Rasmus; Nielsen, Kaspar Kirstein

doi:10.1016/j.enconman.2017.11.009

Cited by 67 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Bjørk et al [53] studied the maximum theoretical performance of a PV/TEG system without concentration. The authors used an analytical model to study the performance of the system and found that the hybrid system using spectrum splitting could achieve a maximum efficiency increase of 1.8% point compared to the PV only system.…”

Section: Spectrum Splitting Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advancements in thermoelectric generators for enhanced hybrid photovoltaic system performance

Shittu

Akhlaghi

et al. 2019

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

139

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Effective thermal management of photovoltaic cells is essential for improving its conversion efficiency and increasing its life span. Solar cell temperature and efficiency have an inverse relationship therefore, cooling of solar cells is a critical research objective which numerous researchers have paid attention to. Among the widely adopted thermal management techniques is the use of thermoelectric generators to enhance the performance of photovoltaics. Photovoltaic cells can convert the ultra-violent and visible regions of the solar spectrum into electrical energy directly while thermoelectric modules utilize the infrared region to generate electrical energy. Consequently, the combination of photovoltaic and thermoelectric generators would enable the utilization of a wider solar spectrum. In addition, the combination of both systems has the potential to provide enhanced performance due to the compensating effects of both systems. The waste heat produced from the photovoltaic can be used by the thermoelectric generator to produce additional energy thereby increasing the overall power output and efficiency of the hybrid system. However, the integration of both systems is complex because of their opposing characteristics thus, effective coupling of both systems is essential. This review presents the concepts of photovoltaics and thermoelectric energy conversion, research focus areas in the hybrid systems, applications of such systems, discussion of the most recent research accomplishments and recommendations for future research. All the essential elements and research areas in hybrid photovoltaic/thermoelectric generator are discussed in detailed therefore, this review would serve as a valuable reference literature.

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Section: Spectrum Splitting Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advancements in thermoelectric generators for enhanced hybrid photovoltaic system performance

Shittu

Akhlaghi

et al. 2019

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

139

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The findings show improved system performance by 2.67% and 2.19%, respectively, at 30 and above concentration. Bjørk and Nielsen (2018) analysed the optimal mathematical efficiency of a concentration-free PV-TEG system. They adopted an empirical approach during the research, and the results showed that a peak efficiency gain of 1.8% could be achieved using spectrum splitting in the hybrid system.…”

Section: Spectrum Splitting Techniquementioning

confidence: 99%

“…The TEG is independent of the PV Bjørk and Nielsen (2018) The work was done using the analytical model by adopting the spectrum splitting method.…”

Section: Control Experiments and Simulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of a PV-TEG Hybrid System Configuration for an Improved Energy Output: A Review

Saleh

Johar

Jumaat

et al. 2021

Int. J. Renew. Energy Dev.

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The development of renewable energy, especially solar, is essential for meeting future energy demands. The use of a wide range of the solar spectrum through the solar cells will increase electricity generation and thereby improve energy supply. However, solar photovoltaics (PV) can only convert a portion of the spectrum into electricity. Excess solar radiation is wasted by heat, which decreases solar PV cells’ efficiency and decreases their life span. Interestingly, thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are bidirectional devices that act as heat engines, converting the excess heat into electrical energy through thermoelectric effects through when integrated with a PV. These generators also enhance device efficiency and reduce the amount of heat that solar cells dissipate. Several experiments have been carried out to improve the hybrid PV-TEG system efficiency, and some are still underway. In the present study, the photovoltaic and thermoelectric theories are reviewed. Furthermore, different hybrid system integration methods and experimental and numerical investigations in improving the efficiency of PV-TEG hybrid systems are also discussed. This paper also assesses the effect of critical parameters of PV-TEG performance and highlights possible future research topics to enhancing the literature on photovoltaic-thermoelectric generator systems.

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“…The results prove that the new hybrid module has a 25% better efficiency than just the PV cell. One theoretical work, conducted by Bjørk and Nielsen [10], proposed a combined system where the thermoelectric elements are mounted directly on the back of the PV panel, and a tandem system, where the incoming radiation is split, with the short wavelength radiation sent to the PV and the long-wavelength delivered to the thermoelectric set. The maximum increase in efficiency was 4.5% for the combined case and only 1.8% for the tandem design.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experimental study of a hybrid solar photovoltaic, thermoelectric and thermal module

et al. 2020

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Nowadays, solar energy, which can be photovoltaic and thermal, is a clean and reliable source of energy for the production of electric and thermal power. However, new ways for improving photovoltaic efficiency are fundamental for an extensive application of this technology. Most of the energy absorbed by the PV panel converts itself into heat, which usually is lost and does not have any energetic value. The performance of a combined photovoltaic (PV), thermoelectric generator (TEG) and water heating panel is tested in practice. The thermoelectric set is applied on the back of the PV panel so that the two devices have approximately the same temperature. On the other face of the thermoelectric set, there is the water heating panel, which consists of an aluminium heat exchanger specially designed for this hybrid module. The exposed surface of the hybrid panel has an area of about 2.72 dm2. Experimental tests were conducted in direct solar exposure during July. The experimental results indicate that the maximum global module efficiency was 91.3% for an irradiance of 1089 W/m2. The power peak production was 29.7 W, at 2 p.m., with an irradiance value of 1230 W/m2.

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The maximum theoretical performance of unconcentrated solar photovoltaic and thermoelectric generator systems

Cited by 67 publications

References 30 publications

Advancements in thermoelectric generators for enhanced hybrid photovoltaic system performance

Advancements in thermoelectric generators for enhanced hybrid photovoltaic system performance

Evaluation of a PV-TEG Hybrid System Configuration for an Improved Energy Output: A Review

Experimental study of a hybrid solar photovoltaic, thermoelectric and thermal module

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