Hybridization of Photovoltaic Panels and Thermoelectric Generators: Energy Efficiency Improvement

Carlos Armenta-Deu

Abstract

Heat removal from PV panels has been revealed as a feasible and operational solution to reduce the temperature of the panel and increase energy efficiency. In this paper, the use of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) attached to the photovoltaic panel is proposed. A set of Peltier cells has been designed, built, and coupled to the rear side of a PV panel to remove the heat flow generated at the PV panel, converting this heat flow into electric energy. Peltier cells have been characterized to find out the working conditions that make the hybrid system, PV-TEG, operate at the optimum point. The characterization process has been applied to single cells as well as to serial and parallel coupling. Experimental tests have been run to verify the feasibility of the proposed methodology. Results from experimental tests have proven the validity of the hybridization and the improvement of the efficiency of the PV panel and the hybrid system. The efficiency improvement of the PV panel is 7% on average, from a minimum of 4.9% for low solar radiation to a maximum of 9.2% for the peak solar radiation value. The hybrid system increases this efficiency improvement up to 28% in the case of a fan-assisted TEG unit, with efficiency increases that reach 36.9% for the optimum operating conditions.

Abstract

Keywords