Potential evaluation of an annular thermoelectric cooler driven by a dye-sensitized solar cell

For round shaped cooling space, a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is used to drive annular thermoelectric cooler (ATEC) to solve the performance deterioration caused by geometric mismatch, in which ATEC considers Seebeck effect, Peltier effect and Thomson effect. Considering all kinds of irreversible losses between DSSC and ATEC, the mathematical formula of performance parameters of hybrid system is derived. The effects of Schottky barrier height, thickness of TiO2 film, thickness of ATEC, number of thermoelectric elements and annular parameter of the ATEC on the cooling capacity and coefficient of performance (COP) of the coupling system are analyzed theoretically. The theoretical calculation results show that the maximum cooling capacity and COP of the hybrid system are 68.75 W/m2 and 0.071, respectively. In addition, it can be found that the positive Thomson effect had a positive influence on the thermoelectric cooling system. The findings of this work have the potential to provide fresh light of solar-driven annular thermoelectric cooler matching with actual round shaped cooled spaces.

Automated summary

A dye-sensitized solar cell is used to drive an annular thermoelectric cooler in order to solve performance issues caused by geometric mismatch. The mathematical formula of performance parameters for the hybrid system is derived, taking into account irreversible losses between the cell and the cooler. The effects of various factors on the cooling capacity and coefficient of performance are theoretically analyzed. The findings suggest that the hybrid system has a maximum cooling capacity of 68.75 W/m2 and a coefficient of performance of 0.071. Additionally, the positive Thomson effect has a beneficial influence on the thermoelectric cooling system. Overall, this work provides insights into solar-driven annular thermoelectric coolers for round shaped cooling spaces.