Numerical investigations of concentrated photovoltaic thermal system integrated with thermoelectric power generator and phase change material

Due to the Seebeck effect, thermoelectric modules can convert heat into electric energy. Incorporating ther-moelectric modules (TEG) into the back side of a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) module can thus be a viable option for increasing its electrical output. Furthermore, cooling TEG modules' cold sides using the phase change materials (PCMs) improve their electrical performance due to large latent heat of PCMs. The PCM acts as a heat sink and is placed behind the TEG's cold side to enhance the temperature difference between the two sides of the thermoelectric (TE) module, which boosts their electrical output. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the performance improvement of CPV-TE using PCM. A CPV-TE-PCM computation model is devel-oped and its performance analysis is conducted under two different climatic zones (hot desert climate and Mediterranean climatic conditions) for a typical sunny and cloudy day. This study investigates the performance of a CPVT-TE collector with RT 26 PCM in terms of temperature variations, power generation, and conversion efficiency. The outcomes show that an increase in solar radiation favours the electrical output generated by the CPV and TEG modules. Because the PCM cannot be melted on cold days, the CPV-TEG-PCM system with a medium melting temperature (26 degrees C) often operates effectively in winter under hot climatic circumstances while limiting heat transfer in winter under Mediterranean climatic conditions. The highest electrical power outputs produced by the CPV and TE modules in the CPVT-TE-PCM collector for Dubai were 170 W/m2 and 1.317 W respectively, for the examined summer day. Similarly, these values are 66 W/m2 and 0.127 W respectively, for Napoli climatic conditions.

Automated summary

Thermoelectric modules can convert heat into electric energy, and incorporating them into photovoltaic modules can increase their electrical output. Cooling the modules' cold sides using phase change materials can enhance their electrical performance. The study shows that an increase in solar radiation favors the electrical output of the photovoltaic and thermoelectric modules.