Analysis, Modeling, and Simulation of Thin-Film Cells-Based Photovoltaic Generator Combined with Multilayer...

Area of Science:

• Renewable Energy Systems
• Thermoelectric Power Generation
• Photovoltaic Technology

Background:

• Hybrid photovoltaic-thermoelectric generator (PV-TEG) systems offer potential for increased energy harvesting.
• Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) can convert waste heat from PV panels into electricity, improving overall system efficiency.
• Amorphous silicon thin-film (a-Si) PV technology exhibits lower sensitivity to temperature increases compared to other PV types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and simulate a novel multi-stage thermoelectric generator (TEG) model for hybrid PV systems.
• To evaluate the performance of a multi-stage hybrid PV-TEG system with and without active cooling.
• To analyze the impact of TEG stage number and coolant flow rates on system power output and efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Development of an integrated electrical and thermal model for multi-stage PV-TEG systems.
• Simulation of various hybrid PV-TEG configurations under different ambient conditions (temperature, irradiance).
• Evaluation of system performance with a cold plate for cooling and varying coolant flow rates.

Main Results:

• The multi-stage PV-TEG system demonstrated significant efficiency improvements over standalone PV systems.
• Comparative electrical efficiencies reached 113.5% for PV-TEG and 117.3% for multi-stage PV-TEG without cooling.
• Installation in Israel yielded an extra 24 kWh/year per module, avoiding fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Conclusions:

• Multi-stage PV-TEG systems represent a promising approach for enhancing renewable energy generation.
• The developed model provides a valuable tool for optimizing hybrid PV-TEG system design and performance.
• This technology contributes to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating CO2 emissions.