Modeling and Design Consideration of a Simple Hybrid Solar Energy Conversion System

Abstract

Modeling of a simple hybrid photovoltaic-thermoelectric system has been presented to find optimum condition for higher conversion efficiency of solar energy. In this modeling, not only reflectance but also thermal radiation loss at the front side of the photovoltaic cell was taken into account. The efficiency of the thermoelectric generator was never higher than that of the photovoltaic cell. The influence of the material properties of the hybrid system on the overall efficiency was investigated. For practical use it should bear in mind that the heat sink should maintain low temperature on the cold side of the thermoelectric generator.

Keywords:

• Heat sink
• hybrid system
• photovoltaic
• thermoelectric
• temperature coefficient of efficiency
• solar energy conversion

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Pioneer Research Center Program through National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF-2013-006700) funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning.