An Experimental Study of the Effect of Cooling Method in Parabolic Solar Dish Concentrator for Power Generation using Thermoelectric Generator

Abstract

In this study, the effect of different cooling methods in Parabolic Solar Dish Concentrator (PDC) for power generation using Thermoelectric generators (TEG) were investigated experimentally. By conducting a lab scale model, the performance of the TEG was evaluated to simulate the on-site experiment conditions. The temperature of the TEG sides and power output were associated to the characteristics of the performance of TEG. Also, both open and closed electrical circuits were tested in the model. Air-cooled (natural & forced convection) and water-cooled cooling methods were employed to cool down the generator. From the experimental results, it was concluded that water-cooled cooling method had enhanced the TEG performance and provided higher power output than the other cooling methods used.