THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF SOLAR THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS INTEGRATED WITH RADIATIVE COOLER

Abstract

A comprehensive analysis of solar thermoelectric generators integrated with radiative cooling technology (STEG-RC) is presented in this study. Basically, the STEG-RC operates outdoors; therefore, the effects of various weather parameters on the output performance of the STEG-RC are determined. The results reveal that the most efficient way of enhancing the output performance of the STEG-RC is by concentrating solar energy. The radiative cooling power increases linearly with the ambient temperature achieving the maximum cooling power of 135 W/m2 and 232 W/m2 at solar concentration ratios of C = 1 and C = 5, respectively. The maximum output power of 1.5 mW and 459.6 mW at the optimum wind speeds of 3 m/s and 2 m/s are obtained for C = 1 and C = 5, respectively. There were no significant changes in the power output and radiative cooling power when relative humidity was varied. The cooling power is linearly proportional to solar irradiance for both concentrated and unconcentrated cases.