Dual-power generation by the solar cell and the Seebeck-effect-based thermoelectric setup

Abstract

This study proposes a design to improve solar power conversion efficiency. Not only is the Seebeck effect utilized to generate electrical power using temperature differences, but it can also simultaneously increase the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of solar cells. We used an infrared filter, thermoelectric cooler module, Fresnel lens, parabolic concentrator, and copper heat pipe heatsink to form a temperature-difference electrical power generation architecture. We conducted experiments both indoors and outdoors. Through eight sets of indoor experiments, we found the best design in focusing. The deep parabolic concentrator has a better focusing effect than the shallow parabolic concentrator. In the outdoor experiment, the thermoelectric power generation device equipped with an infrared filter was placed diagonally in front of a fixed solar cell. In the morning, it received the reflected sunlight from the solar cell and focused the infrared light with a wavelength longer than 700 nm onto the thermoelectric cooler module to generate electric power. In the afternoon, sunlight shines directly on the infrared filter and reflects light with a wavelength shorter than 700nm to the solar cells to generate electrical power. By utilizing the Seebeck effect, we can obtain an additional 5.2% of the electrical power output and an additional 50% power output of the solar cell at 2:00PM, achieving a design that improves the efficiency of solar energy conversion. In addition, the IR filter helps to realize the dual functions of power generation and temperature control.