Enhanced solar energy utilization in a hybrid system integrating tandem solar cell and thermally regenerative electrochemical devices

An innovative solar-powered integrated system is proposed, combining a perovskite/homojunction tin sulfide (PSC/SnS) tandem solar cell, a solar selective absorber (SSA), and thermally regenerative electrochemical cycles/refrigerators (TRECs-TRERs) to maximize solar energy utilization. The PSC/SnS tandem solar cell (TSC), with well-matched bandgaps, efficiently converts a wider solar spectrum into electricity, while the SSA harnesses unabsorbed spectral components to drive cascaded TRECs-TRERs, providing additional cooling alongside power generation. Mathematical models incorporating irreversible physical and chemical processes are developed to elucidate the interaction between the TSC and the TRECs-TRERs system. Comprehensive analysis identifies key parameters influencing system performance, including operating temperature, defect density, doping density, work function of contact materials, regenerative efficiency, and internal resistance of TRECs-TRERs. The hybrid system maintains relatively stable efficiency under fluctuating operating temperatures, mitigating typical high-temperature degradation. Optimized parameters yield a maximum output power density of 368.1 W·m-² and a maximum energy efficiency of 36.81 %, demonstrating a 57.76 % enhancement over standalone PSC. This study provides valuable guidance the design of high-efficiency solar energy systems with integrated heat and power management.