Modeling and Analysis of a Combined Photovoltaic-Thermoelectric Power Generation System

In the present paper, the possibility of using thermoelectric power generator modules (TEGs) to convert the heat generated by the photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) collector into electricity is investigated. A comprehensive heat transfer model for the combined PVT-TEG system is developed via MATLAB and simulated under different conditions. The hot side of the TEG module is considered connected to the top of the air channel which is attached to the backside of the solar panel and the cold side is cooled down by air flow through the air channel under the PV panel. The TEG modules convert the temperature gradient to electricity and generates extra power from the excess heat which results in higher total efficiency. The effect of using combined PVT-TEG on total generated power under different levels of irradiation is presented and discussed.