Theoretical and experimental analyses and optimizations of direct coupling photovoltaic-thermoelectric systems

A photovoltaic-thermoelectric (PV-TE) system is modeled theoretically and demonstrated experimentally. Mathematical formulations of the system are proposed according to energy conservation and finite-time thermodynamics, which can be applicable to analyze and optimize the system that consists of commercial photovoltaic (PV) cells and thermoelectric generators (TEGs). The genetic algorithm is introduced to maximize the system's power by optimizing multiple parameters. In Yan'an City, which is located in the northern Shaanxi Province in northwest China, the actual solar irradiance is recorded for almost a full year and the proposed model is verified. Theoretical and experimental results are analyzed and compared. It is found that there are several independent structure parameters in the PV-TE systems and they should be optimized simultaneously to maximize the performance. The PV-TE system's maximum theoretical average power of 0.343 W is 2.69 % greater than the solo PV cell's maximum theoretical power of 0.334 W. The measured average power of the system of 0.317 W is 0.32 % more than that of a solo PV cell of 0.316 W. The duration of strong lighting in Yan'an City reaches 8 hours every day for nearly one year and the irradiation intensity can approach 1000 W/m2. The solar radiance is weakly affected by the seasonal changes of four seasons but is greatly affected by rainy days and cloud thickness. The research findings can serve as a helpful guide for the specific implementation of the PV-TE system and exploitation of solar energy resources in northwest China.