A New Simulation of Photovoltaic and Thermoelectric Generator Hybrid System with a Beam Splitter Cold and Hot Mirror for Low Intensity

Abstract

In this study, the simulation of Photovoltaic (PV) and Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) hybrid was developed using a spectrum splitter. The simulation was carried out by using the AM1.5G solar spectrum as a standard for 1 Sun, with a variation of 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.7 Suns. The light spectrum was concentrated by using a Fresnel lens and then transmitted to a spectrum splitter. Spectrum splitter that was used is a hot and cold mirror with dimensions of 50 × 50 mm, which is positioned at the angle of 45o from the Fresnel lens’s direction. Additionally, PV used is a type amorphous Silicon (a-Si) and TEG types of Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3). The simulation result shows that by using a cold mirror, its maximum total power is better than a hot mirror. In addition, the Suns and temperature changes have a significant effect on the output power and efficiency of the hybrid. Particularly at 0.7 suns, 25 °C PV temperature, and 55 °C hot-side temperature of TEG, the power obtained was 0.096 W/m2, and the efficiency was 50.37% compared to the hot mirror, which is relatively lower, accounted for 0.094 W/m2 and 48.07%.