Chapter 14.3 - Parametric optimization of a segmented thermoelectric generator in a concentrated photovoltaic system under fluctuating weather conditions

Abstract

In this work, a comprehensive three-dimensional numerical analysis of the optimal geometry of a segmented thermoelectric generator (STEG) in a concentrated photovoltaic-segmented thermoelectric generator (CPV-STEG) hybrid system subject to fluctuating weather conditions is presented. The effect of the thermoelectric geometrical parameters of leg length, cross-sectional area, ceramic length, and fin length on the hybrid system's overall performance is parametrically examined. Further, the effect of concentration ratio and convective cooling is studied. The hybrid CPV-STEG system performance with and without optimized thermoelectric geometry is compared under real-time meteorological conditions peculiar to dry season conditions at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria, climate for a period of 24h. The results demonstrate the efficacy of thermoelectric geometry optimization in reducing the adverse effects of fluctuating climate conditions on the proposed system's overall performance. Also, the results reveal that the proposed system with optimum geometry increased the maximum power output by 45.7% when the initial geometry is used. The results of this analysis will provide relevant information in the development and fabrication of concentrated photovoltaic-segmented thermoelectric generator hybrid systems in the near future.