Enhanced Performance of Combined Photovoltaic–Thermoelectric Generator and Heat Sink Panels with a Dual-Axis Tracking System

Abstract

The photovoltaic panel has become the most promising alternative technology for energy demand. Solar trackers have been used to improve the efficiency of a photovoltaic panel to maximize the sun’s exposure. In high temperatures, however, the photovoltaic efficiency is significantly reduced. This study observes photovoltaic/thermoelectric generator performance driven by a dual-axis solar tracking system. A photovoltaic/thermoelectric generator panel was built and equipped with angle and radiation sensors. A microcontroller processes the sensor signal and drives the motor to follow the sun’s movement in two-axis directions. Thermocouples are mounted on the photovoltaic and thermoelectric generator surfaces to monitor the temperature. The result shows that the temperature of the photovoltaic/thermoelectric generator is lower than that of the photovoltaic one. However, a contradiction occurred in the output power. The efficiency of the combined photovoltaic/thermoelectric generator was 13.99%, which is higher than the photovoltaic panel at 10.64% and the thermoelectric generator at 0.2%. The lower temperature in the photovoltaic/thermoelectric generator is responsible for increasing its performance. Although the thermoelectric generator contributes modest efficiency, its role in reducing the temperature is essential. Analyses of some cooling techniques for photovoltaic panels prove that the combined thermoelectric generator and heat sink improves photovoltaic performance with simplified technology.