Graphite sheet assisted photovoltaic -thermoelectric generator for hydrogen generation from seawater

Abstract

ABSTRACT Different intermediate steps exist between solar energy as input and hydrogen as output. Most of the findings in this domain revolved around water electrolysis as an intermediate step to produce hydrogen. Therefore, the discussion in the work is intended to discuss water-splitting-based hydrogen production through electrolysis. The electrolysis process requires continuous electrical input. Installed solar PV is inevitably supposed to be under prolonged solar irradiance. The prolonged solar incidence causes the panel to get heated, leading to lower overall performance. Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) convert the waste heat into additional electrical energy apart from the panel. In the experimentation of the work, the effect of temperature gradient is explored. During the implementation of PV-TEG, TEG electrical output can be improved with the help of auxiliary heat dissipators. This study includes graphite as a heat dissipator and a Hofmann voltameter for hydrogen production. Under 800 W/m2 of solar irradiation, the maximum hydrogen yield is obtained when PV-TEG (with graphite sheet) is connected to the Hofmann voltameter. The yield ranges from 0.132 bar/sec to 0.137 bar/sec.