Low Cost Low Power TEG Based Generator Including Passive Solar Tracking and Passive Cooling Processes

Abstract

This study designs and investigates thermoelectric generators (TEGs) as a means of using solar energy to produce energy. The sun’s rays were concentrated on a generator using a Fresnel lens to produce a system that can produce energy suitable for low-power applications. The system was designed to generate energy during the mid-day period when solar radiation is most intense. Solar tracking systems can be used to follow the movement of the sun to maintain output; however the energy required by the tracking system can be a significant proportion of the energy produced by the system. The tracking system developed in this study is based on a linear mechanism with low energy consumption. Four serially connected TEGs were used and the sun’s rays were made to fall continuously on a surface material to which the hot surfaces of TEGs were connected. The TEGs were cooled using an passive cooler. The system was found to produce a maximum power of 13.31 W at a voltage of 9.78 V.