Abstract

The efficient utilization of solar energy is important issue to shift to a sustainable society. However, the solar radiation in infrared band is not converted into electric energy efficiently, and the electric power generation during nighttime is difficult. In this study, the solar energy harvesting by utilizing stacked thermoelectric generators with phase change material (PCM) has been investigated. Experiments were performed using octadecane as PCM. The harvested energy and melting-solidification behavior of PCM were discussed in relation to number of stacked thermoelectric generators. As the results, electric power generation by solar radiation during daytime, and electric power generation by solar heat energy stored in PCM during nighttime were achieved. It was found that the optimum number of the stacked thermoelectric generators for generating electric power was estimated from the condition that heat energy was stored in PCM when strength of solar radiation reached a maximum during a daytime.

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