Numerical modeling and simulation of an integrated TEG/PCM system for the enhancement of PV power output

Abstract

A high Photovoltaic (PV) cell temperature has an adverse effect on the conversion efficiency. A thermoelectric generator (TEG) can convert waste heat into electricity whereas phase change materials (PCMs) are able to utilise latent heat to store a large amount of energy at a relative stable temperature. An integrated TEG/PCM system for the enhancement of PV power output is thus proposed and evaluated. Results show that PCM layer during the phase change period shows a clear process to curb the increase of the PV temperature, but the PV temperature at thermal equilibrium is hardly lowered. Given a high surface resistance in natural convection, thicknesses of PCM layer and conductivities of PCM show limited effects on the system temperature profiling. TEG output is found to be negligible but the integrated system improves PV efficiency from 10.35% to 11% averaged in 1 hour.