Numerical Modeling of Year-Round Performance of a Solar Parabolic Dish Thermoelectric Generator

Abstract

This paper presents the year-round performance of a solar parabolic dish thermoelectric generator under different values of operating parameters such as ambient temperature, wind velocity, direct normal irradiation, and water inlet temperature to the heat sink. The solar thermoelectric generator (TEG) is examined for an Indian location of Tiruchirappalli. The electrical power output and TEG efficiency are maximum during the months of April and August, while they are minimum during the month of December. It is found that the monthly average hot-side temperature of the TEG varies from 556.53 K to 592.68 K and the cold-side temperature of the TEG varies from 413.21 K to 438.91 K. When the hot-side temperature reaches the optimum value, the conversion efficiency is reduced, although the power increases. A TEG model is useful to find the temperature of the junctions for different operating parameter values and predict the performance of the TEG at any time. A small standalone power-generating system using this technology is a promising option.