POWER SUPPLY INSTALLATION FOR REMOTE RURAL SETTLEMENTS WITH SOLAR THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR

Abstract

The analysis of scientific research, which presents thermoelectric technologies based on solar energy, capable of satisfying not only the need for electricity production, but also contribute to energy conservation and environmental protection, is carried out. (Research purpose) The research purpose is developing a structural diagram of an electric power supply installation with thermoelectric generators for remote rural settlements and objects of the agro-industrial complex with a solar concentrator and a solid-state thermal accumulator, calculating the main characteristics of the elements of the proposed installation with a solar thermoelectric generator. (Materials and methods) Conducted a patent search on the websites of the Eurasian Patent Organization, Rospatent and Google Patents. The available calculated dependences were analyzed to determine the main thermal characteristics of the elements of the proposed structural scheme of the power supply installation. The results of theoretical and experimental studies devoted to the development of power supply systems based on thermoelectric generators in combination with photovoltaic panels, solar concentrators and heat pipes have been demonstrated, which allow us to conclude that the creation of solar thermoelectric generators is relevant. (Results and discussion) A design was developed and a description of the operation of an electric power supply unit with a solar thermoelectric generator and heat pipes transmitting thermal energy from a solar concentrator through a solid-state thermal accumulator to a thermoelectric generator was presented. (Conclusions) Proposed a block diagram of the installation of a solar thermoelectric generator for remote settlements in combination with a solid-state heat accumulator and heat pipes that transmit thermal energy from a solar concentrator. Expressions were given for calculating the main thermal characteristics of the elements of the proposed installation with a solar thermoelectric generator (solar concentrator and solid-state thermal accumulator), as well as the efficiency and output electrical power of a thermoelectric power generator.