Stimulating green energy potential in Sub-Saharan Africa: An analysis of copper–copper sulphate thermogalvanic cell architecture

Abstract

• Thermogalvanic cell architecture design is presented. • A maximum temperature difference of 70 °C is attainable in the attic of buildings. • The Highest Seebeck coefficient was obtained in 0.7 M CuSO 4 and 0.2 M H 2 SO 4 . • Maximum power of 26.12 nW/cm 2 is recorded. • Altering series–parallel arrangement increase power output of thermogalvanic cells. Solar energy has been of main interest with regard to renewable energy sources due to its abundance and immense potential. The conversion of low-grade solar energy into electricity by thermogalvanic cells has the potential to complement energy generation produced from fossil fuels in Sub-Saharan Africa. The main objective of this work is to design a thermogalvanic cell tailored for household applications using solar energy. A temperature profiling of a typical semi-detached building in Kumasi, Ghana was determined. The effect of temperature and H 2 SO 4 background electrolyte on the Seebeck coefficient and power output of Cu/CuSO 4 thermogalvanic cells were investigated. The study recorded the highest temperature difference of 70 °C in the attic of the building. The highest Seebeck coefficient (0.985 mV/K) was obtained at 0.7 M CuSO 4 + 0.2 M H 2 SO 4 electrolyte. The maximum power output derived from the experimental thermocell was 26.13nW/cm 2 . The design and simulation of the thermogalvanic cell architecture revealed that the thermocell can deliver a maximum current of 0.257 mA to a 1.2 V rechargeable battery.