Numerical Simulation of a Solar Thermoelectric Generator
ENERGY SOURCES PART A-RECOVERY UTILIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS, vol.33, no.8, pp.760-767, 2011 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 33 Issue: 8
- Publication Date: 2011
- Doi Number: 10.1080/15567030903261873
- Journal Name: ENERGY SOURCES PART A-RECOVERY UTILIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.760-767
- Erciyes University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
In this study, the thermal and electrical modeling of a solar thermoelectric generator has been done. One side of the thermoelectric module was heated with the radiation concentrated by a parabolic collector, and the other side was cooled by water at a constant temperature. Thermal and electrical behaviors of the concentrator, receiver, and thermoelectric module were included in the model as well as the heat losses. For different radiation intensity and concentration ratios, surface temperatures, heat values, electric power produced, and the system's efficiency were calculated and presented. As was expected, surface temperature difference was increased by radiation intensity, leading to an increase in the electric power output and thermal efficiency. The upper limit of the concentration ratio at which the thermoelectric module can bare the produced temperature was determined.