A Meta Study on the Implications of Thermoelectric Generation on Hybrid Photovoltaic Systems

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Jamison Ghinis
Clifford Leslie

Abstract

The focus of this paper is a meta-study analysis of the efficiency of hybrid thermal and photovoltaic (PV) energy systems and how various materials and specific temperature ranges for thermoelectric (TE) generation can increase their efficiency. This meta-study focuses on papers obtained from ACS NANO, Scopus, Web of Science and Nature which discuss the theoretical and practical implementation of TE and PV systems, with various hybrid systems being considered. Analysed is the Figure of Merit from various hybrid TE and PV integrated systems, the effect of energy efficiency and power generation on different PV system temperatures, and output over area. The total efficiency of the hybrid system is found to have a considerable effect in all papers analysed, with an increase of 5 to 10 percent efficiency in energy output due to the thermoelectric generator (TEG) section, with this maximum efficiency occurring approximately in a 25 kelvin range [1]. A maximum output of 125 W peaks can be maintained for systems efficiently over 600 W/m2 modules, this is an up to 5 percent total efficiency increase in power output in the previously discussed 25 kelvin range [2]. The papers proposed demonstrate the more efficient implementations, potential for further study and implementation of hybrid systems within specific temperature and operating conditions.

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