Design of a thermoelectric generator-assisted photovoltaic panel hybrid harvester using microencapsulate phase change material

Abstract

Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems represent a highly promising renewable energy technology to realize zero-energy cities. However, BIPV systems have disadvantages such as the absence of an optimal angle and reduced efficiency due to temperature rise. Various methods and studies have been proposed to address these issues, including heat utilization and enhancement of solar or heat radiation to increase efficiency. In this context, a system incorporating photovoltaic-thermoelectric generator-phase change materials (PV-TEG-PCM) has been proposed as a method to harness both solar heat and light. Hence, in this investigation, our aim is to present an optimal design tailored to different climate regions, thereby enhancing the applicability of the previously proposed BIPV-TEG-PCM system. We conducted simulations for a total of 5 selected climates, and the outcomes revealed that, in hot and humid areas, maintaining a phase change temperature within the range of 20–40 °C, adopting heat fin spacing of 200 mm or more, and utilizing TEG spacing of 205 mm or more proved to be advantageous. On the other hand, in relatively cold and dry areas, it is expected that it will be more advantageous to use it without phase change materials. In addition, power generation by the thermoelectric generator is prioritized, optimization favored the reduction of the heat transfer. When the maximization of the solar panel efficiency is prioritized, optimization emphasized maximizing the conduction heat transfer.