Performance analysis of a hybrid energy harvester incorporating a thermoelectric generator and phase-change material through annual experiments

Abstract

Energy harvesting using thermoelectric generators (TEGs) leverages the Seebeck effect to convert temperature differences into electricity. As zero-energy buildings (ZEBs) demand efficient energy use, integrating TEGs with building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) offers a passive means to enhance solar panel efficiency by utilizing waste heat. Hybrid energy harvesters (HEHs) incorporating phase-change materials (PCMs) further stabilize thermal environments, improving TEG performance. This study demonstrated that the HEH system increased annual electricity generation by 4.38 %, producing 133.4 kWh/m2 compared to 127.8 kWh/m2 for conventional BIPVs. TEGs contributed 2.26 kWh/m2, or 1.7 % of the additional energy harvested. Seasonal experiments showed up to 14.3 % efficiency improvement in summer, with surface temperatures reduced by 10 °C. These findings highlight the HEH system's capability to enhance energy efficiency and address real-world challenges in sustainable building applications.