Experimental performance of a photovoltaic-assisted solar parabolic dish thermoelectric system

Abstract

Solar thermoelectric (TE) generators can directly harness solar energy by generating electrical power and producing hot water for regions with unreliable electricity supply. This article investigates the performance of a photovoltaic-assisted solar parabolic dish thermoelectric system used to produce thermal and electric energy. The experimental setup comprises two photovoltaic (PV) modules, six thermoelectric power modules, a parabolic dish concentrator and a water cooling system. The parabolic dish concentrator is used to capture more solar radiation intensity on the TE solar collector. PV modules are mounted on the edge of the parabolic dish and used to drive a pump to cool the TE modules. The effects of water-cooling flow rate and water volume in the storage on various thermal and electric energy and performance parameters are investigated. The detailed information show that the TE solar parabolic dish system can supply clean hot water (40°C) and electricity (5.25 W) at a temperature difference of 164.1°C, and the corresponding conversion efficiency of TE modules is measured to be 3.02%. Therefore, it is anticipated the proposed PV-assisted TE solar parabolic dish system concept will contribute to the standalone solar TE system's production of both electrical and thermal energies simultaneously. © 2021