Design of solar thermal power generation device

How do solar thermal collectors and thermoelectric generators work together?

Solar thermal collectors and thermoelectric generators (TEGs) work in tandem to harness the ample solar energy available and convert it into electrical power. Similarly, thermoelectric generators (TEGs) have the capability to harness the thermal energy derived from geothermal systems located in locations with geothermal activity.

What are the different solar thermoelectric technologies?

This chapter introduces various solar thermoelectric technologies including micro-channel heat pipe evacuated tube solar collector incorporated thermoelectric power generation system, solar concentrating thermoelectric generator using the micro-channel heat pipe array, and novel photovoltaic–thermoelectric power generation system.

What is solar thermoelectric generation?

Solar radiation is one potential abundant and eco-friendly heat source for this application, where one side of the thermoelectric device is heated by incident sunlight, while the other side is kept at a cooler temperature. This is known as solar thermoelectric generation.

What is integrated solar heat pipe thermoelectric generator module?

The integrated solar heat pipe thermoelectric generator module consists of a square channel for the cooling water, a thermoelectric generator, a heat pipe with selective absorbing coating, and an evacuated tube. Schematic diagram of the micro-channel heat pipe evacuated tube solar collector incorporated thermoelectric module

How efficient is a solar thermoelectric generator?

Solar thermoelectric generators are a promising technology for converting solar energy into electricity, however their efficiency has been limited to 5.2%. Kraemer et al. report a solar thermoelectric generator with an efficiency of 9.6%, resulting in 7.4% efficiency in a concentrating solar thermoelectric system.

How to improve the performance of solar thermoelectrics?

Various thermoelectric materials are used for different solar thermoelectric applications, and different methods are explored to enhance the temperature gradient across the material. Solar optical concentrators, thermal and selective absorbers, and other tools are proposed to improve the performance of solar thermoelectrics.