Model for geometry optimisation of thermoelectric devices in a hybrid PV/TE system

Abstract

A model for the geometry optimisation of thermoelectric devices in a hybrid photovoltaic - thermoelectric (PV/TE) system is presented. The model can be used to determine the optimal geometry of thermoelectric modules at which the maximum power output is achieved. The results of simulation using this model shows that an increase in both the overall power output and conversion efficiency may be achieved by incorporating a thermoelectric generator (TEG) to harvest waste heat from photovoltaic cell. In addition, the results demonstrate that the geometry optimisation also needs to consider the “trade-off” between achieving a large power output and minimising the consumption of thermoelectric materials.