Development of a hybrid photovoltaic-thermoelectric system
Solar energy, photovoltaic, thermoelectric, Peltier, yield, control
The photovoltaic solar energy is one of the main renewable energy options to achieve a diverse energy matrix for several countries around the world. It benefits from high levels of incident solar irradiation. However, the solar irradiation leads to an increase of the photovoltaic panels’ temperature, which lowers its yield. One panel cooling option is to use thermoelectric cells. This work aims to study a hybrid system that seeks an increase of a photovoltaic panel yield through its cooling by a thermoelectric cell. Research strategies include evaluation of controlled temperature, number of thermoelectric cells for a given photovoltaic panel, use of maximum power tracking algorithms together with control of the thermoelectric cells power supply, in order to achieve an optimum point of operation. The study aims to use mathematical models, simulations and experimental tests performed at the Labortatório de Avaliação de Medição em Petróleo – LAMP.