Development and Evaluation of a Self-sufficient Photovoltaic-Thermoelectric System
Solar energy, Photovoltaics, Thermoelectric, Peltier, Yield, Control.
The generation of electric energy by a photovoltaic cell mainly depends on the operating temperature and solar irradiance that falls on it. The operating temperature can be controlled by means of thermoelectric cells working as coolers. This work proposes a self-sufficient system in which photovoltaic cells are cooled by thermoeletric cells. It also proposes an analysis on which situations a favorable energy yield can be reached. Simulations have been performed taking into account diverse sets of solar irradiance, wind speed, and electric power dedicated to the cooling. Results suggest that the proposed system reaches positive net yield in situations that environmental variables lead to higher photovoltaic panel operating temperature combined with controlled low power dedicated to the thermoeletric cells.