Numerical simulation of a photovoltaic thermoelectric hybrid power generation system

Abstract In this study, three dimensional numerical models for a PV module and a TEG device are developed. The objective is to investigate the performance of hybrid PV + TEG power generation systems composed of thermoelectric generators attached to the backside of a PV module. The proposed numerical model ignores the inner structural complexities and considers the device as a homogeneous medium. The electric power output is modeled as an internal energy sink. The governing energy equations are solved by finite volume method. User defined functions are developed to account for the electrical behavior of PV and TEG. Results show that the hybrid system can generate more power than the simple PV in certain environmental conditions. However, the increase is marginal due to the insufficient temperature difference for the TEG device. Also, the presence of TEG may have undesirable effects on cooling of PV module. Simulations are performed for different number of TEG modules and also various optical concentration ratios. It is revealed that the maximum power generation occurs at a certain concentration ratio which depends on the heat sink characteristics.