Experimental study of photovoltaic-thermoelectric generator with graphite sheet

• Published in: Case studies in thermal engineering 2024-02, Vol.54, p.103982, Article 103982
• Main Authors: Gopinath, M., Marimuthu, R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Auxilary heat dissipator; Graphite sheet; Photovoltaic; Thermoelectric generator
• ISSN: 2214-157X; 2214-157X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.csite.2024.103982

This work attempts to propose a technique which constitutes a photovoltaic (PV) panel that incorporates a thermoelectric generator (TEG) on the back of the PV. When exposed to the sun for an extended period, heat is produced at the back side of PV panels, which is generally wasted. While this heat is being wasted, the efficacy of the PV panel goes down, which invariably invokes the need for cooling systems. Conventional cooling systems are efficient but require more area. As a result, the cost of the system grows with its size. These lagging remarks invoke designing a system with simple architecture, easy installation and simplifying processes while achieving effective outcomes. Owing to the limitations of the present techniques, a system with a simple design, rapid setup, and dependable outcomes with low processing power is needed. The thermoelectric generator is structurally simple and can be a reliable solution for wasted-heat utilisation. Furthermore, graphite is a viable choice for increasing the PV-TEG output in the proposed technique. Maximum TEG voltage is 13.515 V when a graphite sheet is an auxiliary heat dissipator. The maximum difference in temperature between the graphite sheet and the PV back side is 6.682 °C. •The necessity of thermal management of solar panel.•Merits and demerits of present cooling system solar panel.•Advantage of graphite sheet over conventional cooling system for solar panel.•Comparative data of PV-TEG and PV-TEG with graphite sheet as heat dissipation element.