Solar thermal energy conversion to electrical power

• Published in: Applied thermal engineering 2014-09, Vol.70 (1), p.675-686
• Main Authors: Trinh, Anh-Khoi, González, Ivan, Fournier, Luc, Pelletier, Rémi, Sandoval V., Juan C., Lesage, Frédéric J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Construction; Electric potential; Electrical load; Electricity; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Heat transfer; Modules; Seebeck effect; Semiconductors; Solar evacuated tube; Solar radiation; Solar thermoelectric generator; Theoretical studies. Data and constants. Metering; Thermoelectric module; Thermoelectricity
• ISSN: 1359-4311
• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2014.05.088

The conversion of solar energy to electricity currently relies primarily on the photovoltaic effect in which photon bombardment of photovoltaic cells drives an electromotive force within the material. Alternatively, recent studies have investigated the potential of converting solar radiation to electricity by way of the Seebeck effect in which charge carrier mobility is generated by an asymmetric thermal differential. The present study builds upon these latest advancements in the state-of-the-art of thermoelectric system management by combining solar evacuated tube technology with commercially available Bismuth Telluride semiconductor modules. The target heat source is solar radiation and the target heat sink is thermal convection into the ambient air relying on wind aided forced convection. These sources of energy are reproduced in a laboratory controlled environment in order to maintain a thermal dipole across a thermoelectric module. The apparatus is then tested in a natural environment. The novelty of the present work lies in a net thermoelectric power gain for ambient environment applications and an experimental validation of theoretical electrical characteristics relative to a varying electrical load. •Solar radiation maintains a thermal tension which drives an electromotive force.•Voltage, current and electric power are reported and discussed.•Theoretical optimal thermoelectric conversion predictions are presented.•Theory is validated with experimentally measured data.