Integrated Thermoelectric Photovoltaic Renewable Energy System Luocheng Wang, Jonathan Weiss, Antony Xenophontos Advanced Power Electronics and Electric Drives Lab (APEDL) ECE Department and Center for Clean Energy Engineering Team 189 Adviser: Prof. Ali Bazzi Senior Design Proposal Presentation 10/16/2013

Outline Project Overview & Statement of Need Applications & System Description Overview of Photovoltaics & Thermoelectrics Physical Configurations & Limitations Execution Plan & Service Learning Questions

Project Overview Currently, a major concern with sustainable energy sources is their low efficiencies Photovoltaic Solar Panel n ~ 15-20% Thermoelectric Generator n ~ 5-10% Solar and thermal energy sources are usually available simultaneously. The goal is to develop a more efficient system by harvesting both of these energy sources.

Statement of Need The main objective of our project is to analyze, model and evaluate a hybrid PV & TEG system. We plan on doing this by: Testing and comparing TEGs and solar panels individually, then as various configurations Series Parallel Individual Develop mathematical models for each configuration Finally, determine and build the most efficient integrated system

Outline Project Overview & Statement of Need Applications & System Description Overview of Photovoltaics & Thermoelectrics Physical Configurations & Limitations Execution Plan & Service Learning Questions

Applications Vehicles Solar cells on roof TEGs under the hood/near exhaust House Solar Panels on roof Indoor/Outdoor temperature difference Naval Vessels A lot of space for Photovoltaic arrays as auxiliary power supply TEGs on hull for exterior/interior temperature difference

System Description

Outline Project Overview & Statement of Need Applications & System Description Overview of Photovoltaics & Thermoelectric Physical Configurations & Limitations Execution Plan & Service Learning Questions

Photovoltaics Solar cells convert solar energy to electrical energy using the photoelectric effect. UCONN APDL Lab

Photovoltaics – Cont. IV curve (black) and Power Voltage curve (green) for photovoltaics from Solartech Power Inc. SPM030P Specification. The power curve from the solar cell has a maximum point at which the cell is most efficient. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is the method to detect this point.

Thermoelectrics TEGs draw energy from the heat difference between the two plates, using the Seebeck effect. “Thermoelectric Develoments for Vehicular Applications” – John W. Fairbanks

Thermoelectrics – Cont. IV curve (black) and Power Voltage curve (blue) for TEG from Solidate Power Generator TEG Specification. Thermoelectric modelling also includes a maximum power point MPPT is much easier for TEGs based on the shape of the power curve.

Outline Project Overview & Statement of Need Applications & System Description Overview of Photovoltaics & Thermoelectric Physical Configurations & Limitations Execution Plan & Service Learning Question

System Configuration We will have to determine a way to mount the TEGs onto the Solar Panels to take advantage of the excess heat. Integrated configuration- TEG on back of solar panel TEG under partial shading TEG under focused light

System Configuration TEGs on a Solar Panel Due to solar panels low efficiency, a lot of energy is wasted as either reflected light or heat. Placing TEGs on the back of the solar panel can take advantage of this waste heat, but the panel temperature rise is very limited (~3 o C) Possible solutions: Use heat absorbent material between the solar cells to increase power from the TEGs Set requirements for new TEG designs Have separate heat and light sources

System Configuration Hot Spots Solar Panels are solar cells in series, so they all share current under normal conditions. An area of shading over a solar panel results in current dropping in the shading area. This causes voltage to rise in the unshaded area. Voltage rising leads to reverse bias in the same area, known as a ‘Hot Spot’.

System Configuration Focusing Sunlight Focusing sunlight is a way to increase incoming solar energy. This will increase the temperature difference on the TEG. Thus, the total power will be increased under this configuration.

System Limitations This system is entirely reliant on environmental factors. Night, Clouds, etc. Seasonal/Topographical temperatures The system must remain affordable Extra power afforded by the system must outweigh extra cost of construction. Efficiency advantage of the integrated system The configuration must lead to a higher efficiency than either of the individual components.

Outline Project Overview & Statement of Need Applications & System Description Overview of Photovoltaics & Thermoelectric Physical Configurations & Limitations Execution Plan & Service Learning Questions

Timeline 09/30/ /12/13 Literature Review Modelling 10/13/ /27/13 10/27/ /10/13 11/11/ /25/13 11/26/ /09/13 12/10/ /17/13 Individual Configuration Testing Begin Physical Configuration Design Component Selection

Service Learning As part of our Senior Design Project we also plan to take part in Service Learning. We will present our completed project and related energy efficiency concepts to one or more local high schools. This will raise awareness on the subject of sustainable energy, as well as the value of this research. Will add a new dimension of public outreach to our project.

Outline Project Overview & Statement of Need Applications & System Description Overview of Photovoltaics & Thermoelectric Physical Configurations & Limitations Execution Plan & Service Learning Questions

Questions?