Verification of a mathematical model for a PVT-TEG unit using concentrated solar radiation
Abstract
Efficient conversion of solar energy into electricity has become the primary goal of researchers worldwide. In this regard, the researchers have developed photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) installations to efficiently convert solar energy into electricity and heat. In this work, to study the behavior of the temperature dependence of solar elements (SE) and thermoelectric generators (TEG), the overall electrical and thermal efficiency of the combined system of PVT-TEG, on the parameters of thermal characteristics and the environment. TEG module's hot side is attached to the back of the PV. The heat carrier circulating through the absorber cools the cold side of the TEG module; thereby, the temperature gradient will be converted into additional electrical energy.The mathematical model for PVT-TEG installations was implemented in the MathCAD. The agreement between numerical calculations and experimental data was analyzed using the "goodness of fit". Experimental measurements were carried out at the Helio polygon, the Tashkent State Technical University. The solar radiation flux density, ambient temperature, wind speed, open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, temperatures of PV, the thermo-electromotive force, the current of TEG were measured without and with reflectors oriented to the south at a horizontal angle of 25°. However, to verify the model, the calculated and experimental data of the output power of the combined PVT-TEG installation were compared. A good agreement was found between the experimental and calculated data, where the RMSE deviation of the peak power of the experimental and calculated data was 1.737 W or 4.8%.