Thermoelectric generator passive cooling system prototype design for use in photovoltaic panels

Today, as a result of the rising energy demand, the importance of alternative energy sources and the methods of increasing the efficiency of these is significant. One of these systems is thermoelectric generators (TEG), which can convert heat energy into electrical energy and operate in accordance with the Seebeck principle. These generators with P-N junction semiconductor structures, which can convert the temperature radiance between their two surfaces into electrical energy, are widely used in the heating/cooling systems, automotive and energy industries. It is seen in much research that waste heat energy has been converted into electrical energy by means of these generators and the energy needs of electronic devices with low power consumption have been met. In this study, the TEG design obtained by serial connection of Peltier coolers and the integration of this generator to the back sheet of the photovoltaic panel are investigated. The main purpose of the study is to determine whether the waste heat energy emitted by the photovoltaic panel can be converted into electrical energy by using it via a TEG. At the same time, it is the observation of the maximum efficiency of solar cells, whose ideal operating temperature is achieved by means of TEG passive cooling system. As a result of all these, it is observed that thermoelectric generators have energy production values of mW, even if methods such as heat sink and thermal paste are applied to effectively increase the temperature difference between the two surfaces of the generator. If the effect of the TEG on the passive cooling of the Photovoltaic panel is evaluated, it is obvious that there is no visible increase according to the tests made as a result of different days and hours. In the application phase, the methodology section is examined under two headings. In the first phase, a Peltier cooler design and thermal-electrical analysis are carried out using the COMSOL Multiphysics program. In the second stage, the prototype thermoelectric generator-PV panel system has been realized and power generation outputs are observed with the data taken at different days and hours. It is seen that the heatsink effectively increases the temperature difference between the two surfaces of the thermoelectric generator and provides up to 6% increase in generator energy production, especially on windy days. It is not possible to say that the same situation contributes to the passive cooling of the photovoltaic panel and that there is an increase in the amount of energy produced.