Concentrated solar thermal thermoelectric power generation under natural and forced convection cooling

• Published in: Pertanika Journal of Science and Technology
• Main Author: Dee S.; Singh B.; Remeli M.F.; Tan L.; Oberoi A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Putra Malaysia Press 2017
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85049126080&partnerID=40&md5=38997c665f22456812b085a4044821fc

This paper looks at electrical power generation from solar concentrator using thermoelectric generator. An experiment was conducted on a concentrator thermoelectric generator (CTEG) utilising solar thermal energy. The CTEG used a parabolic dish as concentrator with thermoelectric device installed at the focal point to convert thermal energy to generate electricity. The investigation covered the cooling effect of the cold side of the thermoelectric generator using natural and forced convection cooling for optimum output. Forced convection cooling with a fan provided 69% more power output from the CTEG system as the temperature difference across the TEG was greater than the system cooled by natural convection. The outcome of this project showed maximum power output was obtained for the CTEG system cooled by forced convection cooling. © 2017 Universiti Putra Malaysia Press.