Verification of a Mathematical Model for a Photovoltaic Thermal-Thermoelectric Generator Unit Using Concentrated Solar Radiation

In this study the results of the analysis of the dependence of the temperature of solar cells (SCs) and thermoelectric generators (TEGs) and the overall electrical and thermal efficiency of the PVT–TEG combined system on thermal characteristics and environment are presented. The hot side of a TEG module is attached to the back side of the photovoltaic module (PVM). The heat carrier circulating through the absorber cools down the cold side of the TEG module, where the temperature gradient is converted into additional electrical energy. The mathematical model for a PVT–TEG combined setup was realized in the MathCAD program. The agreement between numerical calculations and experimental data was analyzed using the “goodness of fit.” Experimental measurements were carried out at the Heliopolygon at Tashkent State Technical University. The solar radiation flux density, ambient temperature, wind speed, open circuit voltage, short-circuit current, temperatures of the PVM, the thermo-electromotive force, and the current of TEG were measured without and with reflectors oriented to the south at a horizontal angle of 25°. However, in order to verify the model, the calculated and experimental data of the output power of the combined PVT–TEG setup were compared. It was revealed that the root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of the peak power of the experimental and calculated data was 1.74 W, or 4.8%.