Cogeneration solar system using thermoelectric module and fresnel lens

•A new cogeneration system is proposed using Fresnel lens and thermoelectric modules.•The matched load output electrical power is 1.08W with 51.33% efficiency under radiation intensity of705.9W/m2.•The maximum thermal efficiency during the experiments is about 52.45%. The main purpose of this paper is the experimental investigation of an electricity and preheated water cogeneration system by thermoelectric. In the presented design, Fresnel lens and thermoelectric module (TE module) were utilized in order to concentrate solar beam and generate electrical power, respectively. The energy of concentrated sunlight on the heat absorber of TE module is transferred to cold water reservoir. Heat transfer in TE module leads to temperature difference in its both sides and finally electrical power is generated. The main components of this system consist of a monoaxial adjustable structure, a thermoelectric generator (TEG) and a Fresnel lens with an area of 0.09m2. Results revealed that matched load output power is 1.08W with 51.33% efficiency under radiation intensity of 705.9W/m2. In order to apply TE module capacity optimally for electrical generation, it is recommended to employ an array of Fresnel lenses which transfer heat to TE module by an intermediate fluid.