Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Thermoelectric Generators Performance under Solar Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) System

Muhammad Yahya Zulakmal; Ahmad Fudholi; Nurul Shahirah Rukman; Nurul Syakirah Nazri; Chan Hoy Yen; Nilofar Asim; Sohif Mat; Kamaruzzaman Sopian

Authors

Muhammad Yahya Zulakmal Solar Energy Research Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi Selangor, Malaysia
Ahmad Fudholi Solar Energy Research Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi Selangor, Malaysia
Nurul Shahirah Rukman Solar Energy Research Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi Selangor, Malaysia
Nurul Syakirah Nazri Solar Energy Research Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi Selangor, Malaysia
Chan Hoy Yen Solar Energy Research Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi Selangor, Malaysia
Nilofar Asim Solar Energy Research Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi Selangor, Malaysia
Sohif Mat Solar Energy Research Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi Selangor, Malaysia
Kamaruzzaman Sopian Solar Energy Research Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi Selangor, Malaysia

Keywords:

COMSOL, Solar PV/T, Solar Thermal Energy, Thermoelectric Generator, Computational Fluid Dynamics

Abstract

Solar radiation could be harnessed to produce thermal and electrical energy. The solar thermal radiation is very advantageous as it can be harnessed easily and at an affordable cost. Electrical energy could be produced from the solar radiation by photovoltaic process and have an efficiency of 20-40%. This process is currently limited to its material and manufacturing costs, inefficiency under thermal load and relatively lower performance under low clearness index conditions. By using both properties, a solar photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) hybrid could be designed to increase thermal and electrical efficiency during low clearness index. The study of the potential application of Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) in PV/T applications is highlighted to see the opportunities that are available in this field of study. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation using COMSOL software was carried out.