Integrated Photovoltaics with Thermoelectrics

This project focuses on the integration of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) and microchannel heat exchangers (µHX) with photovoltaics (PVs). Thermoelectric devices on one hand can reduce the temperature of the photovoltaic (PV) panels, therefore increasing their efficiency and on the other hand, these devices can convert part of the waste heat of the PV panels into electricity, adding to the production of the PV panel. The proposed project includes two parallel phases, where in the first phase TEGs will be laminated on to PV crystalline cells together with µHX, and in the second phase thin film TEGs and flexible thin film µHX will be applied to the flexible thin film PVs. The proposed designs provide low-thickness solar system, as well as the contacts thermal resistance of the system decreases. The ultimate target of the proposed project significantly is to increase the solar energy conversion efficiency compared to available commercial products as well as providing light weight, compact, and flexible (in the second phase of the project) solar power systems, with decreased material cost per Watt produced.