Coupled and optimized properties of a hybrid system integrating electrochemical cycles with perovskite solar cell

The low-grade waste heat generated by the perovskite solar cells (PSCs) during the photoelectric conversion process will increase the temperature and the efficiency of PSCs. In the present work, the waste heat from PSC is recovered by integrating a series of thermally regenerative electrochemical cycles (TRECs) with PSC to achieve energy cascade utilization and improve solar energy utilization. Based on the theories of conservation laws, electrochemistry, and thermodynamics, the formulas for the overall power generation and efficiency of the coupled system are derived. First, the performance characteristics of three special circuit states of open circuit of TRECs, open circuit of PSC, and series of electrical circuit of PSC-TRECs are studied to determine the maximum efficiency and optimal conditions. Second, the optimum performances of PSC and TRECs that generate electricity independently are studied, and a maximum efficiency of 24.9% is obtained by numerical simulation. The proposed coupled system offers a new route for recycling of PSC's low-grade thermal energy.