Review on thermoelectric systems for enhancing photovoltaic power generation

Thermoelectric module (TEM) is a solid-state device which converts heat into electricity and vice-versa. TEMs are mostly used as micro-generators or micro-refrigerators for power generation and cooling applications respectively. The increase in PV module temperature, results in performance degradation of a PV power plant, thus one of the potential applications of thermoelectric generators, is in the sustainable photovoltaic module cooling or waste heat utilization. The energy production by PV modules can be improved using specially designed TEM systems. The main objective of the study is to explore thermoelectric technology to improve the energy efficiency of building integrated PV (BiPV) and rooftop solar power plants. In this study, current state of research, is presented to identify research gaps and the feasibility of TEM systems. The results show that TEM has a high potential in improving the PV module performance and can serve as a direct cooling or cogeneration system to enhance the overall energy production of a PV power plant. However, future adoption of such systems lie critically on new high ZT thermoelectric material discoveries and development of higher efficiency systems. Three module designs: standard PV-TEM, STEM-PV, TTEM-PV are presented envisaging future market potential of integrated PV-thermoelectric systems.