Performance characterization of a PV/T system employing micro-channel heat pipes and thermoelectric generators: An experimental and numerical study

A concentrated photovoltaic/thermal system employing micro-channel heat pipes and thermoelectric generators is constructed. Photovoltaic cells and thermoelectric generators are used to generate power, and the heat is gained by the circulating water. The feasibility of the system is demonstrated by the experimental work which compensates for the lacked experimental content in our previous paper and validates the correctness of the established mathematical model. Additionally, using the validated model, the influence of the addition of a glass cover and the volume of the water tank is investigated by simulation discussion, and the annual prediction is conducted. The results indicate that, during the 4-h actual operation, the electrical power of thermoelectric generators first increases and then decreases with the average value of 8.33 W, effectively improving the average electrical efficiency of the system from 7.62% to 8.95%. Also, the water tank temperature is incremented from 32.89 °C to 45.28 °C. The addition of a glass cover increases the heat gain but reduces the total electrical output because of the weakened PV performance. The large-volume water tank detracts from the final temperature but is helpful to the electricity. Therefore, it needs to compromise in respect of either great electrical performance or thermal performance.