Performance Analysis of a Photovoltaic System with Thermoelectric Generator and Phase Change Material: An Experimental Approach

Abstract:

This study explores the integration of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) and phase change materials (PCMs) to enhance the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) panels in high-temperature conditions. An AP-PM-20 Polycrystalline PV panel, SP-1848-27145 Bismuth Telluride TEG, and paraffin wax PCM in an aluminum container were used. Four configurations were tested: standalone PV, PV-PCM, PV-TEG-PCM, and PV-PCM-TEG, under identical conditions from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM at 25-minute intervals. Data on PV and TEG voltage, current, and solar irradiance were collected and analyzed. The results show significant performance improvements: the PV-PCM configuration achieved a 68.04% increase in power generation, while the PV-PCM-TEG and PV-TEG-PCM setups recorded efficiency gains of 43.06% and 37.51%, respectively. Efficiency gains relative to the standalone PV system were 33.33% for PV-PCM, 25.76% for PV-PCM-TEG, and 21.21% for PV-TEG-PCM. The results demonstrate that integrating TEG and PCM technologies significantly enhances solar PV performance and offers promising solutions for optimizing solar energy systems in real-world conditions.

• Periodical: Advances in Science and Technology (Volume 160)
• Pages: 53-63
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-AK81Yk
• Online since: February 2025
• Authors: Tobechukwu Okamkpa, Joshua Okechukwu*, Divine Mbachu, Chigbo Mgbemene
• Keywords: Electrical Efficiency, Experimental Analysis, Phase Change Material, Photovoltaic Panel, Thermoelectric Generator

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