Thermoelectric Coupled Photovoltaic Modules

The combination of thermoelectric modules (TEMs) and photovoltaic (PV) as a hybrid device is a promising means of expanding the use of solar radiation effectively and increasing total power output. Photovoltaic–Thermoelectric (PV–TE) system is the hybrid system used for solar power and electricity. The temperature and performance of the solar cell have a particular relationship and there is no theoretical goal that researchers have paid attention to solar cell cooling. The use of thermoelectric generators to increase the performance of photovoltaics is a widely accepted thermal regulation technique. The ultraviolet and visible areas of solar spectrum can be directly converted into electric power by photovoltaic cells while the infrared module derives energy from the infrared region. Thereby, a broader range of solar generators can be provided by the combination of photovoltaic and thermoelectric generators. In fact, owing to the reverse effects of both systems, the combination of two systems will achieve greater efficiency. In order to produce additional energy, the thermoelectric generator must use the waste heat produced by photovoltaics to improve total power output and hybrid system performance. As a consequence of their opposing features, the integration of both systems is complex, and thus an effective relationship between the two systems is important. The viability of PV–TE is explored in this chapter and the existing PV–TE forms and efficiency are studied. This chapter also poses the problem and the productive development of the actual implementation of PV–TE. This chapter will also include a clear guide to potential PV–TE research and to its applications.