Low Cost Low Power TEG Based Generator Including Passive Solar Tracking and Passive Cooling Processes

Abstract

This study designs and investigates thermoelectric generators (TEGs) as a means of using solar energy to produce energy. The sun’s rays were concentrated on a generator using a Fresnel lens to produce a system that can produce energy suitable for low-power applications. The system was designed to generate energy during the mid-day period when solar radiation is most intense. Solar tracking systems can be used to follow the movement of the sun to maintain output; however the energy required by the tracking system can be a significant proportion of the energy produced by the system. The tracking system developed in this study is based on a linear mechanism with low energy consumption. Four serially connected TEGs were used and the sun’s rays were made to fall continuously on a surface material to which the hot surfaces of TEGs were connected. The TEGs were cooled using an passive cooler. The system was found to produce a maximum power of 13.31 W at a voltage of 9.78 V.

Keywords:

• thermoelectric generator
• fresnel lens
• solar energy
• solar tracking system

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sibel Akkaya Oy

Sibel Akkaya Oy received the B.S. degree in electrical education from Dicle University, Turkey in 2005 and M.S. degree in electrical education from Firat University, Turkey in 2007. She received the Ph.D. degree in electrical education from Gazi University, Turkey in 2014. Her research focuses on the electrical machine design and renewable energy.