Incorporating thermoelectric effect with solar power on solar panels

• Main Author: Neo, You Rui
• Other Authors: So Ping Lam
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Electrical and electronic engineering::Electric power
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/60410
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The current solar panels only generate electricity using the light energy emitted from the sun through photovoltaic effect. These solar panels get heated up rapidly due to the sun’s heat. The excess heat on the solar panels not only lowers its efficiency, it is often neglected and ignored. With the use of thermoelectric effect, the heat energy is able to be converted into useful electricity. Multiple Peltier modules are embedded on the frame of the solar panel as well as on the underside of it. These Peltier modules will detect the temperature difference between the heated surface of the solar panel and its surrounding air. With the use of the seebeck effect, the Peltier modules are able to convert the heat energy into electricity. Hence, the electricity generated by the solar panel is increased.