ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF COMBINED PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL AND

THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR

A Research Presented to The Faculty of the Department of Senior High School

Tanza National Comprehensive High School

Daang Amaya II, Tanza Cavite

An Entry to Division Science and Technology Fair 2019-2020

By

PATRICIA MAE M. APOR

JOSELITO S. CRUZAT

SHARLENE D. TAMIO

August 2019
DEDICATION PAGE

This study is lovingly dedicated to God Almighty our creator, my strong pillar, our

source of inspiration, wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He has been the source of

our strength throughout this program and on His wings only we soared.

This study is dedicated to the parents of the researchers. The parents support the

researchers all throughout the completion of this study. They served as the reason why

the researchers have successfully finished the study.

This study is dedicated to the researcher's adviser, Mr. Aldrin Christian Baradillo

for helping and guiding the researchers to accomplish the research experimentation.

Lastly, this study is dedicated to the friends of the researchers who helped them

for the succession of the study.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This research study would not be possible without the help of the caring family and

friends the researcher has;

To our Almighty God for his undying support and guidance;

First and foremost, praises and thanks to the God, the Almighty, for his showers

of blessings throughout our research work to complete the research successfully.

We would like to express our deep and sincere gratitude to my research

consultant, Mr. Aldrin Christian Baradillo, for giving us the opportunity to do research and

providing invaluable guidance throughout this research. Their dynamism, vision, sincerity

and motivation have deeply inspired me. They have taught us the methodology to carry

out the research and to present the research works as clearly as possible. It was a great

privilege and honor to work and study under their guidance;

To our parents for their love, prayers, caring and sacrifices for educating and

preparing me for my future;

To our friends and classmates for their constant encouragement and for their

genuine support throughout this research work;

And to all people who have supported and believed in us to complete the research

work.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dedication Page 2

Acknowledgement 3

Table of Contents 4

List of Table 7

List of Appendices 8

List of Figures 9

Abstract 11

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study 12

1.2 Statement of the Problems 13

1.3 Research Questions 13

1.4 Objectives of the Study 14

1.5 Research Hypothesis 14

1.6 Significance of the Study 14

1.7 Scope and Limitations 15

1.8 Definition of Terms 15

CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Conceptual Studies 16

2.2 Review of Related Studies 25

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CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY

3.1 General System Diagram 30

3.2 Research Design 30

3.3 Research Locale 31

3.4 Experimental Analysis of Photovoltaic Cell 31

3.5 Experimental Analysis of Thermoelectric Generator 32

3.6 Experimental Analysis of Combined Photovoltaic Cell and 33

Thermoelectric Generator

CHAPTER 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Experimental Analysis of Photovoltaic Cell 35

4.2 Experimental Analysis of Thermoelectric Generator 37

4.3 Experimental Analysis of Combined Photovoltaic Cell and 39

Thermoelectric Generator

CHAPTER 5 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION 42

References 43

Appendices 44

A. Experimental Set-Up of Combined Photovoltaic Cell and 47

Thermoelectric Generator

B. Photo Documentation 48

5
C. Output Voltage Results 50

D. Calculation of Energy Efficiency 52

E. Gantt Chart 56

F. Resume 57

6
 LIST OF TABLE

Table No. Table Title Page

Table 1 Output data of the experimental 41

analysis of PV cell, TEG and

combined PV cell and TEG

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 LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendices Appendix Title Page

A Experimental Set-Up of Combined 47

Photovoltaic Cell and Thermoelectric

Generator

B Photo Documentation 48

C Output Voltage Results 50

D Calculation of Energy Efficiency 52

E Gantt Chart 56

F Curriculum Vitae 57

8
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure no. Figure Title Page

Figure 1 Schematic operating principle of photovoltaic cell 17

Figure 2 Schematic diagram of thermoelectric module 22

Figure 3 Realistic model of thermoelectric module 23

Figure 4 Flow of current in series circuits 24

Figure 5 Series IR voltage drops 25

Figure 6 Flow of Energy 30

Figure 7 5W and 3.8 in × 2.5 in mini PV cell 31

Figure 8 1.6 in × 1.6 in bismuth telluride based TEG 32

Figure 9 Schematic operating design of combined 33

PV cell and TEG

Figure 10 Experimental set-up of combined PV cell and TEG 34

Figure 11 Regression analysis of the Temperature and 35

Output Voltage of PV cell

Figure 12 Regression analysis of the standard 36

deviation of the temperature and output

voltage produced by PV cell

Figure 13 Regression analysis of the performance of 37

9
 Thermoelectric Generator

Figure 14 Regression analysis of the standard deviation of 38

the performance of TEG

Figure 15 Regression analysis of temperature difference and 39

output voltage of combined PV cell and TEG

Figure 16 Regression analysis of the standard deviation of 40

The performance of combined PV cell and TEG

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ABSTRACT

Nowadays, the considerable need for energy increases as the world’s population.

This study was undertaken to determine the energy efficiency of combined photovoltaic

cell and thermoelectric generator. A 5W, 3.8 in x 2.5 in mini PV cell and a 5W, 1.6 in x 1.6

in bismuth telluride based TEG were utilized in the experimental analysis. Conducted

experiments showed that the analysis of PV cell, a surface temperature of 314.15 K

yielded a maximum output voltage of 5 V. The calculated efficiency of PV cell performance

is 91.76%. In the TEG, an average temperature of hot and cold side which is 18 K

delivered a maximum output voltage of 0.8 V. The calculated efficiency of TEG

performance is 90%. The combined PV cell and TEG analysis have recorded a

temperature difference of 8 K and a maximum output voltage of 5.3 V. The calculated

efficiency of PV cell performance is 87.23%. The results showed that there is an

overlapping result in the standard deviation of PV cell and the combined PV cell and TEG.

This means that the difference in the energy efficiency is insignificant and some random

errors affected the results.

Keywords: Photovoltaic cell, Thermoelectric Generator, Seebeck effect, Heat sink

Excess energy, Energy efficiency

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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

There is a continual increase in the world's population and the need for energy

increases consequently. Solar cells are one of the ideal technologies to convert the

incident solar radiation into electrical power (Chen, et al., 2008). Owing to the alarming

state of depletion of the major conventional energy resources including coal, petroleum

and natural gas, associated with the environmental degradation due to greenhouse gas

emissions, it has become an urgent necessity to invest in renewable energy sources that

would provide electricity cleanly and abundantly. The energy potential of the sun is

considerable but regardless of this unlimited solar energy source, harvesting it is a

challenge mainly because of the limited efficiency of the array cells. The best conversion

efficiency of most commercially available solar cells is in the range 10 - 20% (Green, M.

A., 1982; Emery, et al., 2013).

The thermoelectric generator (TEG), based on the Seeback effect, converts the

thermal energy into electrical energy is becoming very interesting for different

applications, because it is in low cost and more efficient. In order to improve the

conversion efficiency of solar cells, combining TEG and PV cell could be an effective

method. Furthermore, TEG material as alternative power generation material has drawn

an increasing interest. Some of the solar energy absorbed by PV materials was

transformed into heat or the excess energy than electricity. TEG can convert heat directly

into electrical energy via the Seebeck effect (Hsueh, T., 2013).

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 Accordingly, this study was undertaken to examine the energy efficiency of

combined PV cell and TEG. The performance was tested following a series connection.

The set-up is consist of a PV cell at the top of the hot side of a TEG while the cold side of

it had been to a heat sink with running water.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Many years have been progressive since the advancement in technology and

everything. As the world moves onward we encounter different problems, this study aims

to gather excess energy coming from the sun, thermal pollution caused by global

warming, greenhouse effect and excess heat energy coming from automobiles and

commercial industries. This study was focused on the energy efficiency of combined PV

cell and TEG.

1.3 Research Questions

This research study was undertaken to determine the energy efficiency of

combined photovoltaic cell and thermoelectric generator. Specifically, it aims to answer

the following questions:

1. How energy efficient the combined photovoltaic cell and thermoelectric generator

is?

2. What will be the effect of the experimental design or setup of combined PV cell

and TEG in producing electricity?

3. How efficient is the TEG in converting excess energy into electricity?

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1.4 Objectives of the Study

This research study was undertaken to determine the energy efficiency of

combined photovoltaic cell and thermoelectric generator. Specifically, the following

questions will be adhered:

1. Examine the efficiency of combine photovoltaic cell and thermoelectric generator.

2. Identify the effect of the experimental design or setup of combined photovoltaic

cell and thermoelectric generator in producing electricity.

3. Convert the excess energy directly into electricity using thermoelectric generator.

1.5 Significance of the Study

As of now, the world is persistent to develop and requires great deal of energy

sources. The energy sources that people usually gathers continues to diminish and

someday if not prevented it will not last. The constructed photovoltaic cell combined with

thermoelectric generator will obtain electrical energy coming from the two sources of

energy which are the light and heat energy. The study will be beneficial to human beings

for the energy harvested could be a reliable source of usable renewable energy.

1.6 Scope and Limitation

This study focuses on testing the efficiency of the combined photovoltaic cell and

thermoelectric generator. This aims to convert the excess energy of photovoltaic cell into

electricity with the use of TEG. The waste heat coming from the PV cell will be converted

into electricity by utilizing TEG. This study was conducted during day time and low power

application was not covered

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1.7 Definition of Terms

Photovoltaic cell (PV cell) - light sensitive cell; converts the incident solar radiation into

electrical power.

Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) - device that converts temperature difference into

electricity.

Seebeck effect - happens inside the TEG module where it states that temperature

difference between two different metals produces a voltage difference

Heat sink - thermal conductive metal device designed to absorb and disperse heat away

from a high temperature object

Excess energy - occurs when surplus power is produced or minimum output exceeds

the load

Energy efficiency - using less energy to provide the same level of energy

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 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Conceptual studies

2.1.1 Photovoltaic cell

Solar is a natural energy source with energy could be harvested from the sun.

Photovoltaic (PV) is a technology of energy harvested from sunlight converted directly

into electricity. The term “photo” means light and “voltaic,” electricity (Mah, 1998). A

photovoltaic (PV) cell, also known as solar cell that generates electricity when light strikes

on it by using semiconductor device. A photovoltaic (PV) cell is an energy harvesting

technology that converts solar energy into useful electricity through a process called the

photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaic effect was first described by the French scientist Edmund

Becquerel in 1839 (Adcock, Billman & Cook, 2000). The major types of PV materials are

based on crystalline can be divided into three different basic semiconductor materials:

polycrystalline silicon, single-crystal silicon and gallium arsenide (Lau & Pearce, 2012).

Photovoltaic cell comprises of high-virtue silicon. On the silicon, a PN (positive-negative)

junction was formed as a potential barrier. Photons falling on the PN junction cause the

rise of pairs of opposite electrical charge carriers (electron – hole), which as a result of

the presence of PN junction are separated in two different directions. The voltage will

arise on the junction. Since the isolated electrical charges are redundant carriers, having

alleged, limitless life and a PN junction voltage is steady, the intersection, on which the

light goes as a steady electric cell.

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 Figure 1: Schematic operating principle of photovoltaic cell

A photovoltaic cell is comprised of many layers of materials, each with a specific

purpose. The most important layer of a photovoltaic cell is the specially treated

semiconductor layer. In Fig. 1, PV cell is comprised of two distinct layers (p-type and n-

type), and these actually convert the Sun's energy into useful electricity through a process

called the photovoltaic effect. On either side of the semiconductor is a layer of conducting

material which collects the electricity produced. The backside or shaded side of the cell

can afford to be completely covered in the conductor, whereas the front or illuminated

side must use the conductors sparingly to avoid blocking too much of the sun's radiation

from reaching the semiconductor. The final layer which is applied only to the illuminated

side of the cell is the anti-reflection coating. Since all semiconductors are naturally

reflective, reflection loss can be significant. The solution is to use one or several layers of

an anti-reflection coating similar to those used for eyeglasses and cameras to reduce the

amount of solar radiation that is reflected off the surface of the cell (Chen, 2011).

17
 The photovoltaic effect is a process that generates voltage or electric current in a

photovoltaic cell when it is exposed to sunlight. These solar cells are composed of two

different types of semiconductors, a p-type and an n-type that are joined together to create

a p-n junction. By joining these two types of semiconductors, an electric field is formed in

the region of the junction as electrons move to the positive p-side and holes move to the

negative n-side. This field causes negatively charged particles to move in one direction

and positively charged particles in the other direction (Boyle, 2004). Light is composed of

photons, which are simply small bundles of electromagnetic radiation or energy. When

light of a suitable wavelength is incident on these cells, energy from the photon is

transferred to an electron of the semiconducting material, causing it to jump to a higher

energy state known as the conduction band. In their excited state in the conduction band,

these electrons are free to move through the material, and it is this motion of the electron

that creates an electric current in the cell.

Efficiency is a design concern for photovoltaic cells, as there are many factors that

limit their efficiency. The main factor is that a quarter of the solar energy to the Earth

cannot be converted into electricity by a silicon semiconductor. The physics of

semiconductors requires a minimum photon energy to remove an electron from a crystal

structure, known as the band-gap energy. If a photon has less energy than the band-gap,

the photon gets absorbed as thermal energy. For silicon, the band-gap energy is 1.12

electron volts (Wolfson, 2012). Since the energy in the photons from the sun cover a wide

range of energies, some of the incoming energy from the Sun does not have enough

energy to knock off an electron in a silicon PV cell. Even from the light that can be

absorbed, there is still a problem. Any energy above the band-gap energy will be

18
transformed into heat. This also cuts the efficiency because that heat energy is not being

used for any useful task. Of the electrons that are made available, not all of them will

actually make it to the metal contact and generate electricity. This is because some of

them will not be accelerated sufficiently by the voltage inside the semiconductor. Because

of the reasons listed, the theoretical efficiency of silicon PV cells is about 33% (Wolfson,

2012).

There are ways to improve the efficiency of PV cells, all of which come with an

increased cost. Some of these methods include increasing the purity of the

semiconductor, using a more efficient semiconducting material such as Gallium Arsenide,

by adding additional layers or p-n junctions to the cell, or by concentrating the Sun's

energy using concentrated photovoltaic. On the other hand, PV cells will also degrade,

outputting less energy over time, due to a variety of factors including UV exposure and

weather cycles. A comprehensive report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

(NREL) states that the median degradation rate is 0.5% per year (Jordan & Kurtz, 2012).

Electricity consumption will comprise an increasing share of global energy demand

during the next two decades. In recent years, the increasing prices of fossil fuels and

concerns about the environmental consequences of greenhouse gas emissions have

renewed the interest in the development of alternative energy resources. In particular, the

Fukushima Daiichi accident was a turning point in the call for alternative energy sources.

Renewable energy is now considered a more desirable source of fuel than nuclear power

due to the absence of risk and disasters. Considering that the major component of

greenhouse gases is carbon dioxide, there is a global concern about reducing carbon

emissions. In this regard, different policies could be applied to reducing carbon emissions,

19
such as enhancing renewable energy deployment and encouraging technological

innovations. Two main solutions may be implemented to reduce CO2 emissions and

overcome the problem of climate change: replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy

sources as much as possible and enhancing energy efficiency. In this paper, we discuss

alternative technologies for enhancing renewable energy deployment and energy use

efficiency (Abolhosseini, Altmann & Heshmati, 2014).

2.1.2 Thermoelectric Generator

Heat is defined as the energy associated with the random motion of atoms and

molecules. Heat transfer is the system that lack thermal equilibrium and thus it is a non-

equilibrium phenomenon (Cengel & Chajar, 2014). The basic requirement of heat transfer

is the presence of a temperature different. Heat can be transferred in three different

modes there are conduction, convection and radiation. All modes of heat transfer require

the existence of a temperature difference and all modes are from the high temperature

medium to a lower temperature one (Lienhard, 2013). Thermoelectric generators also

called Seebeck generators are devices that convert thermal energy directly into electrical

energy based on a phenomenon called the Seebeck Effect discovered by Thomas

Johann Seebeck in early 1821 (Elsheikh, Mohamad, Mohd & Said, 2014). Thermoelectric

generator, any of a class of solid-state devices that either convert heat directly into

electricity or transform electrical energy into thermal power for heating or cooling. Such

devices are based on thermoelectric effects involving interactions between the flow of

heat and of electricity through solid bodies.

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 All thermoelectric power generators have the same basic configuration as shown

in Figure 3. A heat source provides the high temperature, and the heat flows through a

thermoelectric converter to a heat sink, which is maintained at a temperature below that

of the source. The temperature differential across the converter produces direct current

(DC) to a load (RL) having a terminal voltage (V) and a terminal current (I). There is no

intermediate energy conversion process. For this reason, thermoelectric power

generation is classified as direct power conversion. The amount of electrical power

generated is given by I²RL, or VI.

A unique aspect of thermoelectric energy conversion is that the direction of energy

flow is reversible. So, for instance, if the load resistor is removed and a DC power supply

is substituted, the thermoelectric device shown in the figure can be used to draw heat

from the “heat source” element and lower its temperature. In this configuration, the

reversed energy-conversion process of thermoelectric devices is invoked, using electrical

power to pump heat and produce refrigeration.

This reversibility distinguishes thermoelectric energy converters from many other

conversion systems, such as thermionic power converters. Electrical input power can be

directly converted to pumped thermal power for heating or refrigerating, or thermal input

power can be converted directly to electrical power for lighting, operating electrical

equipment, and other work. Any thermoelectric device can be applied in either mode of

operation, though the design of a particular device is usually optimized for its specific

purpose.

In 1821, the German physicist Thomas Johann Seebeck discovered that when two

strips of different electrically conducting materials were separated along their length but

21
joined together by two “legs” at their ends, a magnetic field developed around the legs,

provided that a temperature difference existed between the two junctions. He published

his observations the following year, and the phenomenon came to be known as the

Seebeck effect. However, Seebeck did not identify the cause of the magnetic field. This

magnetic field results from equal but opposite electric currents in the two metal-strip legs.

These currents are caused by an electric potential difference across the junctions induced

by thermal differences between the materials. If one junction is open but the temperature

differential is maintained, current no longer flows in the legs but a voltage can be

measured across the open circuit. This generated voltage (V) is the Seebeck voltage and

is related to the difference in temperature (ΔT) between the heated junction and the open

junction by a proportionality factor (α) called the Seebeck coefficient, or V = αΔT. The

value for α is dependent on the types of material at the junction.

Figure 2: Schematic diagram of thermoelectric module

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 Figure 3: Realistic model of thermoelectric module

Due to the properties of semiconductors, n-type and p-type materials have

Seebeck coefficients of opposing signs. For this reason, thermoelectric modules almost

always consist of two semiconductor materials which appear electrically in series and

thermally in parallel.

2.1.3 Series Circuits

The current is the same everywhere in a series circuit. The total resistance is equal

to the sum of the individual resistance values. The total voltage is equal to the sum of the

IR voltage drops across the individual resistances. The total power is equal to the sum of

the power dissipated by each resistance.

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 Current is the movement of electric charge between two points, produced by the

applied voltage. In Figure 4, the free electrons moving away from one point are

continuously replaced by free electrons flowing from an adjacent point in the series circuit.

All electrons have the same speed as those leaving the voltage source. Therefore, I is

the same in all parts of a series circuit.

Figure 4: Flow of current in series circuits

When a series circuit is connected across a voltage source, the free

electrons must drift through all the series resistances. There is only one path for free

electrons to follow. When there are two or more resistances in the same current path, the

total resistance across the voltage source is the sum of all the resistances. By Ohm’s

Law, the voltage across a resistance equals IR. As shown in Figure 5, in a series circuit,

the IR voltage across each resistance is called an IR drop or voltage drop, because it

reduces the potential difference available for the remaining resistances in the circuit.

24
 Figure 5: Series IR voltage drops

2.2 Review of Related Studies

In the study of Tawil, S. N. M. & Zainal, M. Z. (1930) a thermoelectric generator

(TEG) module and photovoltaic cell (PV) were utilized to harvest energy from temperature

gradients of heat sources from ambient heat and light of sun. The output of TEG and PV

were connected to a power management circuit consist of step-up dc-dc converter in

order to increase the output voltage to supply a low power application such as wireless

communication module and the photovoltaic cell for charging an energy storage element

in order to switch on a fan for cooling system of the thermoelectric generator. A switch is

used as a selector to choose the input of source either from photovoltaic cell or

thermoelectric generator to switch on DC-DC step-up converter. In order to turn on the

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DC-DC step-up converter, the input must be greater than 3V. The energy harvesting was

designed so that it can be used continuously and portable anywhere. Multiple sources

used in this energy harvesting system is to ensure the system can work in whatever

condition either in good weather or not good condition of weather. This energy harvesting

system has the potential to be used in military operation and environment that require

sustainability of energy resources.

According to Bjørk, R., & Nielsen, K. K. (2015), the performance of a combined

solar photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric generator (TEG) system was examined using

an analytical model for four different types of commercial PVs and a commercial bismuth

telluride TEG. The TEG is applied directly on the back of the PV, so that the two devices

have the same temperature. The PVs considered are crystalline Si (c-Si), amorphous Si

(a-Si), copper indium gallium (di) selenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) cells.

The degradation of PV performance with temperature is shown to dominate the increase

in power produced by the TEG, due to the low efficiency of the TEG. For c-Si, CIGS and

CdTe PV cells, the combined system produces a lower power and has a lower efficiency

than the PV alone, whereas for an a-Si cell the total system performance may be slightly

increased by the TEG.

However, in 2012, Flamant, G. et al. presented the numerical modeling and

optimization of a spectrum splitting photovoltaic–thermoelectric (PV–TE) hybrid system.

In this work, a simulation model is established in consideration of solar concentration

levels and several heat dissipation rates. Exemplarily, the performance of a hybrid system

composed of a GaAs solar cell and a skutterudites CoSb3 solar thermoelectric generator

(TEG) is simulated. Analysis under different conditions has been carried out to evaluate

26
the electrical and thermal performance of the hybrid system. Results show that the cutoff-

wavelength of the GaAs–CoSb3 hybrid system is mainly determined by the band gap of

solar cell, when the solar concentration ratio is ranged between 550 to 770 and heat

transfer coefficient h = 3000–4500 W/m2 K, the hybrid system has good electrical

performance and low operating temperatures. Based on the analysis of the GaAs–CoSb3

hybrid system, guidelines for the PV–TE system design are proposed. It is also compared

with a PV-only system working under the same cooling condition; results show that the

PV–TE hybrid system is more suitable for working under high concentrations.

Furthermore, the recent study of Hepsiba, P. et al. (2017) presented the

optimization of geometry of thermoelectric devices using the analytical expression. The

geometry optimization helps in achieving a maximum power output and minimizes the

consumption of thermoelectric materials. The hybrid photovoltaic and thermoelectric

(PV/TE) system consist of a PV cell on the top of the hot side of a TEG while the cold

side of it is attached to a heat exchanger with ice block. The experimental results from

the PV/TE system shows that an increase in both the overall power output and conversion

efficiency is achieved by incorporating a thermoelectric generator (TEG) to harvest waste

heat from photovoltaic cell.

The performance of the hybrid structures PV/TEG/STC which consist of

photovoltaic cells PV, thermoelectric elements TEG and solar collector STC function of

different levels of illumination from 30 suns to 130 suns (1 sun = 1000 W/m 2) was studied

in this paper of Cotfas, D. T., Cotfas, P. A., Floroian, L. & Floroian, D. (2017). The

concentrated light is obtained using a solar simulator with four parabolic xenon lamps and

an optical mixer to ensure the quasi homogenous illumination of the hybrid system. The

27
important parameters of the photovoltaic cells and of the thermoelectric generators are

determined using the current-voltage characteristics. The measurements and control are

realized using the NI-cRIO platform and the software is developed in LabVIEW. The

important parameters of the hybrid structure components which are taken into

consideration in this study for the multijunction photovoltaic cells and the thermoelectric

generator are: the short circuit current Isc, the open circuit voltage Voc, the maximum

power Pmax, the efficiency η, the inlet and outlet water temperature and the efficiency for

the flat plate solar collector. The short circuit current, the open circuit voltage and the

maximum power can be determined using the I-V characteristics.

In addition to the study of Hsueh, T., Shieh, J. & Yeh, Y. (2014), a green energy

device with a CuInGaSe2 (CIGS) photovoltaic (PV) cell covered with a passive light-

trapping structure (ZnO nanowires (NWs)) and connected to an active energy-harvesting

device (thermoelectric generator (TEG) was presented. This study proposes a CIGS solar

cell series connected to a TEG to create a very efficient green energy device which

simultaneously generates PV and TE-based electricity. The heat generated by the CIGS

solar cell, ~60 °C, is energy harvested by a TEG to boost efficiency. To compensate for

the PV efficiency loss caused by Cd-free green processes, ZnO NW light-trapping

technology is applied to increase light absorption and therefore increase heat. The growth

of ZnO NWs and the properties of the fabricated PV devices are thoroughly discussed.

The optical and electrical properties of the CIGS/TEG hybrid device are also discussed.

The efficiency of the ZnO NWs/CIGS PV device obtained using a deposition temperature

of 550 °C and Cd-free processes reaches 16.5%. The series-connected CIGS PV cell

with a TEG had a record-high efficiency of 22% at a cool-side temperature (Tc) below 5

28
°C. The open-circuit voltage (Voc) of the hybrid CIGS PV/TEG device was increased from

0.64 to 0.85 V. This technology has potential for high-efficiency energy-harvesting

applications.

29
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 General System Diagram

Heat Energy Photovoltaic Cell

Excess Heat Energy

Multimeter Experimental
Analysis
Thermoelectric
Generator

Heat sink with

running water

Figure 6: Flow of Energy

30
3.2 Research Design

This study is under the experimental research design. The independent variable is

the temperature difference of the combined photovoltaic cell thermoelectric generator

while dependent variable is the output voltage generated from the devices. The energy

efficiency of PV cell, TEG and combined PV cell and TEG was calculated.

3.3 Research Locale

This research study was conducted in the Science laboratory of Tanza National

Comprehensive High School - Senior High School.

3.4 Experimental analysis of Photovoltaic cell

Photovoltaic system is designed to supply usable solar powers. A photovoltaic

(PV) cell, also known as solar cell, generates electricity when light strikes on it by using

semiconductor device. First, the PV cell will absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. A

5W, 3.8 in × 2.5 in mini PV cell was utilized to determine the efficiency of the general

experimental set-up. The surface temperature of the PV cell was measured using a

mercury thermometer. The voltage, current and load resistance of the PV cell was

measured with a multimeter.

Figure 7: 5W and 3.8 in × 2.5 in mini PV cell

31
3.5 Experimental Analysis of Thermoelectric Generator

Thermoelectric generator (TEG) is any of a class of solid-state devices that either

convert heat directly into electricity or transform electrical energy into thermal power for

heating or cooling. These are devices that convert thermal energy directly into electrical

energy based on a phenomenon called the Seebeck Effect. A 1.6 in × 1.6 in bismuth

telluride based TEG was tested experimentally. The hot side surface temperature of TEG

was measured equal to the surface temperature of PV cell. The hot and cold junction

temperature was measured using a mercury thermometer. The corresponding voltage,

current and load resistance will be measured with a multimeter and the power output will

be calculated.

Figure 8: 1.6 in × 1.6 in bismuth telluride based TEG

32
3.6 Experimental analysis of combined Photovoltaic cell and Thermoelectric

generator

A 5W, 3.8 in × 2.5 in photovoltaic (PV) cell absorbs solar energy coming from the

sunlight and convert it into electricity. The PV cell was connected in series with a 5W, 1.6

in × 1.6 in bismuth telluride based thermoelectric generator (TEG). As shown in Figure 8,

there was a copperplate placed at the back of the PV cell as well as on the hot side of

TEG. Instead of letting the excess heat energy radiate away at the back of PV cell, the

TEG will convert it into electricity. Heat sink with running water was used as a passive air

mode of cooling system that was attached at the cold side of TEG. Through this,

temperature difference of TEG was regulated. The temperature of PV cell and TEG was

measured using a mercury thermometer while the output voltage was recorded using a

multimeter.

Figure 9: Schematic operating design of combined PV cell and TEG

33
 PV CELL COPPERPLATE

TEG

HEAT SINK

Figure 10: Experimental set-up of combined PV cell and TEG

34
 CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Experimental Analysis of Photovoltaic Cell

Based on the data gathered, the temperature and output voltage of photovoltaic

cell was measured. Current was calculated by the formula I=V/R and the power was

calculated using the formula P=VI. The measured value of temperature and output

voltage was used to form a regression.

Figure 11: Regression analysis of the Temperature and Output Voltage of PV cell

In order to determine the temperature of PV cell, a mercury thermometer was

used and the output voltage was measured using a multi meter. Figure 10 showed that

in 314.15 K, a maximum output voltage that was delivered by the PV cell is 5 V. While

the temperature of 319.15 K yielded an output voltage of 3.5 V. The maximum current of

0.0135A and a maximum power of 0.0729 W was calculated. There is a higher output

35
voltage if the temperature is lower, which means that the temperature and output

voltage of PV cell is inversely proportional.

Figure 12: Regression analysis of the standard deviation of the temperature and output
voltage produced by PV cell

It can be seen from Figure 11 that the maximum standard deviation of the

photovoltaic cell is 0.434. This implies that on the average, the surface temperature of the

PV cell is 0.434 from the mean. The voltage of PV cell which is 5 V had overlapped in the

range of computed lower and upper value of the PV cell which is 5V - 5.9V.

36
4.2 Experimental Analysis of Thermoelectric Generator

Based on the data collected, the temperature and output voltage of thermoelectric

generator was measured. Current was calculated by the formula I=V/R and the power

was calculated using the formula P=VI. The measured value of temperature and output

voltage was used to form a regression.

Figure 13: Regression analysis of the performance of Thermoelectric Generator

In order to determine the temperature of TEG, a mercury thermometer was used

and the output voltage was measured using a multi meter. Figure 12 showed that the

change in temperature of 18 K, a maximum output voltage that was delivered by the TEG

is 0.8 V. While the change in temperature which is 3 K yielded an output voltage of 0.1 V.

The maximum current of 0.026A and a maximum power of 0.02236 W was calculated. As

37
the temperature difference increases, the output voltage also increases. This means that

the temperature difference and output voltage of TEG is directly proportional.

Figure 14: Regression analysis of the standard deviation of the performance of TEG

It can be seen from the Figure 13 that the maximum standard deviation of the

thermoelectric generator is 0.0948. This implies that on the average, the surface

temperature of the TEG is 0.0948 from the mean. The voltage of TEG which is 0.8 V had

overlapped in the range of computed lower and upper value of the TEG which is 0.6104V

– 0.8V.

38
4.3 Experimental Analysis of Combined Photovoltaic Cell and Thermoelectric

Generator

Based on the data gathered, the temperature and output voltage of combined

photovoltaic cell and thermoelectric generator was measured. Current was calculated by

the formula I=V/R and the power was calculated using the formula P=VI. The measured

value of temperature and output voltage was used to form a regression.

Figure 15: Regression analysis of temperature difference and output voltage of

combined PV cell and TEG

In order to determine the temperature of combined PV cell and TEG, a mercury

thermometer was used and the output voltage was measured using a multi meter. Figure

14 showed that in the temperature difference of 8 K, a maximum output voltage that was

delivered by the combined PV cell and TEG is 5.3 V. While the temperature difference of

3 K yielded an output voltage of 4.1 V. The maximum current of 0.0367 A and a maximum

power of 0.197 W was calculated. There is a higher output voltage if the temperature is

39
lower, which means that the temperature and output voltage of combined PV cell and

TEG is inversely proportional.

Figure 16: Regression analysis of the standard deviation of the performance of

combined PV cell and TEG

It can be seen from the Figure 15 that the maximum standard deviation of the

photovoltaic cell is 0.0475. This implies that on the average, the output voltage of the PV

cell is 0.0475 from the mean. The voltage of PV cell which is 5.3 V had overlapped in the

range of computed lower and upper value of the PV cell which is 5.3V – 5.4V. The

summary of results obtained from the experiment were can be seen in Table 1.

40
 OUTPUT DATA

Combined
Parameters Photovoltaic Cell Thermoelectric Photovoltaic cell
Generator and Thermoelectric
Generator

Maximum Output 5±0.43415625 0.8±0.948 5.3±0.0475

voltage (V)

0.0135 A 0.026 A 0.0367 A

Current (A)

0.0729 W 0.02236 W 0.197 W

Power (W)

Energy Efficiency (%) 96.81±0.0013 99.53±0.0028 96.85±0.0014

R2 1 0.9698 0.9951

Table 1: Output data of the experimental analysis of PV cell, TEG and combined PV cell

and TEG

In Table 1, it can be seen that there is a perfect positive correlation existing

between the parameters measured among the three experimental set-ups which are the

PV cell, TEG and combined PV cell TEG.

41
 CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 SUMMARY

The goal of this study is to determine the energy efficiency of combined

photovoltaic cell and thermoelectric generator. Some of the solar energy absorbed by PV

materials was transformed into waste heat or excess energy rather than into electricity.

Series connection was used in combining the PV cell and TEG. The heat sink was used

as a passive air mode of cooling system that was attached at the cold side of TEG. The

performance of PV cell, TEG and combined PV cell and TEG was evaluated

experimentally. For the analysis of PV cell, a surface temperature of 314.15 K yielded a

maximum output voltage of 5 V. The calculated efficiency of PV cell performance is

91.76%. In the TEG, an average temperature of hot and cold side which is 18 K delivered

a maximum output voltage of 0.8 V. The calculated efficiency of TEG performance is 90%.

The combined PV cell and TEG analysis have recorded a temperature difference of 8 K

and a maximum output voltage of 5.3 V. The calculated efficiency of PV cell performance

is 87.23%.

5.2 CONCLUSION

The efficiency of the combined photovoltaic cell and thermoelectric generator have

a great help in conserving energy especially the waste heat coming from different energy

conversions through the use of TEG device. Using the analytical solutions, different

performance parameters (e.g. heat input, power output, efficiency) are calculated and

expressed graphically as a function of solar radiation and convection heat transfer

42
coefficient. In the calculation of uncertainty values, the standard deviation of the energy

efficiency of the PV cell had overlapped with the standard deviation of the efficiency of

combined PV cell and TEG. This implies that there is an insignificant difference between

the efficiency rates of PV cell alone and combined PV cell and TEG. Some random errors

affected the efficiency of the experimental set-up of combined PV cell and TEG. The

output voltage of combined PV cell and TEG was increased compared to PV cell alone.

The TEG increases the output voltage that was produced by the PV cell. This technology

has potential for high-efficiency energy-harvesting applications. The study still has various

fields of improvement to further technology and electronic engineering.

5.3 RECOMMENDATION

After thorough analysis of data and results of this study, the researchers recommend

that the following should be made for further enhancement of the study.

 Preferably use another low cost device’s in gathering excess energy rather than

thermoelectric generator to get a higher efficiency.

 Expand the photovoltaic cell and thermoelectric generator series to harvest more

energy.

 Utilize the electrical energy harvested by combine photovoltaic cell and

thermoelectric generator for low power application.

 Improve the cooling system of thermoelectric generator by using an air water

cooler aside from heat sink.

 Place a Phase Change Material (PCM) at the cold side of TEG to harvest the heat

dissipated from it.

43
 REFERENCES

Abolhosseini,S., Altmann, J. & Heshmati, A. (2014). A review of renewable energy supply

and energy efficiency technologies. Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit

Institute for the Study of Labor.

Amatya, R. & Ram, R. J. (2010). Solar Thermoelectric Generator for micropower

applications. Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.

Asif, M., & Muneer, T. (2007). Energy supply, its demand and security issues for

developed and emerging economies. Renewable and Sustainable Energy

Reviews, 11(7), 1388-1413.

Bjørk, R. & Nielsen, K. K. (2015). The performance of a combined solar photovoltaic (PV)

and thermoelectric generator (TEG) system. Solar Energy, 120, 187-194.

Blessy, P. et al. (2017). Solar energy harvesting using hybrid photovoltaic and

thermoelectric generating system. Global Journal of Pure and Applied

Mathematics, 13 (9):5935-5944. Research India Publications. Retrieved from

http://www.ripublication.com

Chen, G. (2008). Photovoltaic-thermoelectric hybrid systems: A general optimization

methodology.

Cotfas, D. T., Cotfas, P. A., Floroian, L. & Floroian, D. I. (2017). Study of combined

photovoltaic cell/thermoelectric element/solar collector in medium concentrated

light. Brasov, Romania.

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Elsheikh, M. H., Mohd Sabri, M. F., Said, S. M. & Mohamad, M. (2014). Renewable and

sustainable energy reviews, 30, 337-355.

Hasim, H., Bomphrey, J.J. & Min, G. (2016). Model for geometry optimization of

thermoelectric devices in a hybrid PV/TE system. Renewable energy, 87 pp.458-

463.

Hsueh, T. J., Shieh, J. M. & Tainan, Y. M. (2013). Hybrid cd-free CIGS solar cell/TEG

device with ZnO nanowires. Science Park, Tainan 741, Taiwan.

Jack, A., Peter, D. Balaji, D. & Gowrishankar, D. (2013). IOSR Journal of Engineering, 3,

1-4.

Ju, X., Wang, Z., Flamant, G., Li, P. & Zhao, W. (2012). Numerical analysis and

optimization of a spectrum splitting concentration photovoltaic-thermoelectric

hybrid system.

Lienhard, J. H. (2013). A heat transfer textbook. Dover Publications Inc., New York.

Lin, J., Liao, T. & Lin, B. (2015). Performance analysis and load matching of a

photovoltaic–thermoelectric hybrid system. Energy Conversion and Management,

vol. 105, pp. 891–899.

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Snyder, G. J. (2008). Small thermoelectric generators. The Electrochemical Society, 54-

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The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (2007). Retrieved from

https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/circuits/Lesson-4/Two-Types-of-

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Therampilly, J. (2012). Energy harvesting from multiple sources for battery charging.

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applications. McGraw Hill, New York.

46
 LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP OF COMBINED PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL AND TEG

47
 APPENDIX B

PHOTO DOCUMENTATION

Plate 1: Experimentation and measurement of temperature and output voltage of

PV cell and TEG

48
Plate 2: Gathering of data from the experiment

49
 APPENDIX C

OUTPUT VOLTAGE RESULTS

50
51
 APPENDIX D

CALCULATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Energy Efficiency of Photovoltaic Cell

𝑉
𝐼=
𝑅

5.4 𝑉
𝐼= = 0.0135 𝐴
400

𝑊𝑠𝑐 = 𝐴 ∗ 𝑉

𝑊𝑠𝑐 = 0.0135 𝐴 ∗ 5.4 𝑉 = 0.0729 𝑊

2
2.54𝑐𝑚2
𝐴𝑠𝑐 = 9.5𝑖𝑛 ∗ = 24.13 𝑐𝑚2
1 𝑖𝑛2

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 = 𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 ∗ 𝐴𝑠𝑐

𝑊
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 = (0.034 ) (24.13 𝑐𝑚2 ) = 0.82 𝑊
𝑐𝑚2

𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 − 𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡
𝜂=
𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡

0.82 𝑊 − 0.0675 𝑊
𝜂= 𝑥 100 = 91.76%
0.82 𝑊

𝑊 = (5.43 ± 0.43) (5.43 ± 0.0135)

𝑊 = √(0.43)2 + (0.0135)2
W = 0.43 watts
10.86 ± 0.43 watts

52
 329.14 ± 0.43
ŋ=
340
ŋ = 96.81 ± 0.0013
>96.8113 %
>96.8087%

0.43 2
𝑆𝑅 = √( )
329.14

𝑆𝑅 = 0.0013

Energy Efficiency of Thermoelectric Generator

𝑉
𝐼=
𝑅

0.86 𝑉
𝐼= = 0.026 𝐴
33.5

𝑊𝑠𝑐 = 𝐴 ∗ 𝑉

𝑊𝑠𝑐 = 0.026 𝐴 ∗ 0.86 𝑉 = 0.02236 𝑊

2.54 𝑐𝑚2
𝐴𝑇𝐸𝐺 = 2.56 𝑖𝑛2 ∗ = 6.50 𝑐𝑚2
1𝑖𝑛2

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 = 𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 ∗ 𝐴𝑠𝑐

𝑊
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 = (0.034 2
) (6.50 𝑐𝑚2 ) = 0.221 𝑊
𝑐𝑚

𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 − 𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡
𝜂=
𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡

0.221 𝑊 − 0.0221 𝑊
𝜂= 𝑥 100 = 90%
0.221 𝑊

53
 W = (0.8 ± 0.948) (0.8 ± 0.026)

𝑊 = √(0.948)2 + (0.026)2
W = 0.95 watts
1.6 ± 0.96 watts
338.4 ± 0.95
ŋ=
340
ŋ = 99.53 ± 0.0028
>99.5328 %
>99.5272%

0.948 2
𝑆𝑅 = √( )
338.4

𝑆𝑅 = 0.0028

Energy Efficiency of Combined PV cell and TEG

𝑉
𝐼=
𝑅

5.36 𝑉
𝐼= = 0.0367 𝐴
146.3

𝑊𝑠𝑐 = 𝐴 ∗ 𝑉

𝑊𝑠𝑐 = 0.0367 𝐴 ∗ 5.368 𝑉 = 0.197 𝑊

𝐴𝑇𝐸𝐺 = 6.50 𝑐𝑚2 + 24.13 𝑐𝑚2 = 30.63 𝑐𝑚2

54
 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 = 𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 ∗ 𝐴𝑠𝑐

𝑊
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 = (0.034 ) (30.63 𝑐𝑚2 ) = 1.04142 𝑊
𝑐𝑚2

𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 − 𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡
𝜂=
𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡

1.04142 𝑊 − 0.1331 𝑊
𝜂= 𝑥 100 = 87.23 %
1.04142 𝑊

W = (5.35 ± 0.0475) (5.35 ± 0.0367)

W= 10.7

𝑊 = √(0.0475)2 + (0.0367)2
W= 0.06 watts
W= 10.7 ± 0.06 watts
329.3 ± 0.06
ŋ= 𝑥 100
340
ŋ = 96.85 ± 0.00014
>96.85014%
>96.84986%

0.0475 2
𝑆𝑅 = √( )
329.3

𝑆𝑅 = 0.00014

55
 APPENDIX E

GANTT CHART

ACTIVITIES JUNE JULY AUGUST

WEEKS 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Formulation of Topic

Creation of Chapter 1

Completion for the

materials of the set-up

Finalizing with the

research consultant

Creation of Chapter 2 and

Chapter 3

Formulation of the
Experiment

Completion of Figures,
Tables, Bibliographies,
Appendices, Chapter 4 and
5

Printing of Papers and

Construction of Display
Board

Science Fair 2019-2020

56
APPENDIX F

RESUME

57
JOSELITO S. CRUZAT
235 Santol, Tanza, Cavite
Contact Number: 09299650385
E-mail Address: cruzatjose33@gmail.com

Personal Data
Date of Birth : March 15, 2001
Place of Birth : Cavite City, Cavite
Gender : Male
Civil Status : Single
Religion : Catholic
Citizenship : Filipino
Father’s Name : Alfredo Cruzat
Mother’s Name : Carmen S. Cruzat
Language/Dialect : Filipino and English

Educational Attainment
Primary Maximino V. Pangilinan Elementary School
Brgy. Santol, Tanza, Cavite
2008 – 2014
Secondary Tanza National Comprehensive High School
Daang Amaya II, Tanza, Cavite
2014 - 2020

58
PATRICIA MAE M. APOR
Biwas, Tanza, Cavite
Contact Number: 09486410658
E-mail Address: ropapat21@gmail.com

Personal Data
Date of Birth : May 21, 2002
Place of Birth : Tanza, Cavite
Gender : Female
Civil Status : Single
Religion : Catholic
Citizenship : Filipino
Father’s Name : Ricardo P. Apor
Mother’s Name : Haydee M. Apor
Language/Dialect : Filipino and English

Educational Attainment
Primary De Roman Montessori School
Tanza, Cavite
2008 – 2014
Secondary Tanza National Comprehensive High School
Daang Amaya II, Tanza, Cavite
2014 - 2020

59
SHARLENE D. TAMIO
129 Santol, Tanza, Cavite
Contact Number: 09179220749
E-mail Address: sharlenetamio24@gmail.com

Personal Data
Date of Birth : January 24, 2002
Place of Birth : Tanza, Cavite
Gender : Female
Civil Status : Single
Religion : Jehovah’s Witnesses
Citizenship : Filipino
Father’s Name : Aladin J. Tamio
Mother’s Name : Melody D. Tamio
Language/Dialect : Filipino and English

Educational Attainment
Primary Maximino V. Pangilinan Elementary School
Brgy. Santol, Tanza, Cavite
2008 – 2014
Secondary Tanza National Comprehensive High School
Daang Amaya II, Tanza, Cavite
2014 - 2020

60