The "Thermoelectric Solar Panel" project explores generating electricity from sunlight using a combination of solar thermal collection and thermoelectric generators (TEGs). A Fresnel lens concentrates sunlight onto a copper pipe painted black to maximize heat absorption. This heat is transferred to the hot side of TEGs, while the cold side is cooled by a heatsink and fan. The goal is to leverage the temperature difference across the TEGs to produce usable electricity, offering a potential alternative or complement to traditional photovoltaic solar panels. The initial prototype demonstrates the concept's viability, though efficiency and scalability remain key challenges for practical application.
This webpage, titled "Thermoelectric Solar Panel," details a conceptual design for a novel solar energy harvesting system that combines traditional photovoltaic (PV) panels with thermoelectric generators (TEGs). The author posits that a significant portion of the solar energy incident upon a PV panel is converted into heat rather than electricity, resulting in decreased efficiency and potential damage due to elevated temperatures. The proposed solution involves integrating TEGs into the solar panel assembly to capture this waste heat and convert it into additional usable electrical energy.
The proposed design outlines a layered structure. The topmost layer consists of conventional photovoltaic cells, responsible for the primary conversion of sunlight into electricity. Beneath the PV cells, a layer of thermally conductive material, such as aluminum or copper, acts as a heat spreader, efficiently distributing the generated heat across a larger surface area. This heat spreader is in thermal contact with the hot side of the TEGs. The cold side of the TEGs is coupled to a heat sink, which could utilize various cooling methods, including passive air cooling with fins or more active systems involving water or other coolants. This temperature differential across the TEGs allows them to generate an additional electrical current, supplementing the output from the PV cells.
The author emphasizes the potential benefits of this combined system. By reclaiming some of the lost thermal energy, the overall efficiency of the solar panel could be improved. Furthermore, by actively cooling the PV cells, the system could mitigate the negative impacts of high temperatures on PV performance and lifespan. The webpage includes a simplified diagram illustrating the layered structure of the proposed thermoelectric solar panel and the flow of energy through the system. While acknowledging that the design is conceptual and requires further development and testing, the author suggests this approach holds promise for enhancing the efficiency and longevity of solar energy systems. The author also mentions exploring different TEG materials and heat sink designs for optimal performance.
Summary of Comments ( 11 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43169244
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and efficiency of the thermoelectric solar panel described in the linked article. Several commenters pointed out the inherent low efficiency of thermoelectric generators, making them unsuitable for large-scale power generation compared to photovoltaic panels. Some suggested niche applications where the combined heat and electricity generation might be advantageous, such as powering remote sensors or in hybrid systems. The durability and lifespan of the proposed setup, especially concerning the vacuum chamber and selective coating, were also questioned. One commenter mentioned a similar project they had worked on, highlighting the challenges in achieving meaningful energy output. Overall, the consensus seemed to be that while conceptually interesting, the thermoelectric approach faces significant hurdles in becoming a viable alternative to existing solar technologies.
The Hacker News post titled "Thermoelectric Solar Panel," linking to an article on simplified thermosolar power generation, has generated several comments discussing the feasibility, efficiency, and potential applications of the proposed system.
Several commenters express skepticism about the overall efficiency of the system. One points out the inherent limitations of thermoelectric generators, noting their low efficiency compared to photovoltaic cells. They suggest that while the concept is interesting, the actual power output would likely be significantly lower than what could be achieved with traditional solar panels. Another commenter echoes this concern, questioning the claimed 14% efficiency, suggesting it might be overly optimistic and not account for real-world losses. A detailed analysis is requested, breaking down the efficiency of each component in the system to better understand the overall performance.
Others raise questions about the practicality of the design. One commenter highlights the challenges in maintaining a vacuum in a large, flat panel, especially considering the potential for leaks and the added manufacturing complexity. They also question the durability and lifespan of such a system, especially under harsh weather conditions. Another commenter emphasizes the importance of considering the cost-effectiveness of the proposed system, comparing it to existing solar technologies.
Some commenters offer alternative suggestions and modifications. One proposes using a Stirling engine instead of a thermoelectric generator, arguing that it could potentially improve the overall efficiency. Another suggests exploring different materials for the absorber and heat sink to optimize performance.
A few commenters express interest in the concept and its potential for niche applications. One commenter mentions the possibility of using the system in concentrated solar power applications, where the higher temperatures could lead to improved efficiency for thermoelectric generation. Another suggests its potential use in off-grid or remote locations where traditional solar panels might not be practical.
A recurring theme in the comments is the need for more data and experimental validation. Many commenters request further information on the testing methodology and results to verify the claimed efficiency and performance. They emphasize the importance of real-world testing to assess the feasibility and practicality of the proposed system.
Finally, some commenters engage in a discussion about the thermodynamics of the system, debating the theoretical limits of efficiency and the potential for improvements.