Investigation of Thermal Distribution and Thermoelectric Cooling Performance in A Photovoltaic Panel

Photovoltaic (PV) panels, while generating energy from solar radiation, may experience a loss in efficiency due to excessive heating of the module surface. This heating negatively impacts the performance of the PV module, reducing the energy efficiency derived from solar radiation. In this study, the thermal behavior of a PV module integrated with a thermoelectric generator (TEG) is thoroughly investigated through experimental and simulation approaches. The PV-TEG integration not only minimizes the efficiency loss by cooling the PV modules but also provides additional energy generation through the thermoelectric generators (TEG). These hybrid systems, particularly in regions with high temperatures and intense solar radiation, have the potential to enhance the efficiency of photovoltaic systems and enable more efficient energy production. The study demonstrates the potential of PV-TEG systems to perform both functions cooling and energy generation simultaneously.