Output Enhancement of a Photovoltaic System Via Thermoelectric Generator Cum Phase Change Material Under Real Incalescent Ambience

Abstract This research examines the integration of two advanced technologies: Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) and Phase Change Materials (PCMs) as potential solutions to address efficiency challenges faced by photovoltaic (PV) panels in high-temperature atmosphere. By experimental submission, three configurations: standalone PV, PV-TEG, and PV-TEG-PCM networks subject to the same ambient conditions are studied. The baseline is set with standalone PV approach. In PV-TEG setup, TEGs are introduced to capture and leverage temperature variations. The PV-TEG-PCM structure takes the concept further by incorporating both TEGs and PCM, which regulates temperature to boost the total output of the PV setup. Performances reveal promising results. The PV-TEG-PCM system demonstrates most significant improvement, enhancing output PV power by 19.845% while the PV-TEG configuration also shows notable boost with a 13.80% increase in power output. Moreover, overall electrical energy efficiency experiences considerable enhancement, with the PV-TEG-PCM and PV-TEG arrangements achieving efficiency gains of 19.913% and 13.827%, correspondingly, whilst it is observed that the TEG component of the PV-TEG-PCM setup generates a remarkable voltage of 67.256% and an impressive output power of 167.346% higher compared to that in PV-TEG configuration showing the efficacy of the combination of TEGs and PCMs in boosting the outputs of PV system.