A Novel Hybrid Photovoltaic–Thermoelectric Power Generation System Employing the Flat-plate Micro-channel Heat Pipe

Project Information

PV-TE-MCHP

Grant agreement ID: 745614

DOI

10.3030/745614

Project closed

EC signature date 23 March 2017

Start date 1 October 2017

End date 30 September 2019

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 195 454,80

EU contribution

€ 195 454,80

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITY OF HULL
United Kingdom

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PV-TE-MCHP (A Novel Hybrid Photovoltaic–Thermoelectric Power Generation System Employing the Flat-plate Micro-channel Heat Pipe)

Reporting period: 2017-10-01 to 2019-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Thermal management of photovoltaic (PV) modules is the main issue being addressed in this project. The efficiency of PV modules decreases as the operating temperature increase consequently, a large percentage of the absorbed solar energy is converted to waste heat. A thermoelectric (TE) module can convert waste heat into electricity via the Seebeck effect, therefore, integrating a TE module into a PV module via direct coupling method will lead to the reduced temperature of PV thereby increasing its efficiency and additional electricity generation from the TE module. Furthermore, the PV mainly converts the ultra-violent and visible regions of the solar spectrum into electricity directly while the TE module converts the infrared region into electricity, therefore, integrating both will enable the utilization of a wider solar spectrum. The current increased energy demand necessitates the need for renewable energy sources like solar energy, which is a feasible and long-term solution to the global energy crisis because it is clean, inexhaustible and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, the availability of electricity is a major requirement for economic development and improving the quality of life of people. Therefore, this project is very important to society has it provides a clean electricity generation technology. Consequently, the reliance on fossil fuel, which cause various environmental challenges like global warming and climate change, can be reduced by using clean and renewable energy technologies. The overall objectives of the project are: (1) to carry out conceptual design of the PV-TE-MCHP system; (2) to develop a computerised optimisation model based on the latest nodal analysis method for the use in characterisation and optimisation of the PV-TE-MCHP; (3) to carry out laboratory testing of the PV-TE-MCHP prototype and validate/refine the established computer model; and (4) to carry out economic and environmental performance analysis. At the end of this project, the conceptual design has been carried out and a design report was created. Furthermore, a computerised optimisation model for the PV-TE-MCHP has been developed using MATLAB software and COMSOL Multiphysics software. Laboratory testing of the PV-TE-MCHP prototype was carried out in the Energy Technology Laboratory of the University of Hull while economic and environmental performance analysis was performed.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During this project, several work packages were performed as outlined in the proposal at the beginning of the project. The work packages are described here and results obtained including exploitation and dissemination are discussed.

WP 1. Conceptual design: A conceptual design for the PV-TE-MCHP system was developed during the first three months of this project and a design report which is the deliverable from this work package was also developed. The results from this work package formulated the foundation for the follow-on work package tasks.

WP 2. Computer modelling using the nodal analysis method and the system characterisation/optimisation: This work package was completed within 9 months thereby concluding the first year of the project. A computer model to predict the power generation of the PV-TE-MCHP and optimise its size and geometrical shape was developed using both MATLAB and COMSOL Multiphysics software.

WP 3. Experimental testing and computer model validation/refinement: Based on the results obtained in work packages 1 and 2, a PV-TE-MCHP prototype was designed and constructed. The system was tested at the Energy Technology Laboratory at University of Hull using the established solar test rig. All the measurement data were collected and used to analyse the performance of the new PV-TE-MCHP and determine its electrical power output.

WP 4. Economic and environmental performance analysis: This work package involved the examination of the cost target and other social-economic measures relating to the new PV-TE-MCHP. The electrical output and thermal performance of the new system were estimated and compared to existing PV-TE systems. The estimated payback period of the new system relative to existing systems was also obtained and preliminary results from this work package are already published.

WP 5. Project management and researcher career training: This work package involved the following tasks which were performed: planning and management of research activities, organisation of researcher’s training and secondment activities, administrative and financial coordination and project progress and risk management. Project meetings were arranged quarterly as planned, grant application was undertaken and several large proposals were submitted, supervision of PhD student ‘Samson Shittu’ was performed all through the project months and secondment activities to Germany was also undertaken.

WP 6. Dissemination and exploitation: This work packaged included dissemination, communication, exploitation, outreach and public engagement issues relating to the project. A project website was developed as part of the public awareness activities and can be accessed via https://msca-pvtemchp.wixsite.com/hull. A workshop/symposium was organised in Hull titled, EU-China Symposiums on Renewable/Sustainable Energy and Energy Storage Technologies (https://hull-symposium.wixsite.com/hulluni) several papers (17 published journal papers, 8 conference papers and 1 book chapter) were published with about 10 other manuscripts currently under review/about to be accepted.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

This programme has enabled Dr Li, the selected researcher to come, live and work in Europe, and this has provided significant benefits to the European Research in the area of solar PV/T owing to Dr Li’s expertise in TE and integrated solar systems, which are gaps but also most needed knowledge/skills in the European host organisation. As evidence, Dr Li was awarded the highly prestigious ‘Outstanding Early Career Research or Postdoctoral Research Assistant’ award by the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research at University of Hull in June 2019. This award was because of his excellent research activities including the numerous published papers from this project. Furthermore, Dr Li was recently offered a five-year contract to work as a Senior Research Fellow in Research Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies at the University of Hull due to the excellent work he performed during this programme. In addition, Dr Li is currently supervising a PhD student and he is now more familiar with the teaching and research system within the UK. Consequently, this programme has enhanced the potential and future career prospects of the researcher (Dr Li). Furthermore, this programme has enabled the development of an innovative solar power technology that has reduced cost compared to the existing PV-TE technologies, thus overcoming the high cost and low efficiency problems remaining with the existing PV/T systems. This new technology will help grow the EU’s economy, create employment opportunities, reduce CO2 emission, and improve the life quality and working condition of the European people.

List of Publications