Photothermal Solar Cells

When solar cells are at work a lot of solar energy change into waste heat。 In order to make full use of solar energy, this thesis tries to combine photovoltaic conversion and thermoelectric conversion, to enhance the efficiency of utilization of solar energy.First we make up a thermoelectric measuring instrument. Second, we use the ANSYS, one of the most popular finite element software, to do some simulation, in order to known the thermodynamic properties of the related materials and devices, and to determine the optimal material as the thermal coupling layer. Then, we try to use thermoelectric material grains and the silicon-based solar cells to make photothermal solar cells, and optimize the design in order to achieve more effective co-generation components. Finally, we measure a device which combined by solar and thermal parts, of its outdoor power generation efficiency, and find it can enhance the utilization of solar energy if the cooling is Appropriate. Although there are still many unresolved problems in the production process, this solar-thermal component has important significance in improving the utilization of solar energy.