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  • Synergistic photothermal-thermoelectric-photovoltaic energy generation via a transparent spectral modulating solar module
Title: Synergistic photothermal-thermoelectric-photovoltaic energy generation via a transparent spectral modulating solar module
The efficiencies of photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric (TE) have been limited by the intrinsic properties to ~ 25 % and ~ 10 %, respectively. In current applications, photovoltaics utilizes the shorter wavelength end of the solar spectrum but suffer decreases in efficiency from heating caused by IR absorption. The novel tunable nanostructures of new hybrids eliminate this problem by directing thermal energy from longer wavelengths to the thermoelectric device. Solar light is harvested through transparent hybrid and segregated into different wavelengths: the IR is absorbed by the hybrid which is photothermally heated up to ~100 °C for the required thermoelectric temperature span; the UV/visible is directed to PV with reduced IR components, therefore significantly reducing heating. In this way, both PV and TE operate jointly by separately utilizing the full spectrum of solar light. The novel hybrid functions not only as a photothermal heater for TE but also a wavelength segregator enabling the PV and TE devices to synergistically produce electrical energy with much greater system efficiency. Also identified is the operating structural mechanism on spectral tunability and photothermal effect of the photonic hybrids.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1953009
PAR ID:
10503533
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
Elsevier
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Solar Energy
Volume:
258
Issue:
C
ISSN:
0038-092X
Page Range / eLocation ID:
220 to 231
Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
spectral selective, solar harvesting, photothermal, thermoelectric, photovoltaic, energy generation, hybrids
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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