Thermoelectric power production: Exploration of applications with concentrating solar arrays

This study explores the many facets of a solar concentrated thermoelectric power system, and seeks to analyze their application. A simple solar thermoelectric system is designed and analyzed. Using a parabolic trough, solar radiation is focused directly onto thermoelectric devices, while a running water system is used to dissipate waste heat from the modules. A mathematical model is formulated to understand the relationship between absorbed power, hot side temperatures, and the efficiency of output power. Both controlled and raw outdoor experiments are carried out to explore the performance of the system. In controlled experiments the thermoelectric devices produce 110-130 mW of power, with efficiencies of 4-7%. Outdoor tests yield much more variable power, with average power production near 8 mW, and 0.5% efficiency.Bachelor of Art