Google Search
B5: Energy system design and optimization
Solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs) are feasible alternative energy methods as they are capable of converting naturally available sunlight into usable electrical energy. Their implementation has been considered novel due to impractically low efficiencies reported from previous experimental designs. Recently, design and studies carried out by Kraemer et al., using commercially available means, showed a breakthrough in overall thermal efficiency of 4.6%, approximately eight times higher than previously reported flat-panel STEGs. A modified optimal dimensional analysis based on recent literature is introduced and performed on the existing STEG design using similar constraints. The optimized design shows a 15.9% improvement in maximum efficiency from the original design.
