Power-effective integral thermoelectric solar radiation converter

Abstract

Aim. This article is devoted to the conversion of solar radiation into electricity using the joint effect of several methods, which complement each other by transforming the disadvantages of one method into the advantages of another method. Methods. Heat exchange processes occurring under multiple re-reflection of the light flux on a cylindrical solar concentrator were simulated. Results. It is proposed to form an integrated set of semiconductor photon conyerters together with a photoelectric effect on metal electrodes, thus producing a low electron output and a thermoelectric effect. This approach increases the energy efficiency of the entire structure with an additional multiple rereflection of photons on the solar flux concentrator in the form of a cylindrical surface with radially arranged mirror metal electrodes. When reaching a power-effectiye integrated thermoelectric con-yerter of solar radiation to electricity, photons will either be conyerted at the p-n junction of a solar cell, or participate in the photoelectric effect at the electrodes, or be absorbed by the construction material to produce thermoelectric power. This approach allows the efficiency of the entire system to be maximized. Conclusion. All the photons that hit the proposed power-effectiye integrated thermoelectric solar radiation conyerter will be conyerted to electricity to a certain extent, with only their small part being scattered outside in the form of heat losses or re-reflections.