Enhancing Photovoltaic Systems with Integrated Thermoelectric Generators: Real-Time Optimization through Arduino Implementation

Solar power plays a pivotal role as a renewable source due to the growing energy demands, and it is green with significant potential for power generation. However, photovoltaic (PV) systems are constrained in their ability to harness the entire solar spectrum and manifest as heat dissipation. It directly impacts both the efficiency and longevity of PV modules. Thermoelectric generators (TEG), characterized by their functionality, act as heat engines, utilizing the surplus heat from PV systems to generate electricity through thermoelectric phenomena. This study investigates the efficacy of a combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric generator (TEG) system for customized PV panels of size 80 × 40 mm² and a customized bismuth telluride TEG. The TEG is integrated with PV, which not only recovers energy but also acts as a heat sink, and the integration leads to improved efficiency and potentially a longer lifespan for the PV panel. The conversion efficiency of TEG is examined, realizing the efficiency increases from 3 to 10% as temperature (T) increases from 274 to 276 K. For a comprehensive field assessment, we developed a modular measurement toolbox for monitoring the real-time analysis of PV modules. An Arduino acquisition board and current/voltage sensors are employed for streamlining data collection under a temperature of 40 °C; voltage measurements indicate 3 V for individual PV modules and 3.2 V for integrated PV modules with TEG for the 80 mm × 40 mm area of PV. The performance analysis encompasses individual and integrated PV modules equipped with TEG.