Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Solar Interfacial Evaporation Integrated with Thermoelectric Generators

Solar Driven Interfacial Evaporation (SDIE) utilizes globally available solar radiation for evaporation, and efficiently converts the photothermal heat to vapor by utilizing the heat localization techniques. The current work investigates the experimental and numerical study of interfacial evaporation units integrated with Thermoelectric generators (TEGs). Hybrid SDIE was developed to convert the excess heat to power generation, achieved by using waste heat recovery devices namely TEGs. Efficient design promoted better heat sink interaction thereby enhancing output. Experimental study was conducted for different radiation intensities with both fresh and saltwater, while the numerical study for the lowest intensity with water was in good agreement with the results. The designed system upon testing at 2 sun conditions with salt water produced an evaporation rate of 1.93 kg/m2-h along with the maximum cogeneration of 350 mV. During the off hours the system yields an evaporation rate of 0.23 kg/m2-h along with maximum negative voltage of 72.5 mV with water. The present work shows potential possibilities for cogeneration and salt generation in remote areas.