Optimization of concentrated solar thermoelectric generator system for highest yearly electric output

A concentrated solar thermoelectric generator (CSTEG) system provides electricity from heat obtained from solar radiation. While the efficiency of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) is rather low, added TEG could increase the efficiency of hot water producing concentrated solar systems. In this paper an optimization case is presented for an electric-only output CSTEG concept. The analysis targets the performance data of such a system throughout a full one year cycle. For the optimization and performance analysis, solar irradiation data with 15-minute resolution is used. The optimization is to determine the optimum number of commercial TEG modules available that can be mounted for heat-to-electric energy conversion on the solar collector. As a result of the analysis, the configuration is determined which provides the highest annual energy production.