An Applied Comparison Study on Thermoelectric Energy vs. Solar Energy

Abstract

TEC are new technology in the industry that can be used in various applications. This study about thermoelectric cooler (TEC) harnessing energy via solar power. The use of TEC in this study based on see beck effect where the heat is applied and the voltage generated. TEC require heat as an energy source and can generate power as long there is heat. In this study heat from sunlight are uses as main source to produce electricity. This study to create new application that can harness solar energy other than PV solar panel. This project analyses the surrounding temperature differences and temperature between both side of TEC (hot and cold side). This study to test either thermoelectric cooler able harness energy via solar power, utilize the energy in solar to power the TEC for energy harnessing application and investigate and analyzing results relating thermoelectric-electrical conversion using TEC module. Hot side attached to aluminium while cold side attached to heat sink, to stabilize the temperature between both sides. From the overall result produce from this study, the highest voltage produce in series connection, while highest output current in parallel connection. The output result produce from TEC are not too high and need to be store in battery pack for everyday appliances. Application of thermoelectric cooler needed for the rapid development so that the country with rapid development and high density population can replace the use of fossil fuel to supply electricity. Even though this new renewable energy project develop is in prototyping, the concept is there and it can be develop more considering this kind of technology are still new in Malaysia.