Use of Hybrid Photovoltaic-Thermoelectric (PV-TE) solar module for Enhancing Overall System Efficiency

The improvement of the efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) modules is the focus nowadays of so many researchers. Many test and research were conducted in order to reach that goal. That's how they came with the idea of a hybrid. Combining the PV module with the thermoelectric module is an innovative approach to improve the efficiency. Thus, not only a part of the solar spectral is exploited as for the PV alone, but a larger spectrum is exploited because the heat too is used. It allows the cooling of the panel and provide an additional power. It was seen also that combining the hybrid with a heat-exchanger (HW) increase the efficiency as well, by changing individually either the PV or the sink of the thermoelectric to reach much better outputs. A comprehensive review on these previous research studies are presented here. Many methods and approaches to enhance the performance of the PV/TE systems are discussed along with mathematical models used. The gaps in existing literature are identified and recommendations for future research are precisely outlined. It is emphasized here that only few experimental studies on PV/TE systems are exist. Therefore, it is highly recommended here that comprehensive experimental studies under real atmospheric conditions should be done with these systems, without neglecting effects of shapes and arrangements of TE materials.