Hybrid Dual Axis Solar Tracking System with Thermoelectric Generator to Improve the Energy Efficiency

Renewable energy is becoming a more important energy source as we deal with issues including growing energy prices, environmental degradation, and global warming. Sunlight is a key source of renewable energy. This paper represents the hybrid Arduino based dual axis solar tracking system with thermoelectric generator (TEG). A major downside of photovoltaic systems is that they only effectively convert a small part of solar light into energy, resulting in significant heat loss. When compared to single photovoltaic systems, the combination of photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric generator technology offers an effective way to exploit solar waste heat in increasing energy output. The Seebeck effect enables TEG modules to directly transform surplus thermal energy into electrical energy. The output voltage of TEG module is proportional to the temperature difference between hot side and cold side. TEG is connected to the rare side of the solar panel to harness the waste heat of the panel. While the cold side of TEG is cooled by continuous flowing water or still water, which is employed as a heat sink to maintain the temperature difference required to generate electrical output. The final experimental finding provides indisputably proof that the proposed approach is more effective than stand-alone PV system and single axis solar tracking systems. This hybrid system increases the efficiency by 10 to 15% compared to fixed stand-alone PV system