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Performance analysis of a hybrid energy harvester incorporating a thermoelectric generator and phase-change material through annual experiments

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  • Kang, Yong-Kwon
  • Lee, Soo-Jin
  • Kim, Seheon
  • Nam, Yujin
  • Jeong, Jae-Weon

Abstract

Energy harvesting using thermoelectric generators (TEGs) leverages the Seebeck effect to convert temperature differences into electricity. As zero-energy buildings (ZEBs) demand efficient energy use, integrating TEGs with building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) offers a passive means to enhance solar panel efficiency by utilizing waste heat. Hybrid energy harvesters (HEHs) incorporating phase-change materials (PCMs) further stabilize thermal environments, improving TEG performance. This study demonstrated that the HEH system increased annual electricity generation by 4.38 %, producing 133.4 kWh/m2 compared to 127.8 kWh/m2 for conventional BIPVs. TEGs contributed 2.26 kWh/m2, or 1.7 % of the additional energy harvested. Seasonal experiments showed up to 14.3 % efficiency improvement in summer, with surface temperatures reduced by 10 °C. These findings highlight the HEH system's capability to enhance energy efficiency and address real-world challenges in sustainable building applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Kang, Yong-Kwon & Lee, Soo-Jin & Kim, Seheon & Nam, Yujin & Jeong, Jae-Weon, 2025. "Performance analysis of a hybrid energy harvester incorporating a thermoelectric generator and phase-change material through annual experiments," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 242(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:242:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125001260
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122464
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yong-Kwon Kang & Jaewon Joung & Minseong Kim & Hyun-Hwa Lee & Jae-Weon Jeong, 2022. "Numerical Analysis of a TEG and mPCM Enhancement System for BIPVs Using CFD," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-17, November.
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    3. Ko, Jinyoung & Jeong, Jae-Weon, 2021. "Annual performance evaluation of thermoelectric generator-assisted building-integrated photovoltaic system with phase change material," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    4. Huq, M. & Jasi, A.M. & Poure, P. & Jovanovic, S. & Revol, I. & Lenoir, B., 2024. "Critical analysis of optimized energy harvesting at small-scale by thermally coupled photovoltaic-thermoelectric systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 195(C).
    5. Luo, Zhenyu & Zhu, Na & Hu, Pingfang & Lei, Fei & Zhang, Yaxi, 2022. "Simulation study on performance of PV-PCM-TE system for year-round analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 263-273.
    6. Gao, Yuanzhi & Dai, Zhaofeng & Wu, Dongxu & Wang, Changling & Chen, Bo & Zhang, Xiaosong, 2022. "Transient performance assessment of a hybrid PV-TEG system integrated with PCM under non-uniform radiation conditions: A numerical investigation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 198(C), pages 352-366.
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