Perovskite solar module-thermoelectric generator tandem system with high power output

Combining perovskite solar cells (PSC) with thermoelectric generators (TEG) in a tandem system enables the utilisation of the full spectrum of sunlight, and is an effective way to reduce the operating temperature of PSC and increase the photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE). However, the current research on PSC in tandem with TEG is still limited to the laboratory scale size stage, which is unable to generate enough power to meet the demand of practical applications. In this regard, the electrical performance test system of the PSM-TEG tandem system was built by coupling the large-area perovskite solar module (PSM) and TEG, and the photothermal and photoelectric characteristics were studied under low concentrating light. The experimental results showed that the PCE of PSM-TEG was increased at all irradiation intensities, with a more pronounced effect observed at higher concentration ratios. Additionally, the feasibility of the PSM coupled with two thermoelectric generators (2TEGs) under high irradiance conditions was validated, showing a significant increase in the power output of the TEG. Furthermore, the results indicated that the perovskite solar module-thermoelectric generator-water-cooling tandem system (PSM-TEG-Water) achieved higher photoconversion efficiency and power output, measuring 12.68 % and 0.3 W, respectively. Notably, the temperature difference between the hot and cold sides of the TEG in the PSM-TEG-Water tandem system was greater and more stable than that of the PSM-TEG tandem system, which facilitated improved power collection and utilisation, contributed to more stable operation, and extended the lifespan of the device.