A High-temperature, High-efficiency Solar Thermoelectric Generator Prototype

• DOI: 10.1016/j.egypro.2014.03.155
• Publication Date: 2014-06-02T04:55:45Z
• Authors: M.L. Olsen; E.L. Warren; P.A. Parilla; E.S. Toberer; C.E. Kennedy; G.J. Snyder; S.A. Firdosy; B. Nesmith; A. Zakutayev; A. Goodrich; C.S. Turchi; J. Netter; M.H. Gray; P.F. Ndione; R. Tirawat; L.L. Baranowski; A. Gray; D.S. Ginley
• Keywords: Thermoelectric generator

Solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs) have the potential to convert solar energy at greater than 15% efficiency. This project investigates system design, necessary and optical technologies, economic feasibility of STEG approach. A is a solid-state heat engine that converts sunlight directly into DC electricity through effect. STEGs consist three subsystems: absorber, generator (TEG), management (insulation, exchanger, vacuum enclosure, etc.). will integrate several state-of-the-art technologies achieve high efficiency, including next- generation materials for TEGs, high-temperature solar-selective absorbers, thermal cavities. We test NREL's flux furnace (HFSF) perform analysis parasitic losses lifetime optimize prototype operation. Equally important this technology development cost model determine competitiveness possible application niches technologies. report on first-order identify most promising pathways advancing technology.