Simulation and experimental study on performance analysis of solar photovoltaic integrated thermoelectric cooler using MATLAB Simulink

Abstract

The present study investigates the performance of solar photovoltaic integrated thermoelectric cooler (TEC) using MATLAB Simulink. The enhancement of efficiency has been achieved using an effective heat removal mechanism from the hot side heat sink. Since the hot side temperature is a crucial parameter. The intrinsic material properties like Seebeck coefficient (?), Thermal Conductance (K) and Electrical resistance (R) of the thermoelectric module are carefully estimated using analytical method and reported. The MATLAB Simulink Peltier module is developed based on the estimated intrinsic properties. The effect of system Voltage (V) and Current (A) on the thermal parameters like cooling capacity (QC) and Coefficient of performance (COP) has been investigated. The simulation study is validated by conducting a series of experimental analysis. The experimental model is equipped with a 100 Wp polycrystalline solar photovoltaic module to integrate and power the 12V/5 A of the 60-Watt thermoelectric cooler. Moreover, the results reveal that there is a significant effect of ambient and hot side temperature on the thermoelectric cooler performance. The fin-type conductive mode of heat transfer mechanism is adopted along with the convective forced air-cooling system to achieve effective heat removal from the hot side. The infrared thermographic investigation is carried out for ascertaining effective heat removal.