Design and Optimization of Hybrid Thin-Film PV-TE Energy Conversion Systems

The modern development of renewable energy sources requires the improvement of energy conversion technologies for sustainable power supply. One of the most promising methods of generating electricity is the use of photovoltaic (PV) converters, which directly transform solar radiation into electricity. However, a major drawback of PV modules is their tendency to heat up, which leads to a decrease in output power. This paper presents a review of hybrid PV-TE systems consisting of photovoltaic modules, thermoelectric generators, and an intermediate heat-conducting layer. Such systems not only allow cooling of the photovoltaic cells but also provide additional electricity generation through the Seebeck effect, which converts a temperature gradient into a potential difference. The main design approaches were analyzed, in particular tandem configurations with thermal concentration and systems with spectral splitting. The main challenges for further system optimization were identified and reviewed. Specifically, these include issues of thermal management, the limited efficiency of commercial thermoelectric materials, and the electrical integration of two components with fundamentally different current-voltage characteristics (CVCs).