Design and Modeling of a High-Efficiency Unit Concentrated Solar Thermoelectric Generator

A concentrated solar thermoelectric generator (CSTEG) is a low-maintenance, silent system that converts focused solar heat into electricity. However, its applications are limited by low efficiency, high material costs, and the need for complex thermal management. In this study, an efficient CSTEG unit was designed and simulated using COMSOL simulation software to operate within 473 K to 353 K. Each leg of CSTEG was segmented into two parts, and materials with a high dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) value were used to enhance efficiency. Melt-spun with excess Te (Te-MS) compound (Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3) and zone-melted Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 after hot deformation (HD-A-Sb1.6) were used as P-type materials. Bi2Te3 -10 wt% nanocomposites and polycrystalline Bi2Te2.3Se0.7 alloy were used as n-type materials. The simulation results indicate that the CSTEG unit produces an open-circuit voltage of 46.2 mV and a maximum electrical power output of 28.32 mW, with a conversion efficiency of 5.69%. These results demonstrate the potential of material segmentation and optimization in CSTEG design for enhancing thermoelectric performance in concentrated solar applications.