Numerical simulation of solar thermoelectric generators based on the radiation absorption characteristics of nanoparticles

This paper designs a novel solar thermoelectric generator (STEG), employing TiN nanoparticles to replace the photothermal layer as the heat source. The conductive electrode on the hot-side of the thermoelectric generator utilizes a highly transparent ITO conductive film instead of the conventional copper sheet electrode. TiN nanoparticles are infused into the ITO conductive film, enabling solar energy to penetrate the ITO film and be fully absorbed by the TiN nanoparticles. This approach ensures efficient photothermal conversion while eliminating the photothermal layer, thereby reducing conductive thermal resistance and contact thermal resistance, and enhancing thermoelectric conversion efficiency. Furthermore, this paper conducts a numerical simulation of the designed thermoelectric generator using COMSOL Multiphysics software. Firstly, optical simulation and thermal simulation are performed on the hot side to obtain its temperature. Subsequently, thermoelectric simulation is conducted for the entire thermoelectric generator, with the previously obtained hot-side temperature applied as a boundary condition. Finally, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency and output power of the generator are calculated.