Heat gain reduction by means of thermoelectric roof solar collector

Simulation results using real house configuration showed that a TE-RSC unit of 0.0525 m2 surface area can generate about 9 W under 972 W/m2 global solar radiation and 35 °C ambient temperature. The induced air change varied between 20 and 40 and the corresponding ceiling heat transfer rate reduction is about 3-5 W/m2. The annual electrical energy saving was about 362 kWh. Finally, economical calculations indicated that the payback period of the TE-RSC is 4.36 years and the internal rate of return is 22.05%.