Solar micro-energy harvesting based on thermoelectric and latent heat effects. Part II: Experimental analysis

This study investigates, experimentally, the use of thermoelectric generators with phase change materials (PCM) to harvest micro-renewable energy. Experimental results in the laboratory and in real loading conditions show that the coupled effects of heat flux (solar radiation), external temperature and convection (wind) significantly influence the micro-energy harvest. Unlike other approaches, the proposed system is able to produce micro-energy by day and by night, thanks to the release of solar heat stored in the PCM during the day. With optimized thermal loading, power generation of 0.8 mW was achieved by one work unit. The experimental results also show the sensitivity of the proposed work unit to variations in solar radiation and wind, and this indicates that the system (consisting of many work units) would be suitable for use as a sensor and actuator in wireless applications in buildings.