Maximizing electrical power through the synergistic utilization of solar and space energy sources
Song Lv,
Haoliang Bai,
Juwen Ren,
Bolong Zhang,
Yin Lai,
Jiahao Yang,
Zhihao Chang,
Shangzhen Xie,
Yirong Deng,
Yishuang Ji
Affiliations
Song Lv
School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China; Corresponding author
Haoliang Bai
School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
Juwen Ren
School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
Bolong Zhang
School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
Yin Lai
School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
Jiahao Yang
School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
Zhihao Chang
School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
Shangzhen Xie
School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
Yirong Deng
Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
Yishuang Ji
School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China; Corresponding author
Summary: The sun and outer space are two crucial renewable thermodynamic resources that work together to maintain the delicate energy balance of our planet. The challenge lies in harvesting both resources synergistically and converting them into high-quality electricity. Here, we introduce a photovoltaic thermoelectric radiative cooling (PV-TE-RC) system. This system uses the full spectrum of the sun and the atmospheric window to generate electricity and achieve high-quality collaborative utilization of solar energy and space energy. Outdoor experiments have demonstrated the system’s capacity to operate efficiently around the clock. Notably, during the peak solar concentration, the thermoelectric generator (TEG) and the system achieved power outputs of 870 mW/m2 and 85.87 W/m2, respectively. We have further developed a three-dimensional transient coupled simulation model, which can accurately predict its operational limits. Therefore, this study provides practical insights and recommendations for large-scale and efficient collaborative power generation using these two thermodynamic resources.
