Amplification of Output Voltage by Using Silicon Based Solar Cells, Piezoelectric and Thermoelectric Conversion Transducers: A Triple Energy Harvester

Abstract

Abstract: We purpose a hybrid energy harvester made of silicon solar cell, piezoelectric and thermoelectric. Our simulations are carried out using the COMSOL software. For this purpose, MEMS, heat transfer and electromagnetic modules were used. We connected nine piezoelectric, one thermoelectric and one solar cell modules in series to maximize the harvested energy and provide the appropriate voltage level. It is observed that the maximum electric current and voltage is about 200mA and 5V, respectively, which is equivalent to approximately 1W. The total obtained energy was amplified by two DC/DC converters and the voltage level increased to 5V. Also, we theoretically proved that the use of an optical window (as top and bottom contact layers) based on photonic multilayer can control surface reflection. It is found that if we use two contact layers in the front and back of the solar cell, the transmittance increases from 33% (without contact layer) to 67% (with double contact layer).

Keywords

• hybrid energy harvesting
• piezoelectric
• solar cell
• thermoelectric