Design of a Solar System for Converting Concentrated Thermal Energy into Electricity Using Thermoelectric Materials: A Theoretical and Experimental Study

Abstract

This research presents the design, fabrication, and experimental evaluation of a solar-thermal energy conversion system developed at Aleppo university, Aleppo, Syria. The system aims to address the growing energy crisis in the region, where electricity shortages and high energy costs pose significant challenges to daily life and industrial development. The proposed system utilizes a parabolic dish to concentrate solar radiation onto a thermal chamber located at the focal point. Within this chamber, thermoelectric materials based on bismuth telluride (Bi₂Te₃) are strategically positioned to convert the absorbed heat into electrical energy through the Seebeck effect. This effect describes the generation of a voltage across a thermoelectric material when a temperature gradient is applied between its two ends. In this setup, the hot side of the module is exposed to intense solar heat, while the cold side is thermally insulated or cooled, creating a substantial temperature differential. This gradient drives charge carriers through the material, resulting in a measurable and usable electric current. The system was meticulously engineered to enhance thermal conductivity, reduce heat losses, and ensure efficient energy transfer to the thermoelectric elements. A series of experimental tests were conducted under varying solar irradiance conditions to assess voltage output, current stability, and overall conversion efficiency. The results demonstrated consistent and reliable power generation, with relatively high efficiency compared to conventional passive systems. This project offers a practical and scalable solution for decentralized electricity generation using clean energy sources. It highlights the potential of integrating solar concentration technologies with thermoelectric materials to meet local energy demands, particularly in regions that suffer from limited access to affordable electricity.