Converting Light and Heat Energy to Electricity

A Research Paper

Presented to

The Faculty of Department of Electrical Engineering

Technological Institute of the Philippines, Quezon City

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree of

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

by

Marbella, Rhinrome C.

Espera, Ronald F.

1st Semester, SY 2019-2020

 CHAPTER 2

The sun is the primary source of the earth’s energy. The light and energy that comes
directly from the sun is called solar energy. By taking advantage of solar energy, we can have a
pollution-free, environmentally friendly source of electricity.

This chapter explains about the process of converting light and heat energy to usable
electricity as well as the devices and equipment needed to do so. Researchers have gathered
information from different sources to further discuss the topic.

Sunlight to Electricity Conversion

Dhar (2017) in his article “How Do Solar Panels Work” discussed that a solar panel
works by allowing photons, or particles of light to knock electron free from atoms, generating a
flow of electricity. Solar panels comprise photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity.
Photovoltaic cell is basically a sandwich made up of two slices of semi-conducting material,
usually silicon - the same stuff used in microelectronics.

Khan Academy (2019) explained that in order to use solar energy in useful ways, atoms must
absorb radiation. Sunlight is a form of electromagnetic radiation, which is also sometimes called
light or heat. In order to convert solar energy to electricity, we use the photovoltaic solar panels.

Heat to Electricity Conversion

Alfred (2018) in his article “EHow Thermoelectric Generators Work” stated that
thermoelectric generators (TEG) are solid-state devices that convert a temperature difference and
heat flow into useful DC power source. Thermoelectric generator semiconductor devices utilize
the Seebeck effect to generate voltage. The Seebeck effect is a direct energy conversion of heat
into a voltage potential. The Seebeck effect occurs due to the movement of charge carriers within
the semiconductors.

Power Practical (2019) explained in their company website that thermoelectric power is
the conversion of a temperature differential directly in electrical power. Thermoelectric power
results primarily from two physical effects: the Seebeck effect and Peltiereffect.

There are things to remember about the Seebeck effect, namely:

 Solids have charge carriers that facilitate the flow of electrical power
  The charge carriers come in two flavors negative electrons “n-type” and positive “holes”
that we use to keep track of mobile positive charge in “p-type” solids
 Heating one end of a conducting solid pushes on the charge carriers concentration and the
distribution of charge creates voltage that can be measured this is called the Seebeck
effect.

Harnessing Energy

Light

Khan Academy (2019) explained using photovoltaic solar panels to harness sunlight to
convert solar energy to electricity.

Heat

A*STAR (2018) in its article “Harnessing Body Heat to Power Electronic Devices,”
explained that thermoelectric generators can be used to convert waste heat into electricity.

Devices/ Equipment

Svarc (2018) discussed that solar panels are made using 6 main components described below:

1. Solar PV Cells - solar photovoltaic cells are used to convert sunlight directly into DC
electrical energy. Solar cells are made of silicon with two main types being
monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon. The base of the silicon cell can be built using
different additives to create either positive p-type silicon or negative n-type silicon.
2. Glass – glass serves as protection to the PV cells from the weather and impact from hail
or airborne debris.
3. Aluminum Frame – plays a critical role by both protecting the edge of the laminate
section housing the cells and providing a solid structure to mount the solar panel in
position.
4. EVA Film – EVA stands for ‘ethylene vinyl acetate’ which is a specially designed
polymer highly transparent (plastic) layer used to encapsulate the cells and hold them in
position during manufacture.
5. Backsheet – is the rear most layer of common solar panels which as acts as a moisture
barrier and final external skin to provide mechanical protection and electrical insulation.
6. Junction Box and Connectors – junction box is a small weatherproof enclosure located on
the rear side of the panel. It is needed to securely attached the cables required to
interconnect the panels. Junction box also houses the bypass diodes which are needed to
 prevent back current which occurs when some cells are shaded or dirty. Solar MC4
connectors, all solar panels are connected together using special weather resistant plugs
and sockets called MC4 connectors. The term MC4 stands for multi-contact 4mm
diameter connector. It is secure UV resistant and maintain good connection with minimal
resistance at both low and high voltages up to 1000V.

Alfred (2018) discussed that the basic building block of a thermoelectric generator is a
thermocouple. A thermocouple is made up of one p-type semiconductor and one n-type
semiconductor. The semiconductors are connected by a metal strip that connects them
electrically in series. Semiconductors are also known as thermoelements, dice or pellets.

Three materials are commonly used for thermoelectric generators. These materials are
bismuth (Bi2Te3) telluride, lead telluride (PbTe) and silicon germaniun (SiGe). Which material
is used depends on the characteristics of the heat source, cold sink and the design of the
thermoelectric generator. To create a thermoelectric generator module, many p-type and n-type
couples are connected electrically on series and/or parallel to create the desired electrical current
and voltage.
References:

Dhar, M. (2017, December 06). How do solar panels work? Retrieved from
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.livescience.com/amp/41995-how-do-solar-panels-
work.html

Khan Academy (2019). Introduction to solar energy. Retrieved from

https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/49ers-steam/science-behind-the-
game/environment-sustainability/a/solar-engergy

Svarc, J. (2018, August 20). How are solar panels are made? Retrieved from
https://www.cleanenergyreviews.info/blog/solar-panel-components-construction

Alfred (2018, October 24). EHow thermoelectric generators work. Retrieved from
https://thermoelectricsolutions.com/how-thermoelectric-generators-work/

A*STAR (2018, November 16). Harnessing body heat to power electronic devices. Retrieved
from https://phys.org/news/2018-11-harnessing-body-power-electronic-devices.html

Power Practical (2019). How do thermoelectrics work? Retrieved from

https://powerpractical.com/