Converting Light and Heat Energy into 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
Review of devices to convert light and heat energy to usable electricity

This chapter includes the review of devices that convert the light and heat energy to
usable electricity which the researchers can determine the possibility of the topic under study.

Sunlight to electricity conversion

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

Khan Academy (2019) explain that in order to use solar energy in useful way, atoms must absorb radiation.
Sunlight is a form of electromagnetic radiation. 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,” state 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.

Power practical (2019) according to this company website, 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.

Harnessing energy

Light

Khan academy (2018) explains that using photovoltaic solar panels to harness sunlight to convert solar energy to
electricity.
Heat

A*STAR (2018) in this article “Harnessing body heat to power electronic devices,” explained that thermoelectric
generators use to convert waste heat into electricity.

Devices/ Equipment

Svarc (2018) he discussed how are solar panels made using six (6) main components 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 serve as the protection to the PV cells from 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 the material used to make the thermoelectric generators (TEG’s). Thermoelectric
generator is a thermocouple. A thermocouple is made up of one p-type semiconductor and one n-type
semiconductor. The semiconductor 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).

These material 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.htm

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/