PILOT STUDY: HARNESSING SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY USING THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR THROUGH GREENHOUSE EFFECT

Abstract

Singapore depends heavily on resources such as natural gas to generate electricity. Natural gas is known to be a cleaner alternative to burning oil and coal. Nonetheless, natural gas still emits greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The search for alternative energy sources had driven Singapore into development of solar photovoltaic technologies. Solar energy is categorized into two energy which is light and thermal energy. Photovoltaic panels rely solely on the light energy whilst thermal energy is absorbed and dissipated into the environment. Thermoelectric generators can potentially be used to harness the thermal energy as the generator can convert it directly into electricity without any mechanical movement. This an added advantage compared to other technologies that uses solar thermal energy to produce electricity. Experiments with thermoelectric generators to harness the solar thermal energy using the greenhouse effect may potentially supplement the existing electricity generation. Configurations of the thermoelectric generators are explored to create a temperature difference between the hot and cold sides of the device. This assesses the viability of implementing the generators with the greenhouse effect. Experimental data are analyzed to deduce the potential of thermoelectric generators on harnessing solely on solar thermal energy. Integration of passive cooling components play a vital role in creating a larger temperature difference for the configurations.