Ask HN: Solar PV vs. Thermoelectric

1 point

4 years ago

One of the main complaints against Solar Photovoltaic systems is the limited availability of sunlight due to time of day constraints or latitudinal constraints. Solid-state thermoelectric devices operating on the Seebeck effect only require a temperature gradient to produce a voltage.

If we combined a thermoelectric device with surfaces engineered for heat absorption (eg: a black coated surface) and passive radiative cooling (eg: ultra-white coated surface) would we be able to maintain a temperature gradient and break the time-of-day and latitudinal constraints of solar?

1. What are some of the challenges with this approach? 2. What are some ways this could be improved to make it practical?

References:

Xiangyu Li et al., Full Daytime Sub-ambient Radiative Cooling in Commercial-like Paints with High Figure of Merit. Cell Reports Physical Science, Vol 1-10, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2020.100221

Thurmalox 250 Selective Black, silicone-based paint which collects heat more efficiently than ordinary black paint and resists outgassing to 400F. https://www.dampney.com/Product-Line/AT/View/PID/2/Thurmalox-250