The simulation analysis of composite parabolic concentrator to improve the performance of thermoelectric devices

Abstract

The collection and reuse of thermal radiation energy generated by high-temperature objects has always been the focus of attention and research. Here we designed and fabricated a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) that can be used for infrared radiation energy collection based on non-imaging optical technology. The energy gathered by CPC has a significant effect on the improvement of the surface temperature of objects. The thermoelectric (TE) generator is a good choice to utilize this thermal energy. This paper analyses and discusses the effects of CPC on the performance of thermoelectric model by simulation. The result has well demonstrated that the TE model with CPC has not only a considerable reduction in structure size and material consumption, but also ensures higher output power and efficiency. In addition, we propose that the array of CPC shall prominently enhance the performance of thermoelectric device.