Simulation of the Performance of the Dye- Sensitized Solar Cell – Thermoelectric Generator

Amongst to the solar cells, Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) is a promising solar cell which belongs to the group of the thin-film solar cell. The DSSC is researched extensively due to the low cost, ease of production and the low toxicity. When the device is illuminated, heat can accumulate inside the DSSC which can be transported, and from the transported heat electricity can be produced via Seebeck effect. The device which working principle is based on the Seebeck effect is the Thermoelectric Generator (TEG). TEG contains a p- and an n- type of semiconductor leg which are placed between a ceramic plate. Nevertheless, the overall power output of the hybridized DSSC-TEG system is higher than the DSSC. In this paper, a commercially available DSSC and TEG was purchased and investigated. Tests were planned and taken in a laboratory environment and for the simulation process the bases analytical equations were applied. From the electron continuity equation, the electric current-voltage characteristics were got. Moreover, it resulted in the overall power output of the device. The power results from the laboratory tests and the power results from the simulation were compared to each other.