Optimizing Solar Thermal and Electrical Output Through a Hybrid Fresnel Lens and TEG System

Abstract

This study demonstrates the successful integration of a Fresnel lens into a hybrid solar cooking and thermoelectric generation system, providing both thermal energy for cooking and electrical power generation. The study analyzed various tank designs to enhance heat transfer, improve heat distribution, and optimize the cooking surface. The best-performing design, featuring an aluminium heat sink with fins, achieved the highest fluid temperature of 54.44°C, with superior heat transfer efficiency and uniform distribution. Other designs using stainless steel and copper showed promise but faced challenges, such as uneven heat spread and inefficient baffle configurations. The findings underscore the critical role of material selection and design optimization in enhancing the thermal performance of hybrid solar systems.