The potential of perovskite solar cell-thermoelectric tandem devices

Abstract

Integration of metal-halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with thermoelectrics (TEs) to form hybrid PSC-TE tandem devices presents a promising avenue for maximizing solar spectrum utilization. However, prevailing simulation models often rely on predetermined hot side temperatures and frequently overlook real-world performance analysis. Here, we present a comprehensive model for simulating the energy yield and temperature dynamics of the PSC-TE system. Our novel approach incorporates the thermal equilibrium equation to derive the steady-state temperature of the device through simulation. Additionally, we elucidate the significant contribution of background radiation to energy generation and explore the immense potential of PSC-TE tandem systems under various real-world conditions most relevant to practical applications. We demonstrate that PSC-TE tandems can achieve 5% improvement in power conversion efficiency (PCE) under normal conditions. And in some places like Antarctica, the PCE of tandem systems can reach 35.4% with consideration of optical loss, and up to 56.6% with the application of concentrator architecture. We also show their great advantages compared to pure photovoltaic devices in space, with improvement exceeding 50% in PCE; the tandem system can achieve a high PCE up to 76% with its strong ability to maintain device temperature (TD) and use of background radiation. This proposed modeling framework provides a valuable tool for optimizing the design of PSC-TE tandem systems, with particular emphasis on thermal and optical management strategies.

Graphical abstract: The potential of perovskite solar cell-thermoelectric tandem devices

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
23 May 2024
Accepted
03 Dec 2024
First published
13 Dec 2024

Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025, Advance Article

The potential of perovskite solar cell-thermoelectric tandem devices

Z. Lou, J. Ju, H. Li and Z. Wang, Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D4SE00690A

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