http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/173 Contains PDF journal articles for this department Sat, 13 Jun 2026 18:34:11 GMT 2026-06-13T18:34:11Z http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17576 Enhancement of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Generation Efficiency Using Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) Modules Kidegho, G.; Kinyua, R.; Muriithi, C.; Hornig, W. Solar photovoltaic power generation has gained wide popularity worldwide due to its renewable nature. However, high temperature conditions compromise the power generation by a substantial margin. This study was intended to investigate the effects of temperature and how these effects could be reduced using a cooling plate mounted on the backside of the PV module connected to a thermoelectric generator (TEG). Thermoelectric generators generate electricity using a temperature gradient that is created by the PV module back plate. Under varying irradiance, weather and temperature conditions the PV + TEG arrangement was used to generate power. In this set up, a 13Wp Polycrystalline 12V PV module and series connected TEG modules were monitored. The TEG modules type SP1848-271455SA, 40mm x 40mm x 3.5mm were series connected and mounted under the PV module sandwiching a graphite thermal conduction pad. An aluminium honeycomb (BPE) Alucore cooling plate was used to clamp the PV module to the TEG and then made to float in a water tank. A similar 13Wp PV module, without cooling, was monitored under the same conditions. The results showed average open circuit voltage gain of +3.5% and D.C power gain of +6% on the cooled PV+TEG module. The TEG had an average open circuit voltage of 1.63 volts with a peak of 3.6volts under high irradiance conditions. When the power generated from the TEG is taken into consideration, a much higher power gain could be achieved. Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17576 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17575 Innovative solar photovoltaic and thermoelectric power generator for a recirculating aquaculture system Kidegho, Gideon; Kinyua, Robert; Muriithi, Christopher M; Njoka, Francis Solar Photovoltaic power generation is fast gaining popularity in Kenya. However, the effects of high cell temperatures continue to be a major hindrance to their efficiency especially for standalone systems. Water can be used for cooling when combined with thermoelectric generators (TEG) in areas where it is available achieving double gains. Kisumu Nyalenda, in Kenya is one such site where weather and irradiance data have been collected for the design of a PV+TEG power generation system. In this paper, a 3-tier study is conducted to evaluate TEG power, voltage, current and temperature distribution and the overall performance of the hybrid system. Numerical simulations are conducted on Matlab Simulink platform model based on a medium temperature gradient (10 0 C - 100 0 C) category TEG. Bench study setups are done replicating the weather and irradiation conditions of a Recirculation Aquaculture System (RAS) in Nyalenda Kisumu. The TEG bench results are then used to guide the design of the autonomous PV+TEG power generation system. Obtained results confirm that by accurately modelling the TEG and matching its internal resistance to the load, maximum power can be achieved. It is further confirmed that using series-parallel connection of TEGs stack under PV modules operating at temperature gradients varying between 5 0 C to 35 0 C, a 20 kWp PV system gains an extra 15.7% from TEG array with a further 1.05% power gain from PV module temperature reduction. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17575 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17574 Evaluation of thermal interface materials in mediating PV cell temperature mismatch in PV–TEG power generation Kidegho, Gideon; Njoka, Francis; Muriithi, Christopher; Kinyua, Robert Among the emerging renewable energy technologies, solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation is growing steadily in the mainstream energy supply mix contributing about 2.58% of the global total power generation by 2018 from 2.1% in 2017. The negative high PV module temperature effects continue to pose significant hurdles though being addressed through active and passive cooling methods. Thermoelectric generator (TEG) technology, given its modularity, augments well in cooling PV modules’ and generating additional electricity. However, thermal coupling of the two technologies has remained an impediment to their good performance due to the microscopic roughness of the PV and TEG surfaces. Non-uniform temperature distribution from the PV cells hinders efficient heat transfer thus affecting the performance the two technologies. In this study, PV cell temperature distribution have been evaluated analytically and experimentally under outdoor setup environments. Further, cell temperatures distribution is investigated using three thermal interface materials (TIM) under air- and water-cooled environments with aluminium honeycomb cooling panels as the cooling contact medium. Results show that the three TIMs substantially reduced the temperature mismatch effects with the heat spreader (HS) presenting lower temperature and voltage mismatch compared with the other two TIMs under both air- and water-cooled test conditions exhibiting preference. Based on the best observed conditions, PV module power output increased by 1.8% and 2.5% under the two test conditions while the TEG generated an additional 19.7% and 24.85% of power, respectively. This translated to an improvement of 11.3% and 50.6%, respectively, compared to the bare cell TEG power generation. The use of TIMs hence has the potential to mitigate thermal coupling challenges associated with PV–TEG systems improving their overall power output. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2021.03.015 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/17574 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5257 Integrated Electricity Tarrif Model for Kenya Michael Saulo, Muli Mumo, Samuel Kibaara Tariffs and tariff structures has been changing over a period of time all over the world. This has acted as a key factor which limits development in third world country. This project therefore seeks to detemine the best tarrif model that can be used in kenya to improve on the electricy consumption, the research explores all the factors which affect the costing of electrical energy. The tariff model is developed considering fuel prices, the economic factors such as inflation and the puchasing power of the consmers ,and the other factors asssociated with sytem costs ie capital cost and running costs above all these it seeks to elliminate the electricty energy poverty by encouraging many consumers to connect to the grid. In additon, some recent developments and significant trends in distribution and pricing of the electrical enegy such as pre-paid metering . It is expected that this will help Kenya to develop better tariff structures and more reasonable charging rates. The research uses the data provided by the KPLC to analyse the consumer puchasing trends and and uses the current tarrif sytem as a reference to see how best the power company can supply the energy to the country at a cost which is balanced and which encourages industrial development. The resaerch develops a tarrif model which is gradual in nature and one which excludes the fixed changes but the consumers are charged on a gradual basis where the price will increase with the increase of the Kwh consumed. The original publication is available at http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ijepe Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.tum.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5257 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z