In this work, computational modelling and performance assessment of several different types of variable thermoelectric legs have been performed under steady-state conditions and the results reviewed. The study conducted has covered geometries, not previously analysed in the literature, such as Cone-leg and Diamond-leg, based on the corresponding thermoelectric generator leg shape structure. According to the findings, it has been demonstrated that the inclusion of a variable cross-section can have an impact on the efficiency of a thermoelectric generator. It has been concluded that the Diamond configuration generated a slightly larger voltage difference than the conventional Rectangular geometry. In addition, for two cases, Rectangular and Diamond configurations, the voltage generated by a TEG module consisting of 128 pairs of legs was analysed. As thermal stress analysis is an important factor in the selection of TEG leg geometries, it was observed based on simulations that the newly implemented Diamond-leg geometry encountered lower thermal stresses than the traditional Rectangular model, while the Cone-shape may fail structurally before the other TEG models. The proposed methodology, taking into account the results of the simulation carried out, provides guidance for the development of thermoelectric modules with different forms of variable leg geometry.

With the rapid increase in energy demand, the limited availability of fossil fuel resources and the desire to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, the importance of optimising PV installations is paramount. The objective and innovation of this paper is to examine the effect of a cooling system based on heat pipes on the performance of photovoltaic panels for a household in the hot climate of Kuwait for which the considered system has not been tested before. Experimental and simulation results show both the amount of heat and electrical power generated from the solar panels in two configurations with and without cooling, considering different seasonal cycles. The angles of the panels were located at their optimum position indicating an active tracking system. Numerical model of the system was developed in TRNSYS and validated based on the measurement data. Simulation results showed that the cooling effect of the panels significantly increases the electrical output by almost 6.25%. In addition, a reduction in solar cell temperature of around 8% was observed in the Kuwait climate. The proposed model supports the decision of implementing a PV/T system in hot climate areas where the effect of cooling will result in higher efficiencies for generating electricity.