PERFORMANCE STUDY OF PHOTOVOLTAIC DIRECT-DRIVE THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATION SYSTEM UNDER VARIABLE IRRADIANCE ENVIRONMENT

Zhao Yao; Ren Linhao; He Zhaoying; Jiang Yuhong; Li Wendi

doi:10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0812

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Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (9) : 362-369. DOI: 10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0812

PERFORMANCE STUDY OF PHOTOVOLTAIC DIRECT-DRIVE THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATION SYSTEM UNDER VARIABLE IRRADIANCE ENVIRONMENT

Zhao Yao, Ren Linhao, He Zhaoying, Jiang Yuhong, Li Wendi

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Abstract

This study addresses the performance optimization of photovoltaic direct-drive thermoelectric refrigeration systems under varying irradiance conditions. It explores direct drive using photovoltaic cells to achieve single-stage energy conversion and reduce system complexity. By establishing a MATLAB/Simulink dynamic simulation model and conducting experimental verification under real weather conditions, the nonlinear regulation mechanism of hot-end temperature on refrigeration performance in varying solar irradiance environments is revealed： when the hot-end temperature is less than or equal to 35 ℃, the coefficient of performance （COP） initially increases and then decreases with increasing irradiance; conversely, when the hot-end temperature exceeds 35 ℃, COP positively correlates with irradiance in a monotonic manner. The accuracy of the simulation system was verified by evaluating the experimental results and the characteristics of the simulation outputs. Furthermore, through Pearson correlation analysis, the strong positive correlation between refrigeration capacity and solar irradiance （r=0.9138） is quantified, demonstrating that the system can achieve stability in refrigeration temperature through a self-regulating mechanism under dynamic irradiance fluctuations. Additionally, the synergistic optimization patterns between refrigeration capacity and COP under variable irradiance conditions were identified. By adjusting their weights based on different actual operating conditions and leveraging the "optimal balance division point" characteristics, the best working point between the two can be identified. This provides a theoretical framework for the dynamic matching design and energy efficiency optimization of photovoltaic refrigeration systems without energy storage.

Key words

thermoelectric refrigeration / photovoltaic / solar irradiance / coefficient of performance / refrigeration capacity

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Zhao Yao, Ren Linhao, He Zhaoying, Jiang Yuhong, Li Wendi. PERFORMANCE STUDY OF PHOTOVOLTAIC DIRECT-DRIVE THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATION SYSTEM UNDER VARIABLE IRRADIANCE ENVIRONMENT[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica. 2026, 47(9): 362-369 https://doi.org/10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0812

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