| 摘要 |
A differential voltage cell includes one or more units each comprising a photovoltaic device or solar cell (2) and a thermoelectric Peltier device (4). The two devices are separated from one another by a layer (3) of thermally conducting but electrically insulating material and the Peltier device is thermally connected by a layer (5) to a heat sink or heat exchanger (6). A lens (1) serves to concentrate sunlight on the photovoltaic device. The temperature generated in the photovoltaic device (2), which would otherwise be wasted, creates a temperature difference which provides an electrical output from the thermoelectric device (4). The outputs from the two devices are electrically connected. Heat exchangers may be incorporated in the layer (3 or 5) or both, to control operation of the cell or to provide useful heat for other purposes. |
