Using a Water Lens for Light Concentration in Thermoelectric Generation

A water lens is employed to concentrate sunlight on the surface of a thermoelectric module in order to heat it. This water lens can change its shape flexibly and is adjustable to solar altitudes. The lens shape and light path were simulated for the cases when the light is incident at an angle to the water surface, parallel to the central axis of the half-cylindrical water lens, and when the light is focused on a plate. A condensing ratio larger than 70 is achieved when the incident light is closer to the normal of the water surface and if the optimal lens shape is maintained.