Bond Graph Approach for Modelling Solar PV-Thermal and Thermoelectric Devices

The bond graph approach is well suited for modelling in multidisciplinary fields, and is a energy based approach which can be used for systems having multiple domains. In this work a Solar PV-Thermal Collector in conjugation with Thermoelectric Device is proposed to cater to the Thermal and Electrical Demand in a Standalone Microgrid type of system. The models of the PV-Thermal and Thermoelectric Devices are developed using Bond Graph modelling using basic principles. The advantage of this approach is that if modelled properly, any change in parameter or variable, trickles down to effect other dependent variables due to loading effect. A Thermal-Electric system based on the devices mentioned above is envisaged to enable to meet supply from Solar Energy to the demands (both Thermal and Electric). The PV-Thermal system acts as the source with the Thermoelectric Devices as the bridge between the Thermal and Electrical Domains with intermediate storage at different levels to take care of the required energy consumption in the Microgrid.