Performance Reliability Calculation for a Modular Solar Thermoelectric Generator

摘要

Analysis is given of the overall reliability of a solar energy converter unit composed of thermoelectric modules, as a function of the reliability of individual photocells and component modules. Expressions are given to determine the reliability of various module circuit designs having the modules in series, parallel and combined connections. The usefulness of redundancy in these designs is noted. Suggestions are given concerning the selection of module circuit designs most suitable for given operational requirements. (Author)