Maximizing electrical power through the synergistic utilization of solar and space energy sources

The sun and outer space are two crucial renewable thermodynamic resources that work together to maintain the delicate energy balance of our planet. The challenge lies in harvesting both resources synergistically and converting them into high-quality electricity. Here, we introduce a photovoltaic thermoelectric radiative cooling (PV-TE-RC) system. This system uses the full spectrum of the sun and the atmospheric window to generate electricity and achieve high-quality collaborative utilization of solar energy and space energy. Outdoor experiments have demonstrated the system's capacity to operate efficiently around the clock. Notably, during the peak solar concentration, the thermoelectric generator (TEG) and the system achieved power outputs of 870 mW/m² and 85.87 W/m², respectively. We have further developed a three-dimensional transient coupled simulation model, which can accurately predict its operational limits. Therefore, this study provides practical insights and recommendations for large-scale and efficient collaborative power generation using these two thermodynamic resources. © 2024 The Authors.