RESEARCH ARTICLE
Flexibility of Organic Thermoelectric Material for Photovoltaic Solar Energy Management and Conversion

The flexibility on a design maneuvering of building automation systems with the integration of organic solar cells is investigated.

The energy demand load of the Engineering Lecture Theatre (ELT) at the University of Lagos is analyzed and parametric studies of the heat and charge transport within a Mimosa pudica based solar wafer are conducted, along with the modelling of a network of microchannels. A walk-through energy audit of all the devices that are installed or operated within the ELT and the thermophysical properties of the building envelope are considered, with the aim of satisfying the ASHRAE standard for thermal comfort and indoor air quality. A two-dimensional finite volume formulation of the heat and charge transfers within the boundaries of the flexible laminate and the organic extract is utilized.

Parametric analysis of the flow phenomenon and temperature distribution, especially across the wafer, at various operating conditions helps to determine significant design criteria, and assists in confirming the feasible power performance of the organic solar cell for building energy management.

The results are anticipated for the design of reliable building automation systems for effective demand side monitoring, and for estimation of the economic viability of a proposed development of hybrid organic-inorganic based solar energy system for independent power generation within the Faculty of Engineering.