Analysis of the efficiency of a dielectric solar energy collector

The aim of our research has been investigation of the possibility of using dielectric materials to convert thermal energy to electrical energy. The main application for these materials is in condensers for solar energy collection. We have studied a ferro-electrical material (a solid phase solution consisting of BaTiO3 and BaZrO3), the dipole moment of which changes strongly with rising temperature. We also investigated an ETM film which is a porous plastic film containing methanol liquid and vapour. We have obtained formulae, based on thermodynamic analyses, for estimating maximum conversion efficiences. Representative numerical examples are presented.