This invention consists of a multifunctional integrated solar system that combines four sustainable functions into a single, compact unit: (1) photovoltaic electricity generation, (2) improved SODIS (Solar Water Disinfection) for clean water production, (3) daylight transmission using solar fiber optics, and now (4) thermoelectric generation by harnessing waste heat through a liquid cooling system. The design aims to maximize solar energy usage efficiently and cost-effectively, with practical applications in rural, urban, and off-grid environments.

General Operation

The system features a modular structure integrating the following technologies:

1. Photovoltaic solar panels, installed at the base, generate electricity from sunlight.
2. Glass cylinders filled with water, placed above the panels, function both as lenses (magnifying and focusing sunlight) and as thermal chambers for solar disinfection.
3. A passive liquid cooling system connects these cylinders to the solar panels, extracting excess heat and stabilizing panel temperature to maintain photovoltaic efficiency.
4. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are installed in thermal contact with the cooling circuit, converting the heat extracted from the panel into additional electrical energy via the Seebeck effect.
5. Solar optical concentrators, located at the top, focus sunlight into fiber optic cables, transmitting natural light into interior spaces without needing electric lighting during daytime.

During operation, the system captures and redirects solar energy through multiple channels. Sunlight passing through the water-filled glass cylinders raises the temperature of the water, enhancing the SODIS method for water purification. To ensure effectiveness even under low sunlight, small electric heating elements (powered by the panels) are activated to reach the necessary disinfection temperature of ~60 °C.

At the same time, heat absorbed by the solar panels is removed by the cooling system. This not only protects panel performance but also provides a usable temperature gradient for thermoelectric generation, producing additional power from thermal waste—a feature that enhances the system’s total energy output.

Novelty of the Invention

The core innovation lies in the multi-layered integration of four sustainable technologies: solar power generation, solar thermal water disinfection, daylight transmission, and thermoelectric generation. No existing solution combines all these functions in a compact, modular, and self-sufficient unit. The use of a liquid cooling system that simultaneously purifies water and powers thermoelectric generators is particularly novel, maximizing energy recovery from a single solar input. This makes the system uniquely adaptable to diverse climates and conditions.

Production Process

The device can be industrially manufactured using accessible and cost-effective materials: tempered glass for thermal cylinders, monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels, aluminum or stainless steel for the structural frame, thermoelectric modules (TEGs) based on bismuth telluride, polycarbonate lenses, and plastic or glass fiber optics. The system is designed to be built in prefabricated modules for easy transport, assembly, and maintenance.

Applications

The system is ideal for rural villages, remote shelters, off-grid homes, eco-buildings, humanitarian response zones, refugee camps, schools, or smart cities. Its multifunctionality makes it highly valuable in areas with limited infrastructure, providing electricity, clean water, and natural light—all from solar energy.