DE102008009477A1 - Solar-thermal, thermoelectric power generation device for building i.e. house, has solar cells attached on surface of absorber, and flow controller control unit formed so that ratio of electric current and thermal energy is controlled - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (100) has thermoelectric generators (105) thermally connected with a heat exchanger (108) and an absorber (103) with a surface on which solar cells are attached. A flow controller (111) adjusts flow of a working medium e.g. aqueous working medium, and a consumer (112) is thermally connected with a pipeline system (110). A flow controller control unit is formed so that a ratio of electric current produced by the generators and the thermal energy delivered at the medium in the exchanger is controlled depending on need of the electric current and/or thermal energy at the consumer. An independent claim is also included for a method of operating a solar-thermal, thermoelectric power generation device.

Description

• – einem durch Sonneneinstrahlung erhitzbaren Absorber, der zumindest teilweise innerhalb eines evakuierbaren Gehäuses angebracht ist,
• – einem thermoelektrischen Generator zur Erzeugung eines elektrischen Stroms, der jeweils großflächig an einander gegenüberliegenden Seitenflächen mit dem Absorber und einem Wärmetauscher, der mit einem Rohleitungssystem verbunden ist und von einem Arbeitsmedium durchströmbar ist, thermisch verbunden ist und
• – einem Durchflussregler, mittels dessen ein Fluss des Arbeitsmediums durch den Wärmetauscher einstellbar ist.

The invention relates to a solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device

• An absorber, which can be heated by solar radiation and which is at least partially mounted inside an evacuable housing,
• - A thermoelectric generator for generating an electric current, which is in each case a large area on opposite side surfaces with the absorber and a heat exchanger, which is connected to a piping system and is flowed through by a working medium, and thermally connected
• - A flow regulator, by means of which a flow of the working medium is adjustable by the heat exchanger.

A solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device with the above features, for example, from the GB 2 172 394 A out. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a power generating device.

The Conversion of sunlight into electricity, the so-called Photovoltaic, is becoming increasingly important. The photovoltaic opens up increasingly new fields of application. In the past, the Photovoltaic especially for power supply in space or for small electrical appliances such as Calculator used. In recent years, the photovoltaic won but also increasingly important in building technology. For direct conversion of sunlight into electricity used in photovoltaic solar cells. Typical representatives are Solar cells with monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon.

Another way to convert solar energy into electrical energy is the DE 37 04 559 A1 at. The document discloses the use of a thermoelectric converter / generator for power generation. Such a thermoelectric generator is able to generate electrical energy or electric current directly due to a temperature difference. For this purpose, a temperature difference is applied to two opposite sides of the thermoelectric generator, so that the thermoelectric generator has a hot and a cold side. According to the aforementioned document, a thermoelectric generator is connected with its warm side with a solar absorber. The cold side of the thermoelectric generator is connected to a heat sink. For example, well water can be used as the heat sink. A device like that DE 37 04 559 A1 can be used, in particular in hot regions of the earth for the operation of well pumps.

Another application for a thermoelectric generator, which operates between a solar-powered heat source and a large heat sink is the FR 24 12 171 at. According to this document, by means of a thermoelectric generator, a floating unit, for example a ship, can be supplied with electric current. To generate electricity, the warm side of a thermoelectric generator is heated with a trackable optical system. The cold side of the thermoelectric generator is in thermal contact with a heat sink, in this case the water of an ocean.

The Conversion of sunlight into heat, the so-called solar thermal energy, is a common practice. She comes in among other things the building technology used. There is the solar thermal for the production of domestic hot water, for example for the heating of a building, used. The transformation of Sunlight in heat takes place via a solar collector or solar absorber. The most commonly used solar panels are so-called flat-plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors.

From the cited document GB 2 172 394 A is a power generating device with the features mentioned above can be seen. The device includes two reservoirs for the working fluid integrated into its piping system. Depending on the temperature conditions on a heat exchanger of its absorber, the region of the heat exchanger can be connected to one or the other reservoir by means of a flow regulator comprising a pump and various valves. In this way, a temperature difference between these reservoirs is to be ensured, which is used for an effective operation of a thermally connected thermoelectric generator with them.

The US 2004/0025931 A1 discloses a solar thermal device for the simultaneous generation of electrical and thermal energy. For this purpose, it has photocells which are thermally coupled to a working medium. The flow of this working medium is to be controlled so that predetermined temperature conditions are maintained at the photocells to their effective operation. In addition, the working medium is indirectly coupled to a thermoelectric generator via an intermediate tank.

Both in photovoltaics and in solar thermal energy as well as in energy production with the help of a thermoelectric generator arises the problem that the usable area for energy production is always limited. This problem arises in particular in building technology. Thus, solar thermal or photoelectric cells can typically be mounted on the outside or on the roof of a building. Since these surfaces always have a limited size, they can therefore be used either solar thermal, ie for example for the service water supply, or for the production of electrical energy.

Also at the time of the GB 2 321 338 A To be taken photovoltaic device with thermogenerator, the temperature is adjusted adjustable at their photocells. Again, as in the case of the device to be taken from the cited US-A font, no delivery of heat energy to an external consumer is provided. This also applies to another, from the US 4,106,952 to be taken photovoltaic device with thermal generator too.

task The present invention is the solar thermal, thermoelectric To design device with the features mentioned in the introduction, that it is possible on a certain surface to use solar energy particularly effectively. Furthermore, should a method for an effective operation of such a power generating device be specified.

The on the device-related object is with the claim 1 measures resolved.

Of the Solution according to the invention is the consideration underlying a thermoelectric generator in a solar thermal To integrate plant, so that typically between a solar absorber and a working medium in such a solar thermal system existing temperature difference for generating electrical energy can be used. In particular, in a combination of photovoltaic system, solar thermal system and thermoelectric Generator between the amount of heat and electricity generated, depending according to need and weather conditions, a desired Ratio are adjusted. This can be done with the help of a Flow control done, which preferably controlled electronically or regulated. In particular, the flow regulator comprises at least a pump and at least one valve, which mechanically or electrically can be adjusted.

According to the invention a solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device indicated, which a heatable by Soneinstrahlung absorber which is at least partially within an evacuable Housing is attached. The solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation facility further includes a thermoelectric generator for generating an electric current, each large area on opposite side surfaces with the absorber and a heat exchanger connected to a piping system is connected and can be flowed through by a working medium is thermally connected. It is with the piping system In addition, a consumer thermally connected. Farther has the solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device a flow regulator for adjusting a flow of the working medium through on the heat exchanger. In addition, funds should be present to a controller of the flow control to a setting of the river the ratio of through the thermoelectric generator generated electric current and in the heat exchanger to the working medium emitted thermal Energy (or amount of heat) depending on Electricity demand and / or thermal energy demand to control the consumer.

Under a solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device is in this context a device to understand, which is capable of electrical current through the thermoelectric effect (Seebeck effect), and which ones are still suitable is to heat a working medium solar thermal.

The Advantages of the solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device are in particular to see that by means of the invention Facility a double use of occupied by her opposite surface the known from the prior art solutions possible is. Furthermore, with the inventive solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device the existing between a working medium and a solar absorber Temperature difference used to generate electricity become. By adjusting the flow in the heat exchanger may be the amount of generated in the thermoelectric generator electric current, as well as the temperature level of the working medium be set. By adjusting the flow in the heat exchanger can continue the ratio of in the thermoelectric Generator generated electric power and transmitted to the working fluid thermal energy. The amount of energy that is not is converted into electricity, is in the working medium in the form of heat energy included. The inventive Device is therefore flexible and can be used in accordance with existing demand for electricity and / or warm Working medium can be adjusted.

• – So kann vorteilhaft der Verbraucher direkt in das Rohrleitungssystem integriert oder indirekt mit diesem über mindestens einen weiteren Wärmetauscher verbunden sein.
• – Zweckmäßigerweise umfasst der Durchflussregler mindestens eine Pumpe.
• – Bei der solarthermischen, thermoelektrischen Stromerzeugungseinrichtung können die Mittel zur Steuerung des Durchflussreglers elektrischer oder elektronischer Art sein, wobei diese Mittel zur Steuerung des Durchflussreglers mindestens einen Temperatursensor und eine signalverarbeitende/-übertragende Elektronik oder Elektrik umfassen können. Alternativ können die Mittel zur Steuerung des Durchflussreglers auch mechanischer Art sein. Solche Mittel der genannten Alternative sind an sich bekannt und arbeiten einfach und in zuverlässiger Weise.
• – Das Arbeitsmedium kann eine Flüssigkeit, vorzugsweise ein Zweiphasengemisch aus einer Flüssigkeit und einem Gas sein. Typischerweise weist eine Flüssigkeit eine höhere Wärmekapazität als ein Gas auf. Je nach dem ob in der solarthermischen, thermoelektrischen Stromerzeugungseinrichtung eine Flüssigkeit oder ein Gas als Arbeitsmedium verwendet wird, kann ein mehr oder weniger effektiver Wärmeübergang in dem Wärmetauscher erreicht werden. Auf diese Weise kann durch die Wahl des Arbeitsmediums das Verhältnis von in dem thermoelektrischen Generator erzeugtem elektrischem Strom und an das Arbeitsmedium übertragener thermischer Energie beeinflusst werden. Wird ein Zweiphasengemisch aus einem flüssigen und einem gasförmigen Arbeitsmedium verwendet, so kann die Übertragung von thermischer Energie an das Arbeitsmedium durch Ausnutzung der latenten Wärme des Phasenüberganges verbessert werden.
• – Der Absorber kann zusätzlich Solarzellen umfassen. Mit Hilfe von Solarzellen, welche vorzugsweise auf der Oberfläche des Absorbers angebracht sind, kann der Gesamtwirkungsgrad der solarthermischen und thermoelektrischen Einrichtung verbessert werden. Dies ist insbesondere dadurch bedingt, dass mit Hilfe der Solarzellen zusätzlicher elektrischer Strom gewonnen werden kann. Weiterhin kann das Verhältnis von in der solarthermischen und thermoelektrischen Einrichtung produzierter thermischer und elektrischer Energie durch diese Maßnahme variiert werden. Eine Variation erfolgt durch die Anzahl von auf der Oberfläche des Absorbers angebrachten Solarzellen, bzw. durch den von den Solarzellen eingenommenen Anteil an der Oberfläche des Absorbers. Eine Variation erfolgt alternativ insbesondere durch die Einstellungen am Durchflussregler, d. h. die Mittel zur Steuerung des Durchflussreglers.
• – Die Solarzellen können Dünnschichtsolarzellen sein. Dünnschichtsolarzellen sind zumindest für einen Teil des elektromagnetischen Spektrums des Sonnenlichts transparent. Normalerweise bleibt in solarelektrischen Anlagen derjenige Teil des solaren Spektrums, welcher nicht von den Solarzellen absorbiert wird, für die Produktion elektrischer Energie ungenutzt. Typischerweise erstreckt sich der Absorptionsbereich einer Solarzelle bis zur Lage der Bandlücke des Siliziums. Der von einer Solarzelle typischerweise nicht absorbierte Anteil des solaren Spektrums, welcher im nahen Infrarot und Infrarotbereich liegt, kann jedoch von einem Absorber wie er in einer solarthermischen, thermoelektrischen Einrichtung gemäß der vorstehenden Ausführungsform verwendet wird absorbiert werden. Auf diese Weise kann eine weitere Verbesserung des Gesamtwirkungsgrades der solarthermischen, thermoelektrischen Stromerzeugungseinrichtung erreicht werden.
• – Das Arbeitsmedium kann wasserhaltig und/oder wässrig sein. Weiterhin kann das Arbeitsmedium ein beliebiges Gemisch aus einem wasserhaltigen und einem wässrigen Medium sein. Durch die Verwendung eines kostengünstigen wasserhaltigen und/oder wässrigen Arbeitsmediums kann die solarthermische, thermoelektrische Stromerzeugungseinrichtung besonders einfach und effektiv betrieben werden.
• – Die solarthermische, thermoelektrische Stromerzeugungseinrichtung kann Teil eines Gebäudes sein, wobei das Arbeitsmedium zumindest teilweise zur Brauchwasserversorgung des Gebäudes verwendet wird. Die typischerweise zur solarthermischen, solarelektrischen oder thermoelektrischen Energieerzeugung an einem Gebäude zur Verfügung stehenden Flächen sind begrenzt. Die erfindungsgemäße Stromerzeugungseinrichtung kann daher besonders vorteilhaft als Teil eines Gebäudes eingesetzt werden, da erfindungsgemäß so wohl thermische als auch elektrische Energie auf ein und derselben Fläche gewonnen werden können, und deren Verhältnis abhängig vom Bedarf an elektrischer und/oder thermischer Energie, eingestellt werden kann. Ein im Haus integrierter Verbraucher, wie z. B. ein Heizkörper oder ein Wärmetauscher, kann die erzeugte Wärmemenge im Haus nutzbar machen, insbesondere zur Beheizung von Räumen und/oder Warmwassererzeugung.

Advantageous embodiments of the solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device according to the invention will become apparent from the dependent of claim 1 claims. In this case, the embodiment according to claim 1 can be combined in particular with the features of one or preferably also those of several subclaims. Accordingly, the solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device according to the invention may additionally have the following features:

• - Thus, advantageously, the consumer can be integrated directly into the pipeline system or indirectly connected to this via at least one other heat exchanger.
• - Conveniently, the flow regulator comprises at least one pump.
• - In the solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device, the means for controlling the flow controller may be electrical or electronic type, said means for controlling the flow regulator may comprise at least one temperature sensor and a signal processing / transmitting electronics or electrical. Alternatively, the means for controlling the flow regulator may also be of a mechanical nature. Such means of said alternative are known per se and work easily and reliably.
• The working medium may be a liquid, preferably a two-phase mixture of a liquid and a gas. Typically, a liquid has a higher heat capacity than a gas. Depending on whether a liquid or a gas is used as the working medium in the solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device, a more or less effective heat transfer in the heat exchanger can be achieved. In this way can be influenced by the choice of the working medium, the ratio of electric current generated in the thermoelectric generator and to the working medium transmitted thermal energy. If a two-phase mixture of a liquid and a gaseous working medium is used, the transfer of thermal energy to the working medium can be improved by utilizing the latent heat of the phase transition.
• - The absorber may additionally comprise solar cells. With the aid of solar cells, which are preferably mounted on the surface of the absorber, the overall efficiency of the solar thermal and thermoelectric device can be improved. This is due in particular to the fact that additional electric current can be obtained with the aid of the solar cells. Furthermore, the ratio of thermal and electrical energy produced in the solar thermal and thermoelectric device can be varied by this measure. A variation takes place by the number of solar cells mounted on the surface of the absorber, or by the proportion of the surface of the absorber occupied by the solar cells. Alternatively, a variation occurs in particular by the settings on the flow controller, ie the means for controlling the flow controller.
• - The solar cells can be thin-film solar cells. Thin-film solar cells are transparent to at least part of the electromagnetic spectrum of sunlight. Normally, in solar electric systems that part of the solar spectrum which is not absorbed by the solar cells remains unused for the production of electrical energy. Typically, the absorption range of a solar cell extends to the location of the band gap of the silicon. However, the portion of the solar spectrum typically not absorbed by a solar cell which is near infrared and infrared can be absorbed by an absorber as used in a solar thermal thermoelectric device according to the above embodiment. In this way, a further improvement in the overall efficiency of the solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device can be achieved.
• - The working medium can be hydrous and / or aqueous. Furthermore, the working medium can be any mixture of a water-containing and an aqueous medium. By using a cost-effective aqueous and / or aqueous working medium, the solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device can be operated particularly simply and effectively.
• - The solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device may be part of a building, the working medium is at least partially used for domestic water supply of the building. The areas typically available for solar thermal, solar electric or thermoelectric power generation on a building are limited. The power generating device according to the invention can therefore be used particularly advantageously as part of a building, since according to the invention as well as thermal and electrical energy can be obtained on the same surface, and their ratio can be adjusted depending on the need for electrical and / or thermal energy. A consumer integrated in the house, such as As a radiator or a heat exchanger, can make the amount of heat generated in the house usable, in particular for heating rooms and / or hot water.

• – in einem ersten Modus zur Erzeugung einer großen Menge an elektrischer Energie auf einen vergleichsweise hohen Wert oder
• – in einem zweiten Modus zur Abgabe an thermischer Energie an den Verbraucher auf einen vergleichsweise niedrigen Wert oder
• – auf einen Zwischenwert zwischen dem hohen und dem niedrigen Wert eingestellt wird.

Refers to the operating procedure of the invent According to the invention power generating device related object is achieved with the measures specified in claim 12. Accordingly, in the method of the flow regulator is to be controlled so that depending on the need for electric power and / or consumer demand to be discharged thermal energy of the flow of the working medium through the heat exchanger or in the piping system

• In a first mode for generating a large amount of electrical energy to a comparatively high value or
• In a second mode for delivery of thermal energy to the consumer to a comparatively low value or
• - is set to an intermediate value between the high and the low value.

The Method advantageously ensures a particularly effective Use of solar energy radiated into the absorber.

• • So kann vorteilhaft das Arbeitsmedium durch das Rohleitungssystem gepumpt werden, wobei die Pumpleistung in Abhängigkeit von dem genannten Wert des Flusses eingestellt wird.
• • Außerdem kann die Steuerung des Durchflussreglers in Abhängigkeit von einer Umgebungstemperatur des Verbrauchers und/oder der eingestrahlten Sonnenenergie erfolgen.

Advantageous embodiments of the method for operating the solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device according to the invention will be apparent from the claims dependent on claim 12. In this case, the method features according to claim 12 can be combined in particular with the features of one or preferably also those of a plurality of dependent claims. Accordingly, the method may additionally have the following features:

• • Thus, advantageously, the working fluid can be pumped through the piping system, wherein the pump power is adjusted in dependence on the said value of the flow.
• • In addition, the flow controller can be controlled depending on the consumer's ambient temperature and / or solar energy.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device and its operating method go from the above not mentioned Claims and in particular from the below explained Drawing forth. The drawing shows a preferred embodiment the solar thermal, thermoelectric according to the invention Power generation facility. The figure shows the cross section through a solar thermal, thermoelectric device. Not closer Illustrated parts are general state of the art.

The figure shows a solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device ( 100 ) according to an embodiment. The power generation facility 100 has an evacuable housing with side walls 101 and a housing cover 102 on. The side walls 101 of the housing may in particular be thermally insulated. The housing cover 102 is transparent to the electromagnetic spectrum of sunlight and may in particular consist of window glass, preferably of solar glass. Solar glass in this case is a glass which is generally known from the prior art and which is improved in particular with regard to its resistance to breakage with respect to snow load or hail. Thus, a pane which is comparatively thinner than conventional window glass can be used as the housing cover for the solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device.

Inside the housing is an absorber 103 , In this absorber 103 it can be a so-called full-surface absorber, strip absorber or cushion absorber. The absorber 103 is suitable for the conversion (absorption) of direct or diffused solar radiation into heat. To favor the conversion of solar radiation into heat, the surface of the absorber can 103 with a solar paint, a black chrome or black nickel coating, which is to be applied galvanically, or be provided with a titanium nitrite oxide coating. The titanium nitrite oxide coating may be applied by a thin film method, such as sputter deposition. The body of the absorber 103 can typically be made of copper or aluminum.

On the surface of the absorber 103 can solar cells 104 to be appropriate. In these solar cells 104 they may preferably be thin-film solar cells. Usable are commercially available solar cells, eg. As silicon-based, single crystalline or polycrystalline solar cells. The surface of the absorber 103 can be at least partially with one or more solar cells 104 be covered. The surface of the absorber 103 can continue almost completely with solar cells 104 be covered.

The electromagnetic spectrum of sunlight extends from the UV range to the infrared range. However, the absorption spectrum, such as a silicon solar cell, extends only from the near UV to the near infrared, typically up to the bandgap of silicon. The absorption spectrum of an absorber 103 can be compared to the absorption spectrum of a solar cell 104 be wider, that is, it covers a wider wavelength range. Consequently, that can be done by a solar cell 104 unused spectrum in the infrared range from a sorber 103 be used. That way that can from a solar cell 104 Unused solar spectrum can be used for photothermal energy production.

The absorber 103 is with its non-solar exposed underside with at least one thermoelectric generator 105 connected. In particular, the vast area of the absorber 103 in contact with one or more thermoelectric generators 105 stand. These are different thermoelectric generators 105 usable in the embodiment shown in the figure. Typically, thermoelectric generators 105 used with a maximum working temperature of around 200 ° C. Likewise, however, high temperature suitable thermoelectric generators 105 be used. At the thermoelectric generators 105 can be a voltage on a tap 106 are tapped, so that a stream can be supplied to a consumer via appropriate connecting lines.

On her the absorber 103 opposite side are the thermoelectric generators 105 large area with a thermally well conductive component 107 connected. It may, for example, be a copper plate. This thermally well conductive plate 107 can be part of a heat exchanger 108 be. The heat exchanger 108 can be constructed, for example, as follows. On the thermoelectric generators 105 opposite side of the thermally well conductive component 107 There are channels or tubes which are welded in serpentine or meandering or harp shape with the thermally well conductive component or soldered to this. A corresponding pipe or pipe part is in the figure with 109 designated. The tube system may contain a hydrous or aqueous working medium, typically water enriched in propylene glycol.

A piping system 110 connects the heat exchanger 108 with other components of solar thermal, thermoelek tric power generation device 100 , The piping system 110 can, as shown in the figure, be a closed system. Likewise it can be an open pipeline system 110 act. In the piping system 110 there is a flow regulator 111 , With the help of this flow regulator 111 it is possible to control the flow of working fluid through the heat exchanger 108 to control.

In the following, two essential working modes of the solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device will be exemplified. By means of the flow regulator 111 can be about controlling the flow through the heat exchanger 108 Of course, any state between the two states described below can be realized.

According to a first mode of operation, the flow of the working medium through the heat exchanger 108 set to a high value. A high flow of working fluid through the heat exchanger 108 has the consequence that is between the absorber 103 and the heat exchanger 108 sets a large temperature difference. Due to this large temperature difference, the thermoelectric generators generate 105 a large amount of electrical energy. For example, the absorber plate 103 reach a temperature of 220 ° C while the working fluid in the heat exchanger 108 with a temperature of 20 ° C the flow of the heat exchanger 108 is supplied. In this way can be attached to the thermoelectric generators 105 a temperature difference of nearly 200 ° C can be realized. Due to a high flow rate of the working fluid through the heat exchanger 108 the working medium is only slightly heated. In proportion so much electric power and little heat is released to the working fluid. Consequently, the working medium is heated only to a low temperature level.

According to a second mode of operation, the flow of the working medium in the heat exchanger 108 regulated to a low value. In this way, a maximum of the absorber 103 absorbed solar energy delivered to the working fluid, while only a small proportion is converted into electrical energy. The working medium thus achieves a high, well usable temperature level.

Is the solar thermal, thermoelectric device 100 Part of a building, the working mode can be chosen depending on the season. Thus, a working mode, which more or less corresponds to the first working mode in the summer and a working mode, which corresponds approximately to the second working mode can be set in the winter. In this way, the one with the piping system 110 connected consumers 112 For example, another secondary circuit or a direct consumer, z. As a radiator, depending on the season are supplied with the necessary heat. Likewise, the solar technology, thermoelectric device 100 be adjusted to different requirements depending on the time of day. The at the thermoelectric generators 105 accumulating electrical energy is in through the flow in the heat exchanger 108 adjustable amount depending on working mode in larger or lesser quantity available.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - GB 2172394 A [0002, 0007]
• - DE 3704559 A1 [0004, 0004]
• - FR 2412171 [0005]
• US 2004/0025931 A1 [0008]
• GB 2321338 A [0010]
• - US 4106952 [0010]

Claims (15)

Solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device ( 100 ) with a) an absorber which can be heated by solar irradiation ( 103 ), which is at least partially mounted within an evacuable housing, b) a thermoelectric generator ( 105 ) for generating an electric current which in each case over a large area on opposite side surfaces with the absorber ( 103 ) and a heat exchanger ( 108 ) connected to a piping system ( 110 ) is connected and can be flowed through by a working medium, is thermally connected, c) a flow regulator ( 111 ), by means of which a flow of the working medium through the heat exchanger ( 108 ) is adjustable, d) one with the piping system ( 110 ) additionally thermally connected consumers ( 112 ), and e) means for controlling the flow regulator ( 111 ) such that, by adjusting the flow, the ratio of the thermoelectric generator ( 105 ) and in the heat exchanger ( 108 ) delivered to the working medium thermal energy as a function of the need for electrical power and / or demand for thermal energy at the consumer ( 112 ) is controllable. Solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device ( 100 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the consumer ( 112 ) directly into the piping system ( 110 ) is integrated or indirectly connected thereto via at least one further heat exchanger and / or the consumer comprises a heating device, in particular at least one heating element. Solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flow regulator ( 111 ) comprises at least one pump and / or at least one valve. Solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for controlling the flow regulator ( 111 ) are electrical or electronic type. Solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device ( 100 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the means for controlling the flow control ( 111 ) comprise at least one temperature sensor and a signal processing / transmitting electronics or electrical system. Solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the means for controlling the flow control ( 111 ) are mechanical. Solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the working medium is a liquid, preferably a two-phase mixture of a liquid and a gas. Solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorber ( 103 ) Solar cells ( 104 ). Solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device ( 100 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the solar cells ( 104 ) Are thin-film solar cells. Solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the working medium is hydrous, aqueous or any mixture of a water-containing and an aqueous medium. Solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an embodiment as part of a building, wherein the working medium is provided at least partially to a service water supply and / or heating of the building. Method for operating a solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow regulator ( 111 ) is controlled in such a way that, depending on the demand for electric current and / or demand on the consumer ( 112 ) thermal energy to be emitted, the flow of the working medium through the heat exchanger ( 108 ) or in the piping system ( 110 ) - in a first mode for generating a large amount of electrical energy to a comparatively high value or - in a second mode for delivery of thermal energy to the consumer to a comparatively low value or - to an intermediate value between the high and the low value is set. A method according to claim 12, characterized ge indicates that the working medium passes through the piping system ( 110 ) is pumped, the pumping power being adjusted as a function of the value of the flow. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the control of the flow regulator ( 111 ) as a function of an ambient temperature of the consumer ( 112 ) he follows. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that a ratio of a generated Amount of heat to a generated amount of electrical energy is adjusted specifically with the help of the flow regulator, in particular depending on the solar radiation on the solar thermal, thermoelectric power generation device and / or dependent from the temperature in the environment of the consumer.