A comparative study of PV and hybrid PV-TEG receivers for laser wireless power transmission under misalignment

Laser wireless power transmission (LWPT) enables long-range energy delivery via laser beams, showing significant potential for applications such as space-based solar power stations and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Nevertheless, its widespread adoption remains constrained by challenges related to angular deviation and efficient energy conversion during long-distance laser propagation. As a laser beam travels through the atmosphere, effects such as absorption and scattering induce spot displacement and beam deflection, substantially limiting the feasibility of LWPT for extended-range applications. To improve energy utilization at the receiving terminal, this paper introduces a hybrid photovoltaic-thermoelectric generator (PV-TEG) receiver, which integrates gallium arsenide (GaAs) photovoltaic cells with a thermoelectric conversion module. This configuration enhances the overall energy conversion efficiency of the LWPT system, lowers the operating temperature of the PV cells—thereby extending their service life—and helps maintain optimal power output. By systematically evaluating the impacts of deflection angle, spot offset distance, and heat transfer coefficient, the output performance of the PV-TEG module is analyzed and compared with that of a standalone PV receiver. The hybrid receiver not only offers a larger collection area but also utilizes previously unconverted laser radiation. The hybrid receiver achieved a maximum total power output 23.35 % higher than a standalone PV receiver. More importantly, it demonstrated superior thermal stability and more graceful performance degradation under beam misalignment, directly addressing two major challenges for reliable LWPT systems.