Bending strength evaluation and power generation performance optimization of a curved photovoltaic-thermoelectric hybrid device

•Bending strength and power output of curved PV-TE device are analyzed;•Thermal stress is much lower than bending stress in hybrid device;•Circumferential stress is key factor resulting in strength failure;•Safety region is identified to keep hybrid device from strength failure;•Optimal geometric dimension of TE leg for maximum output power is given.