A simple maximum power point tracker for thermoelectric generators. (15th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Paraskevas, Alexandros; Koutroulis, Eftichios
• Is Part Of: Energy conversion and management. Volume 108(2016)
• Page Start: 355
• Page End: 365
• Publication Date: 2016-01-15
• Subjects: Thermoelectric generator -- Maximum Power Point Tracking -- Boost converter -- Energy harvesting; Direct energy conversion -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Periodicals; Energy transfer -- Periodicals; Énergie -- Conversion directe -- Périodiques; Direct energy conversion; Periodicals; 621.3105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2015.11.027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0196-8904

Abstract

Highlights: A Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) method for thermoelectric generators is proposed. A power converter is controlled to operate on a pre-programmed locus. The proposed MPPT technique has the advantage of operational and design simplicity. The experimental average deviation from the MPP power of the TEG source is 1.87%. Abstract: ThermoElectric Generators (TEGs) are capable to harvest the ambient thermal energy for power-supplying sensors, actuators, biomedical devices etc. in the μW up to several hundreds of Watts range. In this paper, a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) method for TEG elements is proposed, which is based on controlling a power converter such that it operates on a pre-programmed locus of operating points close to the MPPs of the power–voltage curves of the TEG power source. Compared to the past-proposed MPPT methods for TEGs, the technique presented in this paper has the advantage of operational and design simplicity. Thus, its implementation using off-the-shelf microelectronic components with low-power consumption characteristics is enabled, without being required to employ specialized integrated circuits or signal processing units of high development cost. Experimental results are presented, which demonstrate that for MPP power levels of the TEG source in the range of 1–17 mW, the average deviation of the power produced by the proposed system from the MPP power of the TEG source is 1.87%.