Maximum power point tracking converter based on the open-circuit voltage method for thermoelectric generators

Montecucco, A. and Knox, A. (2015) Maximum power point tracking converter based on the open-circuit voltage method for thermoelectric generators. IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, 30(2), pp. 828-839. (doi: 10.1109/TPEL.2014.2313294)

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Abstract

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) convert heat energy into electricity in a quantity dependant on the temperature difference across them and the electrical load applied. It is critical to track the optimum electrical operating point through the use of power electronic converters controlled by a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm. The MPPT method based on the opencircuit voltage is arguably the most suitable for the linear electrical characteristic of TEGs. This paper presents an innovative way to perform the open-circuit voltage measure during the pseudo-normal operation of the interfacing power electronic converter. The proposed MPPT technique is supported by theoretical analysis and used to control a synchronous buck-boost converter. The prototype MPPT converter is controlled by an inexpensive microcontroller, and a lead-acid battery is used to accumulate the harvested energy. Experimental results using commercial TEG devices prove that the converter accurately tracks the maximum power point during thermal transients. Precise measurements in steady state show that the converter finds the maximum power point with a tracking efficiency of 99.85%.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Knox, Professor Andrew and Montecucco, Dr Andrea
Authors: Montecucco, A., and Knox, A.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics
Publisher:Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
ISSN:0885-8993
ISSN (Online):1941-0107
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2014 The Authors
First Published:First published in IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics 30(2):828-839
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
614241Scalable Solar Thermoelectrics and Photovaltaics (SUNTRAP)Andrew KnoxEngineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/K022156/1ENG - ENGINEERING ELECTRONICS & NANO ENG