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)
|
Text
92833.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. 1MB |
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 |
University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record