Modeling and tuning of MPPT controllers for a thermoelectric generator

This paper describes the modeling of a thermoelectric generator and the tuning of various maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The model includes an equivalence between the thermal and the electric variables. A test bench has been built in order to test the complete system and compare the simulation and experimental results. Three MPPT strategies have been selected and tested, including Perturb & Observe and Incremental Conductance. All these controllers are implemented and tested in a real time digital control system, with a specific focus on the tuning parameters.