Thermoelectric Power Generation System-Simulation and Experimental Investigation

Thermoelectric generator is a device that consists of semiconductor material which can directly convert the thermal energy heat from sources like waste heat, geothermal energy or solar energy into DC electrical energy, depending on the Seebeck effect. In this paper a simple and accurate TEG model is proposed to achieve the electrical characteristics of the TEG module and maximize the electrical output power at various operating conditions. Incremental conductance (INC) algorithm with DC-to-DC boost converter is proposed in this study to track the maximum output power point (MPP) of the TEG module. The complete system including the TEG model and DC-to-DC boost converter with INC-MPPT control algorithm is simulated using MATLAB/Simulink software and implemented with Arduino microcontroller at constant and variable temperature on the both sides of the TEG module. Then, the overall tracking performance of INC-MPPT is analyzed. Finally, simulation and experimental results are compared with manufacturing data sheet of the real TEG module used in this study and reveal that the proposed TEG testing and simulation model are achieved the electrical characteristics and maximized the electrical output power of the TEG module at constant and variable temperature with a good accuracy and faster response to track the MPP at a rapid change of temperature on both sides of the module.