Maximum Power Point Tracking Scheme for Thermoelectric Generators Based on Short-Circuit Current Method
Wang Jun1, Yan Tiesheng1, Chen Liang1, Huang Tao1,2, Aiguo Patrick Hu3
1. Key Laboratory of Fluid and Power Machinery Ministry of Education Xihua University Chengdu 610039 China; 2. Department of Energy Politecnico di Torino Torino 10129 Italy; 3. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering University of Auckland Auckland 1142 New Zealand
Abstract：Thermoelectric Generator (TEG), as a new energy generator, can convert heat into electricity energy directly, and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) plays a crucial role in this energy harvesting and conversion process. However, the internal resistance of TEG and maximum power point change with the external temperature. Therefore, a new short-circuit current MPPT algorithm for TEG is proposed in this paper. By analyzing the equivalent model of TEG and Boost converter, the proposed method can estimate the short-circuit current of TEG by using the instantaneous inductor current and its slope. Then the MPPT is achieved by a PI controller to regulate the root-mean-square value of the inductor current at half of the short-circuit current of TEG. Different from the traditional algorithms, the proposed method realizes MPPT without steady-state errors and oscillations, and has no negative effect on the normal operation of the converter. Finally, the simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively track the global maximum power point with only one current sensor, and the tracking process does not affect the normal operation of the main circuit, which reduces the cost and improves reliability.
王军, 阎铁生, 陈亮, 黄涛, 呼爱国. 基于短路电流法的温差发电最大功率点跟踪控制[J]. 电工技术学报, 2020, 35(2): 318-329.
Wang Jun, Yan Tiesheng, Chen Liang, Huang Tao, Aiguo Patrick Hu. Maximum Power Point Tracking Scheme for Thermoelectric Generators Based on Short-Circuit Current Method. Transactions of China Electrotechnical Society, 2020, 35(2): 318-329.
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2020, Vol. 35 
