Evaluation of multi MPPT thermoelectric generator system

A large scale Thermoelectric Generator System (TEG) has temperature distribution for both heat source and heat sink, leading mismatch power loss. The insertion of power conditioner witch has impedance matching ability between TEG and a load has a potential to recover the mismatch power loss of the system effectively. The practical maximum power point tracking (MPPT) conditioner for TEG with the size of 30times60 mm², which can be used up to 30 W has been developed. The power conditioner is composed of Buck-Boost converter, internal power supply, and microcontroller. The microcontroller controls the virtual conductance of the load to match the internal conductance of the connected thermoelectric modules. The effect of MPPT power conditioner insertion is evaluated using the experimental TEG system, which composed of four thermoelectric module (TEM) strings. We confirmed each MPPT power conditioner connected in parallel maintains optimum operating condition. The results suggest that introducing MPPT power conditioner has a potential to reduce mismatch power loss and improve load matching ability of TEG system.