Multiple-input DC-DC converter for the thermoelectric-photovoltaic energy system in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) can directly convert heat energy to electrical energy and have been employed in the automobile industry to recover waste heat energy. Meanwhile, solar energy can also be used in Electric Vehicles. In this paper, a thermoelectric-photovoltaic hybrid energy system composed of two TEGs and one photovoltaic generator is proposed for hybrid electric vehicles. A Ćuk-Ćuk-Ćuk multiple-input DC-DC converter (MIC) is adopted to draw power from different energy sources independently. The topology of this MIC is analyzed, including the basic units and synthesizing approach. The maximum power point tracking and asynchronous trigger control strategy is adopted. The simulation results are given to verify the theoretical analysis.