A simple MPPT control method for thermoelectric energy harvesting

Thermoelectric generator (TEG) has a maximum power point (MPP) because of the large internal resistance. Therefore, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control is effective to improve the energy conversion efficiency. In the conventional MPPT method, it is necessary to measure the open-circuit voltage of the TEG. Moreover, frequent operation of the comparator and the voltage sensors increased energy consumption in the controller. This paper proposes a simple MPPT method for TEG. In the proposed method, it is possible to track the MPP without measuring the open-circuit voltage of the TEG, which realizes less energy consumption in the control circuit.