A new maximum power point tracking algorithm based on power differentials method for thermoelectric generators

Abstract

This study uses a new maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) devices. The MPPT algorithm appears as an essential solution due to the nature and the variation characteristics of the TEG devices under certain conditions. In this paper, the power differentials-maximum power point tracking (PD-MPPT) algorithm is proposed to control the boost converter by measuring the output power of TEG devices at both the start and finishing points of the power curve along with making a comparison of these two measured power points. The priority is given to the highest power point until the maximum power point is achieved, and Kalman Filter has been applied to eliminate the oscillation generated from the TEG system. This algorithm does not require any extra circuit to measure the short-circuit current or the open-circuit voltage because there is no disconnection between the TEG and the load. The hardware implementation of the power differentials algorithm is demonstrated under steady-state conditions. Moreover, the PD-MPPT is an effective and applicable algorithm applied to grab the maximum power point from the Photovoltaics PVs and TEGs systems. The practical experiment is conducted using the “STM32f429” microcontroller to implement the algorithm. During the experiments, the change in the duty cycles is observed. The experimental results show that the PD-MPPT algorithm performs better under a steady-state and has the ability to track the maximum power point accurately.