SPICE Model Identification Technique of a Cheap Thermoelectric Cell Applied to DC/DC Design with MPPT Algorithm for Low-Cost, Low-Power Energy Harvesting

Leoni Leoni,Pantoli Pantoli

doi:10.3390/app9183744

Abstract

In this work, an identification technique of a simple, measurements-based SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) model is presented for small low-cost Peltier cells used in thermoelectric generator (TEG) mode for low-temperature differences. The collection of electric energy from thermal sources is an alternative solution of great interests to the problem of energy supply for low-power portable devices. However, materials with thermoelectric characteristics specifically designed for this purpose are generally expensive and therefore often not usable for low cost and low power applications. For these reasons, in this paper, we studied the possibility of exploiting small Peltier cells in TEG mode and a method to maximize the efficiency of these objects in energy conversion and storage since they are economical, easy to use, and available with different characteristics on the market. The identification of an accurate model is a key aspect for the design of the DC/DC converter, in order to guarantee maximum efficiency. For this purpose, the SPICE model has been validated and used in a design example of a DC/DC converter with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm with fractional open-circuit voltage. The results showed that it is possible to obtain a maximum power of 309 µW with a Peltier cell 2 × 2 cm at a ΔT of 16 °C and the designed SPICE DC/DC converter performance proved the improvement and optimization value given by the TEG model identification.

Highlights

Nowadays, energy harvesting and, in general, the research for alternative sources of energy represents a topic of great interest
SPICE DC/DC converter performance proved the improvement and optimization value given by the thermoelectric generator (TEG) model identification
In addition to the previous work [35] conducted by the authors, where a repeatable characterization method for the Peltier cells has been described, in this paper we aim to implement an equivalent circuital SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) model of a 2 × 2 cm Peltier module with the goal to analyze different multicell configurations in low-temperature difference, as for the human body heat, and provide a circuital design method for DC/DC converters with maximum power point tracking (MPPT), in order to maximize the conversion efficiency by taking into account the real specifications of the thermoelectric generator

Summary

Introduction

Energy harvesting and, in general, the research for alternative sources of energy represents a topic of great interest. The continuous and growing development of new electronic technologies is leading to the spread of an enormous number of new generation portable devices that denote an important change and improvement in the wellness of the humankind. The quality of life has greatly improved in this sense, this incessant diffusion of portable electron devices leads to an increase in the need for energy sources capable of sustaining their functionality. Batteries have always been considered the primary source of portable energy and many technological advances have been made in order to improve their performance, in terms of capacity per unit of volume and reliability.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion