Thermodynamic investigations with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of hybrid thermoelectric generator-heat pump model

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this paper, a comprehensive analysis of the system employed with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) approach has been carried out to improve the heating capacity and power output of the thermoelectric generator-thermoelectric heat pump (TEG-TEHP). Moreover, the influence of TEG-TEHP temperatures and the duty cycle on various system performance parameters has also been discussed. The modelling of the hybrid system based on thermodynamic principles is carried out in MATLAB Simulink 9.2. The exoreversible mode of operation for the TEG-TEHP system has been considered for a certain predetermined number of thermoelectric pairs. It is experiential that at differential temperatures of 150 and 10 K for thermoelectric generator (TEG) and thermoelectric heat pump (TEHP) systems, respectively, the output power of TEG rises to 31.85 W from 16.36 W, heating capacity obtained from TEHP rises from 56.18 to 75W and the system efficiency rises from 2.04% to 4.86% in comparison to the exoreversible system without the application of the MPPT technique.