Investigation of Thermoelectric Generator with Power Converter for Energy Harvesting Applications

Abstract

This research work investigates the analytical modelling of thermocouple, thermoelectric module (TEM) and TEM with a single switch power converter. The TEM with a power converter is used to boost the output voltage to meet the load requirement. The P-I and V-I curve of a TEM for a temperature difference (ΔT) of 95°C and 135°C is compared with the experimental results. The prototype model of the proposed energy harvesting system has been developed and tested in the laboratory to validate its feasibility. A large voltage conversion ratio of 19.57 with an efficiency of 91.5% is obtained from the power converter. Hence, the proposed system can employ to power DC micro-grid applications, when TEMs are connected in series and/or parallel configuration.

KEYWORDS:

• DC micro-grid
• Energy harvesting
• Green energy
• High-gain power converter
• Seebeck effect
• Thermoelectric generator

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Authors would like to thank the Management and Principal of Mepco Schlenk Engineering College (Autonomous), Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, India for providing us the State-of-art facilities to carry out our research work in the Mepco Research Centre in collaboration with Anna University Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rakesh Thankakan

Rakesh Thankakan is an assistant professor (Senior Grade) in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering of Mepco Schlenk Engineering College (Autonomous), Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, India. He is currently pursuing his PhD in the field of thermoelectric energy harvesting systems under Anna University, Chennai. He has published 5 research papers in reputed international journals. His current research interests include modelling of thermoelectric generator, design of power converters and renewable energy systems. He is a life member of Indian Society for Technical Education. Email: [email protected]

Edward Rajan Samuel Nadar

Edward Rajan Samuel Nadar is working as a senior professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering of Mepco Schlenk Engineering College (Autonomous), Sivakasi, India. He is recognized as an approved research supervisor for guiding PhD by Anna University, Chennai. Presently, under his supervision, four scholars are pursuing their PhD and seven scholars have awarded their PhD under Anna University, Chennai. He has published 48 research papers in reputed international journals. His main research interests include modelling & simulation of instrumentation systems, renewable power generation system, power converters and thermoelectric energy harvesting system. He is a Life Member in Indian Society for Technical Education, Fellow Member of The Institution of Engineers (India), Member of IAENG International Association of Engineers, Hong Kong and also a Fellow Member of The Institute of Research Engineers and Doctors (IRED), New York, USA. Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]