Selection of Load Resistance for Boost Converters with Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm in Thermoelectric Generators

Abstract

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) face challenges in efficiently converting waste heat into electrical energy. To enhance their performance, converters are employed, with the crucial feature being the implementation of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. However, the efficiency of the MPPT software in tracking the maximum power point (MPP) is influenced by the load connected to the converter’s output, necessitating the determination of an appropriate load range. The primary objective of this study is to identify an acceptable load range for an isolated DC-DC boost converter used in MPPT within an installed TEG system. The methodology includes building a Simulink/MATLAB model based on TEG manufacturer data, designing a DC-DC boost converter with embedded MPPT algorithms, and conducting simulations and experiments at various load range values. Simulations and experimental studies reveal that the effectiveness of algorithms in tracking the MPP is optimized when the load resistance is between the TEG’s internal resistance and three times this value. Below the internal resistance, the MPP cannot be tracked, while at high load values, the MPP significantly decreases. This underscores the critical role of load resistance selection in optimizing TEG system performance during MPPT applications.

Keywords:

• TEG
• MPPT
• non-isolated boost converter
• load range limit

Disclosure Statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Research Project Coordination Unit of The Manisa Celal Bayar University (Project Number: 2022-012).

Notes on contributors

Mehmet Ali Üstüner

Mehmet Ali Üstüner received the B.Sc. degree from Gaziantep University in 2012. He received M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees from Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey, in 2016, and 2023, respectively. His research interests are control, thermoelectric generator, and maximum power point tracking. He is currently a research assistant in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Turkiye.

Hayati Mamur

Hayati Mamur received the B.Sc. and M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees from Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey, in 1996, 2005, and 2013, respectively. His research interests are thermoelectric generator, micro wind turbine, maximum power point tracking and renewable energy. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Turkiye.

Sezai Taşkın

Sezai Taşkin received the B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees from Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey, in 1999, 2001, and 2007, respectively. His research interests are control-automation and robotic systems, power system operation, and smart grid technologies. He has 24 years of experience as a full-time faculty member. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Turkiye.

Mustafa Nil

Mustafa Nil received the B.Sc. degree from Fırat University. He received M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees from Kocaeli University. His research interests are power electronics, control theory and applications. He is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Turkiye.

Mohammad Ruhul Amin Bhuiyan

Mohammad Ruhul Amin Bhuiyan received the B.Sc. (Hons) and M.Sc. degree in Applied Physics and Electronic Engineering from Rajshahi University, Bangladesh in 1994 and 1995. The Ph.D. degree from Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh in 2008. His current interest is development and characterization of nanostructure thin-film solar cell and thermoelectric materials. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Islamic University, Bangladesh.

Abdelkrim Kherkhar

Abdelkrim Kherkhar is an associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, Medea University, Algeria. He received the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering from Setif-1 University, Algeria in 2007 and 2010. The Ph.D. degree from Medea University, in 2022. His current researchs interest is investigation and control design of renewable energy systems, nonliear and robust control, fuzzy logic control of thermoelectric coolers and solar photovoltaic systems.

Younes Chiba

Younes Chiba is currently a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Medea, Algeria. His areas of expertise include Clean Energy, Renewable Energies, and Thermoelectricity. He obtained his M.Sc. in HVAC Systems from Constantine University, Algeria in 2005, and later completed his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering through a collaborative program between the National Polytechnic School, Algiers, and the University of Western Switzerland, a journey that spanned from 2011 to 2013.