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Optimization of the TEGs Configuration (Series/Parallel) in Energy Harvesting Systems with Low-Voltage Thermoelectric Generators Connected to Ultra-Low Voltage DC–DC Converters

Author

Listed:
  • Flávio Morais

    (Faculty of Science and Engineering, São Paulo State University Júlio de Mesquita, Tupã, SP 17602-496, Brazil)

  • Pedro Carvalhaes-Dias

    (Department of Electrical Engineering—DAELE, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Cornélio Procópio, PR 86300-000, Brazil)

  • Luís Duarte

    (Department of Electrical Engineering—DAELE, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Cornélio Procópio, PR 86300-000, Brazil)

  • Anderson Spengler

    (Department of Mobility Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Joinville, SC 89219-600, Brazil)

  • Kleber de Paiva

    (Department of Mobility Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Joinville, SC 89219-600, Brazil)

  • Thiago Martins

    (Department of Mobility Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Joinville, SC 89219-600, Brazil)

  • Andreu Cabot

    (Catalonia Institute for Energy Research—IREC, 08930 Barcelona, Spain
    Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies—ICREA, 08010 Barcelona, Spain)

  • José Siqueira Dias

    (Department of Semiconductors, Instrumentation and Photonics—DSIF/FEEC, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP 13083-852, Brazil)

Abstract

Solar radiation and human activity generate ubiquitous temperature gradients that could be harvested by thermoelectric generators (TEGs). However, most of these temperature gradients are in the range of very few degrees and, while TEGs are able to harvest them, the resulting output voltages are extremely small (a few hundreds of mV), and DC–DC converters are necessary to boost them to usable levels. Impedance matching between TEGs and DC–DC converter plays a fundamental role in the energy harvesting efficiency. Therefore, it is essential to determine the output power of the system in different configurations, in order to decide on the optimum TEG connection. Here, we present an electronic circuit to measure the maximum power that can be harvested with low-voltage TEGs connected to a DC–DC converter. The developed circuit is an electronic controlled load that drains the maximum current from the output of the DC–DC converter while maintaining its output voltage at the maximum allowed value. Using a mechanical set-up able to apply precise low temperature gradients between the hot and cold side of the TEGs, experimental data using different configurations of TEGs are obtained. The measured results show that, for ultra-low voltages, the TEG ensemble’s output impedance plays an important role not only in the amount of the energy scavenged, but also in the onset temperature of the energy harvesting.

Suggested Citation

  • Flávio Morais & Pedro Carvalhaes-Dias & Luís Duarte & Anderson Spengler & Kleber de Paiva & Thiago Martins & Andreu Cabot & José Siqueira Dias, 2020. "Optimization of the TEGs Configuration (Series/Parallel) in Energy Harvesting Systems with Low-Voltage Thermoelectric Generators Connected to Ultra-Low Voltage DC–DC Converters," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-12, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:9:p:2297-:d:354361
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chris Gould, 2020. "Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting," Chapters, in: Reccab Ochieng Manyala (ed.), A Guide to Small-Scale Energy Harvesting Techniques, IntechOpen.
    2. Martí Comamala & Ivan Ruiz Cózar & Albert Massaguer & Eduard Massaguer & Toni Pujol, 2018. "Effects of Design Parameters on Fuel Economy and Output Power in an Automotive Thermoelectric Generator," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-28, November.
    3. Montecucco, Andrea & Siviter, Jonathan & Knox, Andrew R., 2014. "The effect of temperature mismatch on thermoelectric generators electrically connected in series and parallel," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 47-54.
    4. Jong-Pil Im & Jeong Hun Kim & Jae Woo Lee & Ji Yong Woo & Sol Yee Im & Yeriaron Kim & Yong-Sung Eom & Won Chul Choi & Jun Soo Kim & Seung Eon Moon, 2020. "Self-Powered Autonomous Wireless Sensor Node by Using Silicon-Based 3D Thermoelectric Energy Generator for Environmental Monitoring Application," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-17, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Eduard Massaguer & Albert Massaguer & Eudald Balló & Ivan Ruiz Cózar & Toni Pujol & Lino Montoro & Martí Comamala, 2020. "Electrical Generation of a Ground-Level Solar Thermoelectric Generator: Experimental Tests and One-Year Cycle Simulation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-18, July.
    2. Guo, Rui & Zhuo, Kai & Li, Qiang & Wang, Tao & Sang, Shengbo & Zhang, Hulin, 2023. "Triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid generator assisted by a shape memory alloy wire for water quality monitoring and waste heat collecting," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 348(C).
    3. Grzegorz Blakiewicz & Jacek Jakusz & Waldemar Jendernalik, 2021. "Starter for Voltage Boost Converter to Harvest Thermoelectric Energy for Body-Worn Sensors," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-12, July.

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