Comparison of maximum power point control methods for thermoelectric power generator

This paper describes the comparison of operating point control methods such as maximum power point tracking control (MPPT) and a constant voltage control applied to the thermoelectric devices. To experimentally evaluate the power control methods, a one-chip micro controller controlled DC-DC converter was inserted between the thermoelectric module and a load. The derived power from the module by constant voltage control is the same with the MPPT control method if the temperature difference keeps constant value. On the other hand, a mismatch power loss of constant voltage method increases with a fluctuation magnitude from the reference value and the fluctuation frequency. The maximum mismatch power loss of constant voltage method by fluctuation is around 20% regardless of a change of maximum temperature difference when the reference output voltage coincides with the optimized value of the maximum temperature difference.