MPPT algorithm for thermoelectric generators based on parabolic extrapolation

摘要

In this study, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique based on parabolic extrapolation has been presented for thermoelectric generator systems. Conventional MPPT methods require a closed-loop controller and perturb and observe (P&O) method to provide fast-tracking response. However, they produce power loss due to small oscillations in the steady state. The proposed method excludes the use of closed-loop controller and steady-state oscillations by directly estimating the coordinates of MPP using three random operating points on the parabolic P-I curve. To substantiate the effectiveness of the parabolic extrapolation-based MPPT algorithm, different conditions of temperature gradient and load have been applied. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm takes <15% of the time taken by P&O method to track the MPP.