Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) by Using Indirect Maximum Power Point (MPP) Algorithm

Heat is one of the most important energy that exists and has drove many civilizations to achieve greatness. When we use it in daily life, we can use thermoelectric generator to power our electrical appliances at home from the heat we produce domestically. The heat is absorbed by the thermoelectric generator (TEG) module and since the other surface of the module is cold, it will create a gradient in temperature. If the load linked to the TEG is equal to the internal resistance, the maximum power that it can produce is achieved. To produce this result, we must design the circuit properly by using the suitable MPPT such as direct MPPT like Perturb and Observe (P&O) or indirect maximum power point tracking (MPPT) like constant voltage. There are many types of MPPT that we can classify based on the methods used. In this study, we tried to study and compare indirect MPPT to the direct MPPT. This will help us to solve the problem that normal and direct MPPT such as P&O faces. Because of the inefficiency of the direct method, the indirect approach is favourable in solving this task. To overcome the problem of losing energy during the sudden changes, the indirect MPPT will fix or constant one of its parameter that leads us to achieve high efficiency, desired power and stability under sudden changes.