A thermoelectric generation system model and heat recovery simulation

Thermoelectric conversion is playing a significant role in the domain of waste-heat harvest. The aim of this thesis is to analyze the electrical performance of a thermoelectric generator. Basic information about thermoelectric generator is introduced at the beginning. Then, finite volume method (FVM) is used to discretize the thermoelectric model with several coupling differential equations, which governs properties of the conversion system. That is a precise mathematical model and can be extended to develop an equivalent circuit. Then, genetic algorithm is implemented for parameter identification and the simulation results are also obtained and analyzed. After that, DC-DC converter is connected to the thermoelectric generator to control the energy utilization, so several MPPT algorithms can be designed and tested to optimize power output in different operating conditions. Furthermore, the simulation results of an MPPT control method, P&O, are obtained and analyzed, combining the simplified thermoelectric model and boost circuit model. Last but not least, the test bench used to evaluate the model are analyzed and the calibration for the experiment.