Thermal energy harvesting circuit with maximum power point tracking control for self-powered sensor node applications

Abstract

We present a simple implementation of a thermal energy harvesting circuit with the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control for self-powered miniature-sized sensor nodes. Complex start-up circuitry and direct current to direct current (DC-DC) boost converters are not required, because the output voltage of targeted thermoelectric generator (TEG) devices is high enough to drive the load applications directly. The circuit operates in the active/asleep mode to overcome the power mismatch between TEG devices and load applications. The proposed circuit was implemented using a 0.35-μm complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. Experimental results confirmed correct circuit operation and demonstrated the performance of the MPPT scheme. The circuit achieved a peak power efficiency of 95.5% and an MPPT accuracy of higher than 99%.

Keywords

Thermoelectric energy / Energy harvesting / Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control / Self-powered system / Sensor node

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2018 Zhejiang University and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature