Novel approach to thermoelectric generator modeling as energy harvesting system

Abstract

This paper describes a novel approach to thermoelectric generator modeling as complex energy harvesting system. The thermoelectric generator model includes three main effects that are Thomson effect, Seebeck effect and Joule heat. The influence of heat sources and heat sinks as well as the load resistance that significantly affect properties of thermoelectric generator is also considered. The SimScape tool that extends Matlab/Simulink is used as tool for physical modeling of thermoelectric generator. Therefore, the energy harvesting model using thermoelectric generator can be easy extended by other device for example DC/DC converter. The energy harvesting model that uses thermoelectric generator (TEG) for the conversion of thermal to electric energy and DC/DC converter is presented in this paper.