PV-TEG Cogeneration System

Summary

There is a high energy loss in the photovoltaic (PV) generation system in the form of heat. This unused heat energy can be converted into electrical energy using the thermoelectric generator (TEG), which the hybridization is called the PV-TEG cogeneration system. Since there is a significant improvement in the PV and TEG technology recently, much research is currently conducted on the viability of the PV-TEG cogeneration system. Nonetheless, the focus is more toward the mechanical site rather than the electrical site of this system. This research will focus on the electrical part of this system, which specified more towards the effective sizing of passive components and effective maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of PV-TEG cogeneration system. The objective is to use an optimization algorithm called Ant-Lion Optimization (ALO) to solve MPPT problems faced by this system. The results from the PV-TEG cogeneration system is then compared with the conventional PV generation system. To achieve these objectives, the PV-TEG modules need to be implemented. Their characteristics will be analyzed and an accurate model will be simulated. The model is then used in simulation and hardware implementation of the ALO MPPT converter. The outcome of this research is expected to show an increase in energy production for the PV-TEG cogeneration system compared to the PV-generation system. If the expected results are achieved, the use of ALO in PV-TEG MPPT and sizing can improve the current and future PV-generation system in Malaysia and the rest of the world.

PCB Layout