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ISSN 2095-9184 (print), ISSN 2095-9230 (online)

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%.

Key words: Thermoelectric energy; Energy harvesting; Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control; Self-powered system; Sensor node

Chinese Summary  <21> 为自供能传感器节点供电的最大功率点跟踪控制热能收集电路

概要:提出一种简便的具有最大功率点跟踪(maximum power point tracking,MPPT)控制功能的热能收集电路,为自供能微型传感器节点供电。由于热电发生器(thermo electric generator,TEG)的输出电压足够高,可直接驱动负载应用,故该电路免去了复杂的启动电路和直流-直流(DC-DC)升压转换器。为克服TEG设备和负载应用之间的功率失配,该电路在激活/休眠模式下工作。该热能收集电路基于0.35μm互补式金属氧化物半导体(CMOS)工艺研制。实验结果证明该电路能正常工作,展示了MPPT方案性能。该电路实现了95.5%的峰值功效和高于99%的MPPT精度。

关键词组:热电能;能量收集;最大功率点跟踪(MPPT)控制;自供电系统;传感器节点


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DOI:

10.1631/FITEE.1601181

CLC number:

TM356

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On-line Access:

2018-04-09

Received:

2016-04-25

Revision Accepted:

2016-09-08

Crosschecked:

2018-02-19

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