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

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