Design and Power Generation Characteristics Analysis of a Self-adaptive Thermoelectric Power Generation System Based on LTspice

• Published in: Arabian journal for science and engineering (2011) 2024-05, Vol.49 (5), p.6361-6373
• Main Authors: Yan, Qiqi, Cheng, Jiarui, Li, Meng, Wei, Wenlan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptive systems; Electric potential; Electromotive forces; Engineering; Field effect transistors; Heat loss; Humanities and Social Sciences; Measuring instruments; Modules; multidisciplinary; Research Article-Electrical Engineering; Science; Semiconductor devices; Temperature gradients; Thermal resistance; Thermoelectric power generation; Thermoelectricity; Voltage drop; Voltage stability
• ISSN: 2193-567X; 1319-8025; 2191-4281
• DOI: 10.1007/s13369-023-08231-8

Thermoelectric power generation (TPG) is a novel method where carriers within a conductor migrate from the hot end to the cold end, generating a potential difference under a temperature gradient. Due to hysteresis, this potential difference fluctuates periodically with environmental temperature changes. Therefore, implementing a self-adaptive module during operation is crucial to enhance output voltage stability. Using LTspice, we simulated a TPG system, incorporating a boost module for a DC/DC boost circuit and a self-adaptive module with a logic-level controlled current electronic switch. Analysis results demonstrated nonlinear power generation growth with increasing temperature differences. Conversely, power generation decreased with rising internal resistance R 0 , thermal resistance R q , and heat capacity C q of the entire system. Notably, changes in R 0 and C q values had a more pronounced impact compared to R q values. Under constant thermoelectric electromotive force conditions, a 1.5× growth in R 0 led to a corresponding 1.5× power growth, while a 1.5× growth in R q resulted in a 1.06× power growth. Furthermore, a 1.5× growth in C q under the same T cold value caused greater heat loss, subsequently reducing power output. After constructing the self-adaptive module, the TPG system effectively rectified and stabilized the floating potential difference within the voltage drop range of the field-effect transistor conduction tube, optimizing output to 50 from 600 ms. The self-adaptive TPG system designed in this research exhibits practical significance and potential applications in precision measurement instruments.