Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) convert heat energy into electricity in a quantity dependent on the temperature difference across them and the electrical load applied. It is critical to track the optimum electrical operating point through the use of power electronic converters controlled by a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. The MPPT method based on the open-circuit voltage is arguably the most suitable for the linear electrical characteristic of TEGs. This paper presents an innovative way to perform the open-circuit voltage measure during the pseudonormal operation of the interfacing power electronic converter. The proposed MPPT technique is supported by theoretical analysis and used to control a synchronous Buck-Boost converter.The prototype MPPT converter is controlled by an inexpensive microcontroller, and a lead-acid battery is used to accumulate the harvested energy. Experimental results using commercial TEG devices prove that the converter accurately tracks the maximum power point during thermal transients. Precise measurements in the steady state show that the converter finds the maximum power point with a tracking efficiency of 99.85%.
precursors, [4] doping proves challenging for solution-synthesized MC nanostructures. [5] Recently, post-synthesis halide treatment of nanocrystals in solution has been developed which involves switching halogens for long chain surfactant molecules absorbed on the surface. [2,6] In fact, sorption of halogens can be realized as part of a one-pot synthesis using metal halide precursors. [7] Although this strategy was initially developed for passivation of MC quantum dots against oxidation, [2,6,7] annealing or hot pressing halogen-coated nanoparticles allows halides to diffuse into the MC lattice and substitute for chalcogenide anions. [8] However, controlling doping levels is not straightforward and such methods can introduce rather high halide concentrations in small nanocrystals leading to reduced electrical conductivity. [8b] Hence exerting control over dopant concentration without sacrificing electrical performance is imperative.Thermoelectrics realize direct interconversion between thermal and electric energy, thus providing an important route An aqueous solution method is developed for the facile synthesis of Cl-containing SnSe nanoparticles in 10 g quantities per batch. The particle size and Cl concentration of the nanoparticles can be efficiently tuned as a function of reaction duration. Hot pressing produces n-type Cl-doped SnSe nanostructured compacts with thermoelectric power factors optimized via control of Cl dopant concentration. This approach, combining an energy-efficient solution synthesis with hot pressing, provides a simple, rapid, and low-cost route to high performance n-type SnSe thermoelectric materials.Doping plays a vital role in modifying the electronic properties of semiconductors and is pivotal for (opto)electronics, [1] photovoltaics (PV), [2] and thermoelectrics. [3] Metal chalcogenides (MCs) form a diversity of functional materials well-suited to such applications. Halogen doping in MCs has proven effective to realize n-type conducting behavior and tune carrier concentrations. [2][3][4] Enhanced thermoelectric and PV performance can result. [2][3][4] While halogens can be readily doped into bulk MCs by high-temperature synthesis using metal halide
A surfactant‐free solution methodology, simply using water as a solvent, has been developed for the straightforward synthesis of single‐phase orthorhombic SnSe nanoplates in gram quantities. Individual nanoplates are composed of {100} surfaces with {011} edge facets. Hot‐pressed nanostructured compacts (E
g≈0.85 eV) exhibit excellent electrical conductivity and thermoelectric power factors (S
2
σ) at 550 K. S
2
σ values are 8‐fold higher than equivalent materials prepared using citric acid as a structure‐directing agent, and electrical properties are comparable to the best‐performing, extrinsically doped p‐type polycrystalline tin selenides. The method offers an energy‐efficient, rapid route to p‐type SnSe nanostructures.
Solid-fuel stoves are used in developing countries, remote locations, and in general more commonly due to convenient fuel cost for space heating. The possibility of also using the stove heat to heat water and produce electricity represents an added benefit. This work presents an application of thermoelectric generators to a solid-fuel stove to concurrently charge a lead-acid battery and transfer heat to water for heating or household use. The feasibility of the proposed CHP system is demonstrated for a common solid-fuel stove. This system produces an average of 600W th and 27W el (42W el peak) during a 2-h long experiment in which the TEG efficiency is around 5% and the MPPT efficiency of the power converters used is demonstrated.
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