Low-Power Energy Harvesting of Thermoelectric Battery Charger with Step-Up DC–DC Converter: Applicable Case Study for Personal Electronic Gadgets
Publication: Journal of Energy Engineering
Volume 143, Issue 4
Abstract
A thermoelectric generator’s battery charging performance using an application of step-up direct current (DC)–DC converter to harvest energy was researched. In the first-stage study, temperature gradients from different potential heat or cold sources around individuals’ daily lives were harnessed as power supplies for personal electronic gadgets. A primary prototype comprised four components including four bulk thermoelectric modules (with 127 thermoelectric-element couples per module). Its charging characteristics was evaluated under five conditions of use. It produced the maximum power of 4.82 W, and utilized the lowest starting temperature difference of 26°C. Thermoelectric-conversion charging using a constant-heat electric stove yielded charging characteristics comparisons among three prototypes and two commercial products in the second-stage study. Despite approximately 40% less Seebeck coefficient under the same experimental conditions, the prototype indicated competitive characteristics in battery charging comparison with higher output power and more charging efficiency in the first 45 min of charging of the lower temperature-difference condition. All prototypes, with competitive maximum unit cost of US$110, yielded maximum thermal-to-electric charging efficiency and boosted the converter’s efficiency in the range of 3.8–4.8% and 60–78%, respectively.
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Acknowledgments
This research has been funded by the 90th Anniversary of Chulalongkorn University Fund (Ratchadaphiseksomphot Endowment Fund).
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Published In
Journal of Energy Engineering
Volume 143 • Issue 4 • August 2017
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 22, 2016
Accepted: Oct 10, 2016
Published online: Feb 8, 2017
Discussion open until: Jul 8, 2017
Published in print: Aug 1, 2017
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