Design and analysis of Thermoelectric Power Generation system for REEV based on MPPT

Energy is one of the most critical factors influencing national development, serving as a driving force for societal progress. Compared with conventional power generation, thermoelectric power generation technology that utilizes the thermoelectric potential of materials through temperature differences represents a clean energy generation approach. In the waste heat recovery process of new energy vehicles, non-uniform temperature distribution causes thermoelectric generator (TEG) arrays to exhibit output characteristic curves with multiple local and a single global maximum power points. This study focuses on optimizing thermoelectric generation technology in range-extended electric vehicle waste heat recovery systems. Adopting a combined theoretical and simulation approach, we first establish theoretical models of thermoelectric modules based on fundamental principles and derive performance parameter calculation methods. Experimental investigations reveal output characteristics and analyze the generation mechanism of multi-peak P-V characteristics in centralized TEG systems under nonuniform temperature distribution. A BP-IPSO hybrid algorithm is proposed for maximum power point tracking (MPPT), with simulation verification demonstrating its superior efficiency and accuracy compared with P&O, PSO, and GWO algorithms in achieving MPPT. Additionally, considering the voltage characteristics of thermoelectric modules, a DC/DC converter controlled by STM32F334 is designed, featuring real-time monitoring of TEG operational status through an OLED display. An experimental test platform is established for performance analysis.