Adaptability of grid connected PV inverters with thermoelectric generator as power source: A performance comparison

Abstract

This study presents an investigative study on the adaptability of grid-connected photovoltaic (GCPV) inverters with thermoelectric generator (TEG) as the power source. Currently, no grid-connected inverters are commercially available for TEG systems. Hence, GCPV inverters have to be used or new inverters have to be manufactured for TEG source. In this study, a comparative study has been made to investigate the adaptability of commercial GCPV inverters in TEG systems. From the study, it is found that for a TEG, owing to its linear I-V characteristics, with open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current equal to the rated dc input voltage and current of the inverter, respectively, the operating point lies within the safe operating area of an inverter. However, this does not ensure that the GCPV inverter is utilised at its maximum power rating. It is also observed that GCPV inverter can be better utilised at its maximum power with the aid of current limit control (CLC). Simulation and test results are presented to bring out the efficacy of the CLC in an inverter fed by a TEG source. Conclusions drawn from this investigation make evident that the commercial GCPV inverters are adaptable for TEG systems.