Simulation modelling of MEMS thermoelectric generators for mechatronic applications

Abstract

This paper deals with an introduction to the simulation modelling of transient behaviour of MEMS thermoelectric generators (TEGs) for mechatronic applications. Special emphasis is put on the simulation of recently commercially achievable modules. At first is given the overview of prospective mechatronic applications of MEMS TEGs and the existing commercially achievable MEMS TEG modules are listed in a short trade review. Afterwards, the main features of thermoelectric energy conversion are described together with the simple governing equations. In the main part of paper is presented the simulation model for investigations of transient behaviour of MEMS TEG module. Derived model is implemented in MATLAB/Simulink Simscape. Results given by dynamic model are compared with results obtained by other modelling approaches and transient behaviour of MEMS TEG is evaluated. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.