Thermoelectric generators are becoming popular as backup sources of electricity to power electronic devices when traditional power sources are unavailable or wired grids go down. A thermoelectric generator includes a thermoelectric module with associated components for cooling the module, regulating power out, storing power and delivering power to various electronic devices. A variety of loads, such as heat-removing systems, energy storage devices, and electronics to be operated may be integrated to draw upon the electric energy created. Another aspect is availability of operational data such as thermoelectric module data and sensor data that could be harvested with a data logging system and stored in a data processing device and locally or remotely accessed. Thermoelectric generators work more efficiently when coupled to high thermal output devices such as wood and gas stoves, fireplaces, etc.
Traditional thermoelectric generators rely on matching the output voltage of the thermoelectric generator to that of the load. The voltage and current of the generator come up together when connected to a heat source. Only after the output potential of the generator has achieved a potential greater than the resting voltage of the energy storage device or greater than the minimum voltage to power the load will it start to power the load. Most thermoelectric generators are designed to run on high temperature heat sources (i.e., 450° C. max temp). These generators struggle to even trickle charge an energy storage device at lower temperatures as their output voltage may be only a fraction of what would be necessary to charge the device. Having a system that can prioritize usage of generated electrical energy and convert overall electrical energy output from the thermoelectric module would be of benefit.
The present invention aims to provide a system for effectively charging energy storage devices at lower potential electrical energies while managing/prioritizing power used by all loads including active cooling devices for heat-exiting sides of the thermal electric generator. The system also regulates overloading of the thermoelectric modules and the active cooling system to prevent the components or parts of the internal and external system from being damaged.