Multipurpose control system for thermal energy scavenging applications

Thermoelectric generators, known as TEGs, can be used to generate electricity from a temperature differential. This project, undertaken by the author and senior project partner Derek Jones, characterizes the SP1848 TEG module and demonstrates its use. Expected output and optimal impedance matching are tested and discussed. When used in a liquid cooling system for a 125W CPU, a sufficient temperature difference is maintained to charge a battery and power a fan through a battery maintenance circuit. This TEG characterization and design methodology can be used to inform other low-power TEG driven projects.