TEG & Fuel Cell Hybrid System with Sliding Mode Control Based MPPT

This article presents a hybrid energy generation system that combines a thermoelectric generator (TEG) with a fuel cell, controlled by a sliding mode control (SMC) based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. The integration of TEG and fuel cell technologies offers a synergistic approach to efficiently harness and utilize waste heat and chemical energy, leading to improved overall system performance. The proposed SMC-based MPPT algorithm ensures optimal power extraction from the TEG and fuel cell, adapting to dynamic environmental conditions and load variations. The SMC technique provides robustness against disturbances, model uncertainties, and nonlinearities, enabling accurate tracking of the maximum power point for both energy sources. The hybrid system's performance is evaluated through extensive simulations and experimental tests under various operating conditions. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system in maximizing energy extraction and achieving higher overall energy conversion efficiency compared to standalone TEG or fuel cell systems. The presented hybrid TEG and fuel cell system with sliding mode control-based MPPT holds great potential for diverse applications, including portable power generation, waste heat recovery, and off-grid energy solutions, contributing to sustainable and efficient energy utilization.