Method and apparatus for power management and non-transitory computer-readable medium

Abstract

A control module can modify the duty cycle and phase timing of each phase of a multiphase period based on the center of the synchronization signal so that the transition time between each phase of the multiphase period is equal.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 819,710, filed on March 18, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Power conversion and wiring methods use power converters (e.g., boost converters, buck - boost converters, switched - mode power supplies, etc.) to increase the power in a circuit. The duty cycle of solid - state devices (e.g., transistors) is controlled to act as switches to control the current flow within the boost converter. The intermittent current from the switched - mode power supply to the load requires substantial and expensive filtering techniques. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Described is a method including the steps of: for each phase of a multi - phase cycle, transferring power from a different one of a plurality of sources to a load; for each phase of the multi - phase cycle, determining an input voltage associated with the transferred power, an output voltage associated with the transferred power, and a current from the source associated with the transferred power; determining a duty cycle associated with the source; modifying the output voltage associated with the transferred power, the current from the source, and the duty cycle associated with the source based on the input voltage associated with the transferred power: wherein the modified duty cycle includes an extension or shortening of the duty cycle associated with the source based on one or more of the input voltage not meeting an input voltage level threshold, the output voltage meeting an output voltage level threshold, or the current from the source exceeding a current level threshold; and modifying the timing of each phase of the multi - phase cycle based on the modified duty cycle.

[0005] Also described is a method including the steps of: for each phase of a multi - phase cycle, determining one or more parameter values associated with an output power (e.g., power transferred to a load, etc.); modifying the duty cycle of a synchronous switching component associated with the phase based on the one or more parameter values; and equalizing the transition times between each phase of the multi - phase cycle based on the modified duty cycle for each phase of the multi - phase cycle.

[0006] Also described is a method including the steps of: for each phase of a multi - phase cycle, transferring power from a different one of a plurality of sources to a load; for each phase of the multi - phase cycle, determining the magnitude of the power transferred from the source to the load based on the input voltage associated with the source and the current extracted from the source; and modifying the current extracted from the source based on the magnitude of the power transferred from the source to the load.

[0007] Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be learned by practice. The advantages will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this patent specification, illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems for power management:

[0009] Figure 1 is an example system for power management;

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram for power management;

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram for power management;

[0012] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram for power management;

[0013] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram for power management;

[0014] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram for power management;

[0015] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram for power management;

[0016] Figure 8 is a flowchart of an example method for power management;

[0017] Figure 9 is a flowchart of an example method for power management;

[0018] Figure 10 is a flowchart of an example method for power management;

[0019] Figure 11 is a flowchart of an example method for power management. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Before the methods and systems are disclosed and described, it will be understood that these methods and systems are not limited to the particular methods, particular components, or particular embodiments. It will also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0021] As used in this patent specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about", it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that each of the endpoints of each range is significant with respect to the other endpoint and independent of the other endpoint.

[0022] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequent described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0023] Throughout the specification and claims of this patent specification, the word "comprising" and variations thereof (such as "comprises" and "comprising") mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers, or steps. "Exemplary" means "an example" and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. "Such as" is not used in a limiting sense, but for purposes of explanation.

[0024] Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that while specific references to each different individual and to combinations and permutations thereof may not be explicitly disclosed when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application, including but not limited to the steps in the disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed, it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed using any particular embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

[0025] This method and system can be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the examples included therein, as well as the drawings and their description before and after.

[0026] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the method and system may take the form of an all-hardware embodiment, an all-software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. In addition, the method and system may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software) embodied in the storage medium. More specifically, the method and system may take the form of computer software implemented over a network. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be used, including a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, or a magnetic storage device.

[0027] Embodiments of the method and system will now be described with reference to the block diagrams and flowcharts of the method, system, device, and computer program product. It will be understood that each block in the block diagrams and flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowcharts, can be implemented respectively by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be loaded onto a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, such that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable data processing device create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more of the flowchart blocks.

[0028] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory, which can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture that includes computer-readable instructions for implementing the functions specified in one or more of the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more of the flowchart blocks.

[0029] Accordingly, the blocks of the block diagrams and flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specified functions, and program instruction means for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowcharts, can be implemented by a special-purpose hardware-based computer system that performs the specified functions or steps, or combinations of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0030] Note that in various instances, the detailed disclosure may refer to a given entity performing certain actions. It should be understood that the language may in some instances mean that a system (e.g., a computer) owned and / or controlled by the given entity is actually performing the action.

[0031] Methods and systems for power management are described. The methods and systems described herein are capable of phase adjustment of an unbalanced power (energy) source to improve power conversion efficiency. The control module and circuitry can be configured (e.g., embedded, etc.) with a power source such as cells or parallel cell groups of a photovoltaic module (e.g., solar module, etc.). The control module and circuitry can be used to transfer power (e.g., wattage) from a power source (e.g., components of a power source, etc.) to a load (e.g., power converter, energy storage device, heating element, resistive load, inductive load, capacitive load, etc.) while minimizing output voltage transients (e.g., caused by intermittent current from a switched-mode power supply to a load, etc.) by adjusting the phase of discrete source components of the power source. For example, for a two-phase system, the phases can have a 180-degree phase difference. The phase angle can be adjusted based on the number of phases of the system (e.g., three-phase system, four-phase system, polyphase system, etc.). The control module and circuitry can be used to manage switching (e.g., on / off, etc.) characteristics (e.g., duty cycle, etc.) of the power connection to produce optimal characteristics for power conversion, such as reduced final output ripple or reduced output ripple before some eventual smoothing.

[0032] Figure 1FIG. 0 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 for power management. The system 100 can utilize a multiphase control method that increases the voltage generated by power sources such as photovoltaic cells of a solar module, one or more cells in a parallel battery / source group, one or more energy harvesting devices (e.g., energy harvesting devices configured / embedded within an organic organism (e.g., jellyfish, etc.) and / or organic matter (e.g., muscle tissue, etc.)). The system 100 can include a control module 120 that manages the timing of starting power delivery to an output such that transients caused by transitions in the current output of interleaved power sources from the system 100 reduce the output filtering required while maximizing the power (e.g., wattage) accessed / obtained from the power sources. The system 100 can include circuitry that raises (e.g., increases, boosts, etc.) the voltage from a source (while reducing the current) when applied to a load. For example, the system 100 can include circuitry for boost converter 101 and boost converter 102. In some cases, boost converter 101 and boost converter 102 can be configured as an integrated circuit (IC), etc. In some cases, boost converter 101 and boost converter 102 can be configured with discrete components such as capacitors, resistors, inductors, power transistors, power transistor derivatives (e.g., bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), thyristors, etc.). Boost converter 101 can raise (e.g., increase, boost, etc.) the voltage from source 103 (while reducing the current) and boost converter 102 can raise (e.g., increase, boost, etc.) the voltage from source 104 (while reducing the current).

[0033] Sources 103 and 104 can be any voltage sources. For example, sources 103 and 104 can each be a photovoltaic cell of a photovoltaic cell string (e.g., a solar module, etc.), a battery in a parallel battery bank, or an energy harvesting device (e.g., an energy harvesting device associated with an organic organism, an energy harvesting device associated with a thermoelectric device, etc.). In some cases, when the voltages generated by sources 103 and 104 are at the same level (e.g., sources 103 and 104 operate under the same conditions, etc.), boost converters 101 and 102 can operate in a manner that is 180 degrees out of phase with similar duty cycles. When the voltages generated by sources 103 and 104 are at different levels, the phases and duty cycles of boost converters 101 and 102 can be adjusted to produce optimal performance (e.g., minimum voltage ripple, etc.) for load 107 (internal load, external load, etc.). For example, for a two-phase system, a 180-degree phase shift can be maintained (when measured at the center point of the off-state conduction) to make the transition between them symmetric and reduce the output voltage ripple (e.g., the lowest possible output voltage ripple, etc.). In some cases, system 100 can be scaled to any number of sources / phases. When each phase has a different duty cycle, the phase timing can be adjusted, for example, to make the transition periods between phases equal. The effective duty cycles (and phases) based on the performance of the sources (e.g., sources 103 and 104, etc.) enable system 100 to require less output filtering, such as filtering through output capacitor 108 (e.g., the capacitance value of capacitor 108 can be reduced, etc.). In some cases, system 100 may not include output capacitor 108 in parallel with load 107. In the case where system 100 does not include output capacitor 108, the fluctuations (e.g., spikes, etc.) in the power output by system 100 can be fed to an external capacitor.

[0034] The phases of boost converter 101 and boost converter 102 can be controlled by control module 120 (e.g., a controller / driver module, a multiphase controller, etc.). As described, in some cases, system 100 can be scaled. For example, system 100 can be scaled to include any number of sources, corresponding boost converters associated with these sources, and any number of corresponding phase controls controlled by control module 120. For example, system 100 can be a two-phase system (as shown), a three-phase system, a four-phase system, or an n-phase system (where n represents any value greater than 1). Control module 120 can include a logic chip, a microcontroller (MCU), a central processing unit (CPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. In some cases, control module 120 and / or boost converter 101 and boost converter 102 can be embedded (configured) with sources (e.g., source 103, source 104, etc.) and output capacitor 108. For example, control module 120 and / or boost converter 101 and boost converter 102 can be embedded (configured) within a solar module that includes a plurality of photovoltaic sub-modules. Control module 120 can control the power transferred from sources 103 and 104 to load 107. Load 107 can be any component that consumes power.

[0035] In some cases, the current (and / or voltage polarity) of system 100 can be reversed, causing the current from load 107 to be sent to the sources (e.g., source 103, source 104, etc.). If desired, the increased (higher) voltage at load 107 relative to the sources allows the current to reverse and be consumed by the sources (e.g., source 103, source 104, etc.). For example, the current of system 100 can be reversed to cause one or more photovoltaic cells of a solar module to generate heat (e.g., get hot, glow, etc.). In some cases, the current of system 100 can be reversed, for example, by control module 120, such that synchronous switches (e.g., synchronous transistors, n-type MOSFETs, synchronous switch 111, synchronous switch 112, etc.) are turned on to actuate, turn on (e.g., transition from an off state to an on state), etc., during a period when the boost converters (e.g., boost converter 101, boost converter 102, etc.) are operating below the load voltage. Turning on the synchronous switches when the boost converters are operating below their load voltage may cause current to flow (from the internal bus / rail to the associated inductors (e.g., inductor 109, inductor 110, etc.)). By modifying the duty cycle and / or the voltage on the main switch, control module 120 can actively control the rate at which the solar module generates heat. As another example, the current of system 100 can be reversed to induce current in neurons and / or muscle fibers, induce different charge levels in the batteries of a parallel battery pack, control one or more electrical stimulation devices (e.g., related to organic materials, etc.).

[0036] The control module 120 can actively modify / change (e.g., adjust, etc.) the duty cycles of the main switch 105 associated with the boost converter 101 and the main switch 106 associated with the boost converter 102. The main switch 105 and the main switch 106 can be transistors (e.g., n-type MOSFETs, etc.) or any other switching components and / or semiconductors. The control module can actively modify / change (e.g., adjust, etc.) the duty cycles of the main switch 105 and the main switch 106 for each phase in order to control the power transmitted from the sources 103 and 104 for each phase respectively. For example, M1ctrl and M2ctrl represent the electrical connections between the main switch 105 and the main switch 106 and the controller 120 respectively.

[0037] The control module 120 can modify / change (e.g., adjust, etc.) the active duration (e.g., duty cycle) of main switch 105 and main switch 106. By activating M1ctrl and M2ctrl, the controller 120 can periodically conduct (e.g., start, turn on, etc.) main switch 105 and main switch 106. When main switch 105 is "turned on" (e.g., conducting, etc.), source 103 can sink current, which continuously passes through inductor 109 and main switch 105 and then (via a short circuit) returns to source 103, causing inductor 109 to generate a magnetic field. When main switch 105 is "turned off" (e.g., non-conducting, etc.), the impedance across main switch 105 increases and the voltage across inductor 109 increases. When main switch 105 is "turned off" (e.g., non-conducting, etc.), the control module 120 can activate (e.g., transition from an off state to an on state, etc.) synchronous switch 111 (e.g., synchronous transistor, n-type MOSFET, etc.) by activating S1ctrl (e.g., via a digital control signal, etc.). When synchronous switch 111 is in the on state, the increased voltage across inductor 109 can be conducted to load 107 and capacitor 108 (e.g., output capacitor), causing the magnetic field generated by inductor 109 to decrease. During different phases, when main switch 106 is "turned on" (e.g., conducting, etc.), source 104 can sink current, which continuously passes through inductor 110 and main switch 106 and then (via a short circuit) returns to source 104, causing inductor 110 to generate a magnetic field. When main switch 106 is "turned off" (e.g., non-conducting, etc.), the impedance across main switch 106 can increase the voltage across inductor 110 and cause the voltage to increase. When main switch 106 is "turned off" (e.g., non-conducting, etc.), the control module 120 can activate (e.g., transition from an off state to an on state, etc.) synchronous switch 112 (e.g., synchronous transistor, n-type MOSFET, etc.) by activating S2ctrl. When synchronous switch 112 is in the on state, the increased voltage across inductor 110 can be conducted to load 107 and capacitor 108, causing the magnetic field generated by inductor 110 to decrease. The control module 120 can modify / change (e.g., adjust, etc.) the active duration (e.g., duty cycle) of synchronous switch 111 and synchronous switch 112 to avoid overvoltage output conditions.

[0038] The control module 120 may be configured with control logic for managing the activation (e.g., duty cycle, etc.) of the main switches 105, 106, synchronous switches 111 and 112 in response to conditions affecting source 103 and / or source 104, so as to optimize the power transferred to the load 107. For example, when the voltage associated with source 103 and / or source 104 is reduced, the control module 120 may extend the duty cycles of the main switch 105 and / or the main switch 106 respectively, so that the magnetic field intensities of the inductor 109 and the inductor 110 respectively have more time to increase to a level that generates the target / desired output voltage across the load 107. As another example, when the current from source 103 and / or source 104 is reduced, the control module 120 may shorten the duty cycles of the main switch 105 and / or the main switch 106 respectively, to generate the target / desired output voltage across the load 107 by generating less (average) current across the inductors 109 and 110 respectively. Additionally, the control module 120 may modify / change the duty cycles of the synchronous switches 111 and 112 respectively based on the relationship between the voltage associated with source 103 and / or source 104 and the output voltage (e.g., the voltage across the load 107).

[0039] Assuming ideal conditions, the control module 107 may modify / change the duty cycles of the main switch 105, the main switch 106, the synchronous switch 111 and the synchronous switch 112 respectively based on the following equations:

[0040]

[0041]

[0042] where, V 输出 is the voltage across the load 107. In some cases, the described equations may deviate based on one or more real-world occurrences (e.g., in cases that cause overvoltage output conditions, etc.). In some cases, the control module 107 may modify / change the duty cycle of any switch (transistor) of the system 100 (e.g., the main switch 105, the main switch 106, the synchronous switch 111, the synchronous switch 112, etc.) based on any relationship between the output voltage (e.g., V 输出 ) and the voltage and / or current associated with the source that optimizes this output voltage.

[0043] In some cases, such as when controlling a two-phase system, the control module 120 may control the timing of the phases (e.g., signals, pulses, pulse trains, etc.) of the system 100 such that each phase is sequenced such that the center of the on-state (e.g., the active / conduction duration of the duty cycle) duration of the corresponding synchronous switch (e.g., synchronous switch 111, synchronous switch 112, etc.) is 180 degrees relative to the phase angle of the next phase. The control module 120 may control the timing of the phases of any multiphase system having interleaved sources such that the timing / duration between phases is the same. For a multiphase system, the control module 120 may align the centers of the "on" states of the synchronous switches such that the sum of the phases is evenly distributed when the control module 120 modifies / varies the corresponding duty cycles. Thus, in an ideal scenario, the voltage ripple (V 输出纹波 ) across the output capacitor 108 can be determined by the following equation:

[0044]

[0045] where n 相位 represents the number of sources / phases (e.g., source 103, source 104, etc.) of the system 100, and V 源 represents the total voltage of the sources / phases. Based on the expected output of the system 100 (e.g., a given set of output requirements indicating current levels, voltage levels, etc.), the same time distribution of the current flowing into the capacitor 108 provides the lowest possible current ripple. The low current ripple may enable the system 100 to require less filtering than traditional power management systems (e.g., single-phase systems). Compared to traditional power management systems, the reduced filtering requirements of the system 100 make the system 100 cost-effective (e.g., fewer components, reduced component values, etc.) and versatile in terms of functionality (e.g., reduced size, less heat, embeddable components, etc.).

[0046] Figures 2 - 4 is a timing diagram of the system 100 (configured as a two-phase system). Figure 2 is a timing diagram showing the phase control of the system 100 (configured as a two-phase system), where the control module 120 gives the main switch 105 a duty cycle of fifty percent (50%) and the main switch 106 a duty cycle of sixty percent (60%). Figure 3is a timing diagram showing the phase control of system 100 (configured as a two-phase system), where for the entire duration of each phase in which main switch 105 or main switch 106 is disabled, control module 120 sets the duty cycle of synchronous switch 111 to fifty percent (50%) and the duty cycle of synchronous switch 112 to forty percent (40%) respectively. As shown at 301, there is a fifty percent (50%) phase delay between the centers of the on-cycles. Figure 4 is a timing diagram of the output current ripple of system 100 (configured as a two-phase system). The sum of the "on" times (e.g., the effective / conductive duration of the duty cycle) of synchronous switch 111 and synchronous switch 112 is ninety percent (90%), which means the off ("disconnect") time is ten percent (10%). As shown at 401, the 10% off ("disconnect") time is evenly distributed into two 5% off ("disconnect") times (e.g., 402, 403, etc.) between the phases.

[0047] Figure 5 plots the phases of the synchronous switches related to the output voltage ripple of a two-phase system, where the boost converter is connected to an independent source and the (center-opposite) leading edges of the respective signals are managed by control model 120 for phase control. The sum of the "on" times (e.g., the effective / conductive duration of the duty cycle) of the synchronous switches is ninety percent (90%). As Figure 5 shown, the normalized voltage ripple of the two-phase system (independent source system) is 0.12. The 0.12 normalized voltage ripple is caused by the relatively large phase gap after the synchronous switches deliver current.

[0048] Figure 6 plots the phases of the synchronous switches (e.g., synchronous switch 111, synchronous switch 112) related to the output voltage ripple when the center phases of the respective signals are managed by control model 120 for phase control of system 100. For example, control model 120 can set the sum of the "on" times (e.g., the effective / conductive duration of the duty cycle) of synchronous switch 111 and synchronous switch 112 to ninety percent (90%). As Figure 6 shown, the normalized voltage ripple of system 100 is 0.09. The 0.09 normalized voltage ripple is caused by the balance of the phase gaps after the current delivery of synchronous switch 111 and synchronous switch 112 (to load 107). Figure 6It shows that when the control model 120 turns on the synchronous switches (e.g., synchronous switch 111 and synchronous switch 112), the current delivered to the load causes the voltage to rise. When the control model 120 stops turning on the synchronous switches (e.g., synchronous switch 111 and synchronous switch 112), since the capacitor 108 maintains the current flowing to the load 107, the voltage drops sharply. Figure 6 It shows that when the control module 120 makes the transition timings between phases the same, the peak electrical transients are minimized (see Figure 5 for comparison).

[0049] Figure 7 It plots the phases of the synchronous switches (e.g., synchronous switch 111, synchronous switch 112) related to the output voltage ripple (based on the phase centers of the respective signals) when the control model 120 makes the synchronous switches (e.g., synchronous switch 111, synchronous switch 112) simultaneously transmit current to the output of the system 100. Any remaining current may cause the voltage to increase sharply at the output of the system 100. When the load current is not maintained for a single phase of the system 100, after the voltage increases sharply, the output voltage can gradually decrease. It should be noted that Figure 7 It shows the inverse system behavior related to the previously described (e.g., Figure 6 system behavior depicted therein).

[0050] As described, the control module 120 can modify the timings of each phase of the multiphase period of the system 100. For example, the control module 120 can modify the timings of each phase of the multiphase period by delaying each phase of the multiphase period based on the corresponding source-to-load conduction states, such that each transition time between each phase of the multiphase period is equal. However, in some cases, the control module 120 modifies the timings of the phases of the multiphase period of the system 100 such that the load is "disconnected" (e.g., fails / non-conducts, etc.) for one or more phases (e.g., phase pulse jumps, etc.), so that the current collected when the load is "disconnected" is distributed / delivered to the load during the "on" time (e.g., effective / conductive duration) of one phase. For example, the system 100 can be used to supply power to an electromechanical device that needs to be recharged for a period of time after transferring energy (e.g., stimulating, etc.) muscle fibers. The control module 120 can modify the timings of each phase of the multiphase period of the system 100 based on the parameters of the load and / or the expected power output of the system 100.

[0051] Figure 8It is a flowchart of a method 800 for power management. A control module (e.g., control module 120, controller / driver, etc.) can be configured with multiple power converters to form a power management system (e.g., system 100, etc.). The system can be an n-phase (multi-phase) interleaved system, where the phases are based on the number of sources and the number of associated power converters. Each of the multiple power converters can be connected to a different source, such as one or more photovoltaic cells of a solar module, one or more batteries in a parallel battery / source group, one or more energy harvesting devices (e.g., thermoelectric devices, etc.), one or more energy harvesting devices configured / embedded within an organic organism (e.g., jellyfish, etc.) and / or organic material (e.g., muscle tissue, etc.). In some cases, the control module and the power converters can be embedded with one or more photovoltaic cells of a solar module, one or more batteries in a parallel battery / source group, one or more energy harvesting devices, etc. At 801, the settings of the system can be determined. For example, the output voltage can be set to zero volts, all phase current limit set points can be set to the minimum limit set points, and / or any other desired settings can be determined.

[0052] At 802, the system can be started. The control module causes the system to start in a soft start manner (via a soft start algorithm and / or circuit, etc.) to slow down the rising speed of the output voltage (based on the maximum output voltage set point) by minimizing any overcurrent flow during the start. The control module can start synchronously controlling the conduction associated with each of the multiple power converters. The control module can start each phase of the system.

[0053] At 803, the control module may determine the magnitude of the input voltage associated with the corresponding phase of the input voltage. The control module may determine whether the phase input voltage is less than the undervoltage protection value. If the phase input voltage is less than the undervoltage protection value, then at 804, the control module may shorten the duty cycle of the main switch (e.g., main switch 105, main switch 106, etc.) of the power converter among the plurality of power converters for a given phase. In some cases, shortening the duty cycle of the main switch may lengthen the duty cycle of the synchronization signal (e.g., digital control signal, etc.) for that phase. Shortening the duty cycle of the main switch may reduce the power contributed to the output (load) for that phase. If the phase input voltage is not less than the undervoltage protection value, the control module may determine at 805 whether the output voltage is greater than or equal to the output voltage setpoint (e.g., the set / expected output voltage level). If the output voltage is greater than or equal to the output voltage setpoint, the control module may (step 804) shorten the duty cycle of the main switch (e.g., main switch 105, main switch 106, etc.) of the power converter among the plurality of power converters for that phase. If the output voltage is not greater than or equal to the output voltage setpoint, the control module may determine at 806 whether the phase current is greater than the phase current setpoint. If the phase current is greater than the phase current setpoint, the control module may (step 804) shorten the duty cycle of the main switch (e.g., main switch 105, main switch 106, etc.) of the power converter among the plurality of power converters for that phase. If the phase current is not greater than the phase current setpoint, the control module may determine at 807 whether the duty cycle is greater than the maximum duty cycle setpoint. If the duty cycle is greater than the maximum duty cycle setpoint, it may be assumed that the system has exceeded the performance of the boost converter phase, and the control module may again determine whether the phase input voltage is less than the undervoltage protection value (e.g., the control module may return to step 803, etc.). In some cases, steps 803 and 805 - 807 may be performed / implemented simultaneously. In some cases, steps 803 and 805 - 807 may be performed / implemented sequentially. If the duty cycle is not greater than the maximum duty cycle setpoint, the control module may lengthen the duty cycle of the main switch (e.g., main switch 105, main switch 106, etc.) of the power converter among the plurality of power converters at 808 for a given phase. Lengthening the duty cycle may result in more power being contributed to the output (load) for that phase.

[0054] At 809, the control module can adjust the phase timing. For example, for a two-phase system, the control module can adjust the phase timing of the half-phase delay centered on the synchronization signal (e.g., digital control signal, etc.) for that phase. Adjusting the phase timing of the half-phase delay centered on the synchronization signal for that phase may reduce the output voltage ripple and result in an output that requires less filtering. The control module can adjust the phase timing of any multiphase system to reduce the output voltage ripple and lower the filtering requirements.

[0055] In some cases, the control module can perform maximum power point tracking of the system. For example, after a soft-start voltage ramp, the control module can determine the phase input voltage and phase current for each phase to determine the phase current setpoint and adjust the phase current setpoint to ensure the optimal power output of the system.

[0056] In Figure 9 In one embodiment shown, system 100 and / or any other device / component described herein can be configured to perform method 900. At 910, power can be transferred to a load. For example, the system can include a control module and two or more power converters configured (e.g., embedded, etc.) with a power source, such as a battery of a photovoltaic module (e.g., solar module, one or more photovoltaic cells of a photovoltaic cell string, etc.), one or more cells in a parallel battery bank, one or more energy storage current sources, one or more electrodes (e.g., perovskite-coated surfaces, etc.) each collecting energy from a non-discrete power source, one or more energy harvesting devices, one or more thermoelectric devices, etc. The control module can cause the optimal power (e.g., wattage) to be transferred from the power source (e.g., components of the power source, etc.) to the load (e.g., power inverter, energy storage device, heating element, resistive load, inductive load, capacitive load, etc.) while minimizing transients (e.g., inductive switching transients, etc.). For each phase of a multiphase period, the control module can transfer power from different sources among the multiple sources to the load. The control module can transfer power by managing the switching / activation operations of each phase.

[0057] At 920, the control module can determine the input voltage associated with the transferred power, the output voltage associated with the transferred power, and the input current from the source associated with the transferred power for each phase of a multiphase period. For example, the control module can be configured with and / or communicate with one or more sensing circuits / modules that determine / detect the input voltage associated with the transferred power, the output voltage associated with the transferred power, and the input current from the source associated with the transferred power.

[0058] At 930, the control module can determine the duty cycle associated with the source.

[0059] At 940, the control module may modify the output voltage associated with the transmitted power, the current from the source, and / or the duty cycle associated with the source. The control module may cause such modification based on the input voltage associated with the transmitted power. The duty cycle associated with the source may be extended or shortened based on one or more of the input voltage not meeting an input voltage level threshold, the output voltage meeting an output voltage level threshold, or the input current from the source exceeding a current level threshold.

[0060] At 950, the control module may modify the timing of each phase of a multiphase cycle. The control module may modify the timing of each phase of the multiphase cycle based on the modified duty cycle. For example, modifying the timing of each phase of the multiphase cycle may include delaying each phase of the multiphase cycle based on the conductive state of the respective source to the load such that each transition time between each phase of the multiphase cycle is equal.

[0061] In Figure 10 the embodiment shown, system 100 and / or any other device / component described herein may be configured to perform method 1000. At 1010, one or more parameter values associated with the output power may be determined. For example, the system may include a control module and one or more power converters configured (e.g., embedded, etc.) with a power source such as a battery of a photovoltaic module (e.g., solar module, etc.), one or more batteries in a parallel battery bank, one or more energy storage current sources, one or more electrodes (e.g., perovskite-coated surface, etc.) each collecting energy from a non-discrete power source, one or more energy harvesting devices, one or more thermoelectric devices, etc. The control module may transfer optimal power (e.g., watts) from the power source (e.g., components of the power source, etc.) to the load (e.g., power inverter, energy storage device, heating element, resistive load, inductive load, capacitive load, etc.) while minimizing transients (e.g., output voltage transients, such as transients caused by intermittent current of switched-mode power to the load, etc.). For each phase of the multiphase cycle, the control module may transfer power from different sources among a plurality of sources to the load. The control module may transfer power by managing the switching / activation operations of each phase. The one or more parameters may include the input voltage value associated with the transmitted power, the output voltage value associated with the transmitted power, and / or the input current level from the source associated with the transmitted power.

[0062] At 1020, the duty cycle of a synchronous switching component associated with a given phase can be modified. The control module can modify the duty cycle based on one or more parameter values. For example, the control module can determine whether the input voltage value meets an input voltage level threshold (e.g., undervoltage set point, etc.), whether the output voltage value meets an output voltage level threshold (e.g., greater than or equal to the output voltage set point, etc.), or whether the current from the source exceeds a current level threshold (e.g., whether the phase current is greater than the phase current set point, etc.), and extend / shorten the duty cycle accordingly.

[0063] At 1030, the transition time between each phase of a multiphase cycle can be adjusted to be equal. The control module can equalize the transition time between each phase of the multiphase cycle based on the modified duty cycle for each phase of the multiphase cycle. Equal transition times can result in reduced output voltage ripple, thereby reducing the filtering requirements of the system.

[0064] In Figure 11 the embodiment shown, system 100 and / or any other device / component described herein can be configured to perform method 1100. At 1110, power can be transmitted to a load. For example, the system can include a control module and one or more power converters configured (e.g., embedded, etc.) with a power source, which can be, for example, a battery of a photovoltaic module (e.g., solar module, etc.), one or more batteries in a parallel battery bank, one or more energy storage current sources, one or more electrodes (e.g., perovskite-coated surface, etc.) each collecting energy from a non-discrete power source, one or more energy harvesting devices, one or more thermoelectric devices, etc. The control module can cause the optimal power (e.g., wattage) to be transmitted from the power source (e.g., components of the power source, etc.) to the load (e.g., power inverter, energy storage device, heating element, resistive load, inductive load, capacitive load, etc.), while minimizing transients (e.g., output voltage transients, such as those caused by intermittent current from a switched-mode power supply to the load, etc.). For each phase of the multiphase cycle, the control module can transmit power from different sources among multiple sources to the load. The control module can transmit power by managing the switching / activation operations of each phase.

[0065] At 1120, the magnitude of the power transmitted from the source to the load can be determined. For example, the control module can communicate with one or more sensors (sensing circuits) that detect / determine the magnitude of the power transmitted from the source to the load based on the input voltage associated with the source and the current extracted from the source.

[0066] At 1130, the magnitude of the current extracted from the source can be modified. The control module can modify the current extracted from the source based on the magnitude of the power transferred from the source to the load. As described, the control module can perform maximum power point tracking and adjust the system accordingly.

[0067] The following examples are presented to provide those skilled in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how to make and evaluate the compounds, compositions, articles, devices, and / or methods claimed herein, and are intended to be purely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the methods and systems. Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the numbers (e.g., amounts, temperatures, etc.), but some errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless otherwise indicated, parts are parts by weight, the temperature unit is °C or ambient temperature, and the pressure is equal to or close to atmospheric pressure.

[0068] Example 1: A method, comprising: for each phase of a multiphase cycle, transferring power from a different one of a plurality of sources to a load; for each phase of the multiphase cycle, determining an input voltage associated with the transferred power, an output voltage associated with the transferred power, and a current from the source associated with the transferred power; determining a duty cycle associated with the source; modifying one or more of the output voltage associated with the transferred power, the current from the source, or the duty cycle associated with the source based on the input voltage associated with the transferred power, wherein the modified duty cycle includes an extension or shortening of the duty cycle associated with the source based on the input voltage not meeting an input voltage level threshold, the output voltage meeting an output voltage level threshold, or the current from the source exceeding a current level threshold; and modifying the timing of each phase of the multiphase cycle based on the modified duty cycle.

[0069] Example 2: The example according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein modifying the timing of each phase of the multiphase cycle includes delaying each phase of the multiphase cycle based on the conductive state of the corresponding source to the load such that each transition time between the respective phases of the multiphase cycle is equal.

[0070] Example 3: The example according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of sources includes one or more photovoltaic cells in a photovoltaic cell string, one or more cells in a parallel battery bank, one or more energy storage current sources, one or more thermoelectric devices, or one or more energy harvesting devices, or one or more electrodes each harvesting energy from a non-discrete power source.

[0071] Example 4: The example according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the load includes one or more electrophysical stimulation devices associated with an organic organism.

[0072] Example 5: An example as described in any of the foregoing examples, wherein each phase of the multiphase period is associated with a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) boost converter.

[0073] Example 6: An example as described in Example 1, wherein modifying the timing of each phase of the multiphase period based on a phase jump control algorithm causes power not to be transferred to the load for at least one phase of the multiphase period.

[0074] Example 7: A method includes: for each phase of a multiphase period, determining one or more parameter values associated with output power; modifying the duty cycle of a synchronous switching component associated with the phase based on the one or more parameter values; and causing the transition time between each phase of the multiphase period to be equal based on the modified duty cycle for each phase of the multiphase period.

[0075] Example 8: An example as described in Example 7, wherein causing the transition time between each phase of the multiphase period to be equal includes modifying the transition time between each phase of the multiphase period based on the center of a synchronous signal associated with each phase of the multiphase period.

[0076] Example 9: A method includes: for each phase of a multiphase period, transferring power from different ones of a plurality of sources to a load; for each phase of the multiphase period, determining the amount of power transferred from a source to the load based on an input voltage associated with the source and a current extracted from the source; and modifying the current extracted from the source based on the amount of power transferred from the source to the load.

[0077] Example 10: An example as described in Example 9, wherein modifying the current extracted from the source includes increasing or decreasing the current extracted from the source based on determining that the amount of power transferred from the source to the load does not meet a threshold.

[0078] Example 11: An example as described in Example 9 or Example 10, wherein the example further includes sending current from the load to the source.

[0079] Although methods and systems have been described in connection with preferred embodiments and specific examples, the scope is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments set forth, as the examples herein are intended to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

[0080] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where method claims do not actually recite an order to be followed by their steps or where no particular order is otherwise specifically set forth in the claims or in the specification, no inference of order will be drawn in any respect. This applies to any possible non-explicit basis for interpretation, including: logical issues regarding step arrangement or operational flow; simple implications derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or type of embodiments described in the patent specification.

[0081] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit. Considering the patent specification and practice disclosed herein, other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The patent specification and examples are intended to be considered only as exemplary, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for power management, comprising: For each phase of a multiphase period, transferring power from different ones of a plurality of sources to a load; For each phase of the multiphase period, determining an input voltage associated with the transferred power, an output voltage associated with the transferred power, and a current from the source associated with the transferred power; Determining a duty cycle associated with the source to produce an ideal output voltage across the load and thereby produce optimal performance for the load; Based on the input voltage associated with the transferred power, modifying one or more of the output voltage associated with the transferred power, the current from the source, or the duty cycle associated with the source: wherein the modified duty cycle includes an extension or shortening of the duty cycle associated with the source based on one or more of the input voltage not meeting an input voltage level threshold, the output voltage meeting an output voltage level threshold, or the current from the source exceeding a current level threshold; and Modifying the timing of each phase of the multiphase period based on the modified duty cycle.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein Modifying the timing of each phase of the multiphase period includes delaying each phase of the multiphase period based on the conductive state of the corresponding source to the load such that each transition time between each phase of the multiphase period is equal.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of sources includes one or more photovoltaic cells in a photovoltaic cell string, one or more cells in a parallel battery pack, one or more energy storage current sources, one or more thermoelectric devices, or one or more energy harvesting devices.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The load includes one or more electrophysical stimulation devices associated with an organic organism.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further includes sending current from the load to the source.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein Each phase of the multiphase period is associated with a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) boost converter.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein Based on a phase jump control algorithm, modifying the timing of each phase of the multiphase period such that for at least one phase of the multiphase period, power is not transferred to the load.

8. An apparatus for power management, comprising: A plurality of voltage sources; One or more processors, the one or more processors being embedded with the plurality of voltage sources; and A memory storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to: For each phase of a multiphase period, transfer power from one of the plurality of voltage sources to a load; For each phase of the multiphase period, determine an input voltage associated with the transferred power, an output voltage associated with the transferred power, and a current from the voltage source associated with the transferred power; Determine a duty cycle associated with the voltage source to produce an ideal output voltage across the load and thereby produce optimal performance for the load; Modify the duty cycle based on the input voltage associated with the power being transmitted, the output voltage associated with the power being transmitted, and the current from the voltage source associated with the power being transmitted; wherein the modified duty cycle includes an extension or shortening of the duty cycle based on one or more of the input voltage not meeting an input voltage level threshold, the output voltage meeting an output voltage level threshold, or the current from the voltage source exceeding a current level threshold; and Modify the timing of each phase of the multiphase cycle based on the modified duty cycle.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to modify the timing of each phase of the multiphase cycle further cause the apparatus to delay each phase of the multiphase cycle based on the conductive state of the respective source to the load such that each transition time between each phase of the multiphase cycle is equal.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of voltage sources includes one or more photovoltaic cells in a photovoltaic cell string, one or more cells in a parallel battery bank, one or more energy storage current sources, one or more thermoelectric devices, or one or more energy harvesting devices.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the load includes one or more electrophysical stimulation devices associated with an organic organism.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the apparatus further includes a plurality of power converters, and each phase of the multiphase cycle is associated with one of the plurality of power converters.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to modify the timing of each phase of the multiphase cycle further cause the apparatus to not transmit power to the load for at least one phase of the multiphase cycle based on a phase jump control algorithm.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store information; a processor coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium, the processor configured to: Transmit power from different voltage sources among a plurality of voltage sources to a load for each phase of a multiphase cycle; For each phase of the multiphase cycle, determine an input voltage associated with the power being transmitted, an output voltage associated with the power being transmitted, and a current from the voltage source associated with the power being transmitted; Determine a duty cycle associated with the voltage source to produce an ideal output voltage across the load and thereby produce optimal performance for the load; Modify the duty cycle based on the input voltage associated with the power being transmitted, the output voltage associated with the power being transmitted, and the current from the voltage source associated with the power being transmitted; Wherein, the modified duty cycle includes an extension or shortening of the duty cycle based on one or more of the input voltage not meeting the input voltage level threshold, the output voltage meeting the output voltage level threshold, or the current from the voltage source exceeding the current level threshold; and modifying the timing of each phase of the multiphase period based on the modified duty cycle.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein, the processor coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium and configured to modify the timing of each phase of the multiphase period is further configured to delay each phase of the multiphase period based on the conductive state of the corresponding source to the load such that each transition time between each phase of the multiphase period is equal.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein, the plurality of voltage sources are one or more photovoltaic cells in a photovoltaic cell string, one or more cells in a parallel battery pack, one or more energy storage current sources, one or more thermoelectric devices, or one or more energy harvesting devices.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein, the load includes one or more electrophysical stimulation devices associated with an organic organism.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein, each phase of the multiphase period is associated with one of a plurality of power converters.

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