Power supply operation method and power supply system

Abstract

The power supply operation method includes receiving device information of a power consuming device at a power supply device; determining a work mode of the power supply device to supply power to the power consuming device as a single mode based on the number of power supply devices connected to the power consuming device being one; adjusting a power supply output of the power supply device to meet electrical requirements of the power consuming device using the device information based on the single mode; charging the power consuming device with the power supply output based on a batch power supply mode when the power supply device does not store power; and using the power supply output to supply power to the power consuming device in a general power supply mode when the power supply device stores power, and switching to the batch power supply mode to charge the power consuming device after the power is used up.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This case relates to a power supply method and power supply system, and more particularly to a power supply operation method and power supply system. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic devices rely on a stable power supply to power functions such as sensing, computing, communication, input, output, and display. Traditionally, disposable batteries (such as alkaline batteries) have been used as a power source. While convenient, disposable batteries have significant drawbacks in terms of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. They are for single use only and cannot be recharged once depleted. Furthermore, the heavy metals and chemicals contained within these batteries can easily pollute the environment if not properly recycled.

[0003] On the other hand, while electronic devices incorporate rechargeable batteries (such as lithium batteries) to provide a reusable power source, improving convenience and environmental friendliness, they also place additional burdens on circuit design. For example, electronic devices require additional components such as charging management circuits, overcharge and over-discharge protection modules, and battery status monitoring units, and must consider the conversion efficiency and compatibility between different operating voltages and currents. Furthermore, the physical size of the battery itself, temperature control, and lifespan degradation issues also limit the space configuration and thermal management strategies of the main circuit board, leading to increased overall design costs and increased development and manufacturing complexity.

[0004] Therefore, the balance between developing rechargeable battery systems and design strategies for regenerative power supply mechanisms and electronic devices has a significant impact on industrial development. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention is intended to provide a simplified summary of this disclosure to enable the reader to have a basic understanding of the subject matter. This present invention is not a complete overview of the present disclosure, and is not intended to identify key / critical elements of the embodiments or define the scope of the present invention.

[0006] According to one embodiment of this case, a power supply operation method is disclosed, which is executed between one or more power supply devices and an electrical device. The power supply operation method includes: receiving device information of the electrical device from the power supply device; determining, based on the fact that the number of power supply devices connected to the electrical device is one, that the operating mode of the power supply device supplying power to the electrical device is a standby mode; adjusting the power supply output of the power supply device to meet the electrical needs of the electrical device based on the standby mode using the device information; charging the electrical device with power supply output based on a batch power supply mode when the power supply device has no stored power; and using the power supply output to supply power to the electrical device in a normal power supply mode when the power supply device has stored power, and switching to batch power supply mode to charge the electrical device after the power is used up.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a power supply system includes one or more power supply devices. Each power supply device includes a power generation module, a battery module, a power output interface, and a microcontroller. The power generation module is configured to perform power generation of a power generation type. The battery module is coupled to the power generation module and configured to store the electrical energy generated by the power generation module. The power output interface is selectively connected to an electrical device or other power supply devices and configured to obtain device information of the electrical device and provide electrical energy to the electrical device. The microcontroller is coupled to the power generation module and the power output interface and configured to perform the following operations: when there is only one power supply device, determine that the operating mode of the power supply device supplying power to the electrical device is a standalone mode; based on the standalone mode, use the device information to adjust the power output of the battery module to meet the electrical needs of the electrical device; when the battery module does not store any energy, charge the electrical device with power output based on a batch power supply mode; and when the battery module stores energy, use the power output to supply power to the electrical device in a general power supply mode, and switch to a batch power supply mode to charge the electrical device after the energy is used up. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The following detailed description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will facilitate a better understanding of the nature of this disclosure. It should be noted that, depending on the practical needs of the illustration, the features in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In fact, for the purpose of clarity, the dimensions of the features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of multiple separable power supply devices and power consumption devices according to one embodiment of this case.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a power supply device illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3This is a block diagram of an electrical device illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a power supply operation method of a power supply device according to one embodiment of this case.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a power supply operation method of a power supply device according to another embodiment of this invention.

[0014] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0015] 110: Electrical appliances

[0016] 130, 140: Power supply device

[0017] 400: Power supply device

[0018] 410: Power Generation Module

[0019] 420: Battery Module

[0020] 430: Power output interface

[0021] 440: Microcontroller

[0022] 450: Communication Interface

[0023] 460: Connection Interface

[0024] 500: Electrical appliances

[0025] 510: Communication Interface

[0026] 520: Power Receiver Interface

[0027] 530: Battery Module

[0028] 540: Microcontroller

[0029] B: Batch power supply mode

[0030] G: Normal power supply mode

[0031] S: Series power supply

[0032] P: Parallel power supply

[0033] S210, S220, S230, S240, S250, S260, S270, S280: Steps

[0034] S310, S320, S330, S340, S362, S364, S382, S384, S386, S388: Steps Detailed Implementation

[0035] This application provides many different embodiments to implement various features of the application. The following description of embodiments of elements and arrangements serves as examples of implementations to avoid repetition. It should be noted that these embodiments are merely exemplary and not intended to be restrictive. For example, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to describe elements is only to distinguish them from identical or similar elements or operations; these terms are not intended to limit the technical elements of the application, nor to limit the order or sequence of operations.

[0036] In this application, element symbols and / or letters may be repeated in various embodiments, and the same technical terms may use the same and / or corresponding element symbols in various embodiments. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0037] In this case, when the elements are described as "connected," "coupled," or "connected," it can refer to "electrical connection," "electrical coupling," or "communication connection." "Connected," "coupled," or "connected" can also be used to indicate that two or more elements operate or interact with each other.

[0038] The term "pattern" is used in this article to refer to the function or operation of a component. To facilitate understanding, the vocabulary used in this article is explained below.

[0039] The design of electronic devices with built-in charging modules takes up space. Furthermore, for low-power electronic devices such as keyboards, mice, cameras, and smartwatches, green energy generation technology cannot be used to charge them.

[0040] On the other hand, electronic devices come in a wide variety of specifications. Even though rechargeable modules can achieve the effects of repeated charging and environmental protection, different types of electronic devices vary in size and power consumption. Therefore, different types of electronic devices require different specifications of rechargeable modules (such as chargers and energy storage units being charged), making it difficult to use a single rechargeable module to fit all electronic devices. Developing a separate rechargeable module for each type of electronic device would clearly be uneconomical.

[0041] This invention proposes a detachable power supply unit that allows for communication-based setting of the output power of individual units to meet the needs of the charged unit. The power supply unit features a modular design. Electrical devices connect to the power supply unit to obtain power. The power supply unit includes a charging module and a battery module, capable of generating its own power and storing electrical energy in the battery module. The battery module then supplies power to the electrical devices.

[0042] In one embodiment, the power supply device can be connected to other power supply devices, and depending on whether the power supply devices are connected in series or in parallel, they can be combined to form a rechargeable power supply system that provides voltage boost or capacity boost.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 1 . Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of multiple separable power supply devices and power consumption devices according to one embodiment of this case.

[0044] Electrical device 110 is connected to power supply device 130, and power supply device 130 is connected to power supply device 140. Power supply devices 130 and 140 can operate on the same or different types of power generation. Power generation types include, but are not limited to, solar power generation, dynamo power generation, mechanical energy-to-electricity power generation (mechanical power generation) (e.g., pedal-powered generator, hand-cranked generator, portable wind power generation, vibration piezoelectric generator), or portable thermoelectric generator. For example, power supply device 130 can be a solar power generator, and power supply device 140 can operate on a hand-cranked generator. Alternatively, power supply devices 130 and 140 can operate on solar power generation.

[0045] Electrical device 110 may be, but is not limited to, consumer electronic products such as keyboards, mice, cameras, and smartwatches. It is worth noting that this case does not limit the operating voltage of electrical device 110.

[0046] In one embodiment, one or more power supply devices 130 and 140 may serve as a power supply system to supply power to the electrical device 110.

[0047] In one embodiment, the power supply device 110, power supply device 130, and power supply device 140 have interconnected communication interfaces and combination mechanisms, allowing for free movement through a common communication interface and combination mechanism. The combination can be based on series or parallel connections, with the combination method automatically routed among the internal devices such as the power supply device 110, power supply device 130, and power supply device 140, without requiring external structural adjustments to the series or parallel connections to achieve the corresponding voltage and capacity of the combination. For example, if power supply devices 130 and 140 are connected in series, the total voltage of the combination is the sum of the voltages of power supply devices 130 and 140. This combination can provide a higher voltage for the power supply device 110 than a single power supply device. If power supply devices 130 and 140 are connected in parallel, the total capacity of the combination is the sum of the capacities of power supply devices 130 and 140. This combination can provide a higher capacity for the power supply device 110 than a single power supply device. Therefore, users can freely combine power supply devices according to actual conditions, and the power supply mode can be controlled by the power supply operation method of this case.

[0048] It is worth mentioning that, Figure 1 The combination method shown is merely an example. This application does not limit the number of power supply devices connected to the electrical device 110. For example, the electrical device 110 can be connected to one power supply device, or to two or more power supply devices. In the case of multiple power supply devices, the combination can be in series or array topology.

[0049] In one embodiment, the power device 110, in conjunction with an application program, manages the status information of the power supply devices 130 and 140, such as power level, voltage, capacity, and operating mode. The application program can be an electronic device connected to the power device 110, such as a computer or mobile device. In another embodiment, the power device 110 may also obtain the status information of the power supply devices 130 and 140 through firmware, internal circuitry, or other configured power supply management mechanisms.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 2 . Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a power supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The power supply device 400 may be... Figure 1 Block diagram of power supply devices 130 and 140.

[0051] like Figure 2As shown, the power supply device 400 includes a power generation module 410, a battery module 420, a power output interface 430, a microcontroller 440, a communication interface 450, and a connection interface 460. In one embodiment, the power generation module 410, battery module 420, power output interface 430, microcontroller 440, communication interface 450, and connection interface 460 are connected using a bus architecture.

[0052] The power generation module 410 is configured to generate electricity according to its assigned power generation type. The power generation module 410 can be a solar power generation module, a mechanical power generation module, or a module that generates electricity in other ways; this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0053] Battery module 420 is coupled to power generation module 410, has capacity and is configured to store the electrical energy generated by power generation module 410. Battery module 420 can be any type of rechargeable battery, such as lithium-ion battery module, lithium polymer battery module, nickel-metal hydride battery module, lead-acid battery module, sodium-ion battery module, supercapacitor, or a combination of the above battery modules.

[0054] The power output interface 430 is selectively connected to the power-consuming device 110 or other power supply devices and is configured to provide power from the battery module 420 or the generator module 410 to the power-consuming device 110 or to other power supply devices. The power output interface 430 may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a Pogo Pin, or other type of connector. In some embodiments, the power output interface 430 may also provide power to the power-consuming device 110 via wireless power transmission.

[0055] Communication interface 450 is selectively connected to electrical device 110 and configured to transmit or receive device information from electrical device 110. Communication interface 450 is also selectively connected to other power supply devices and configured to exchange data with other power supply devices. Communication interface 450 may be a Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART), and this application is not limited thereto.

[0056] The connection interface 460 is used for data transmission and logic control between the power supply device 400 and other power-consuming devices 110 or other power supply devices. The connection interface 460 may be a bus (Universal Serial Bus, USB), and this specification is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, one of the power supply devices 400 (e.g., Figure 1 The connection interface 460 of the power supply device 130 shown can also be connected to another power supply device 400 (e.g., Figure 1 The power output interface 430 of the power supply device 140 shown can also receive power from another power supply device.

[0057] The microcontroller 440 is configured to manage and control the operation of the power generation module 410, battery module 420, power output interface 430, communication interface 450 and connection interface 460, to perform bidirectional data and command exchange and control, and to execute power supply operations.

[0058] In one embodiment, the power supply device 130 is a solar power generator. The solar power generation module 410 includes units such as a solar panel and a conversion unit. The solar panel is located on the surface of the power supply device 130 to receive ambient light and convert light energy into electrical energy, which is then transferred and stored in the battery module 420 to supply power to the electrical device 110. In one embodiment, the mechanical power generation of the power supply device 140 is, for example, a hand-cranked generator. The hand-cranked generator module 410 includes components such as a drive element (swing arm) and a transmission element (gear assembly). The user operates the drive element to move the transmission element, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, storing it in the battery module 420, and supplying power to the electrical device 110 through the power output interface 430.

[0059] In one embodiment, the power supply device 130 receives device information from the power-consuming device 110. Device information may include, for example, the operating voltage and / or maximum current of the power-consuming device 110. The power supply device 130 and the power-consuming device 110 may exchange information, such as device information, via an encrypted channel.

[0060] In one embodiment, the power output interface 430 can be selectively connected to the power-consuming device 110 or other power supply devices, and provides power from the battery module 420 to the power-consuming device 110 and obtains device information from the power-consuming device 110. In another embodiment, the power supply device 130 may also include a communication interface 450, which is electrically connected to the microcontroller 440. Here, the communication interface 450 of the power supply device 130 communicates with the communication interface 510 of the power-consuming device 110 and receives device information from the power-consuming device 110. In one embodiment, the communication interface 450 and the communication interface 510 may be Bluetooth communication interfaces or radio frequency (RF) communication interfaces.

[0061] In one embodiment, the number of power supply devices 130 connected to the electrical device 110 can be used to determine the operating mode between the power supply devices and the electrical device 110. When only one power supply device is connected to the electrical device 110, the operating mode is a standalone mode. In this case, the power supply device serves as the power source for the electrical device 110 and adjusts its power output according to device information to meet the electrical needs of the electrical device 110.

[0062] Furthermore, the power supply device 130 determines whether to use a normal power supply mode G or a batch power supply mode B. In one embodiment, the microcontroller 440 selects the power supply mode based on the battery module 420's charge status. If the battery module 420 of the power supply device 130 currently stores more charge than a threshold value, it determines to supply power in normal power supply mode G until the battery module 420's charge is depleted. If the power supply device 130's charge is depleted, it uses power output to supply power to the device 110 in batch power supply mode B. In batch power supply mode B, the device 110 intermittently receives power from the power supply device 130 to maintain normal operation. In one embodiment, the power supply device 130 generates electricity from solar power. If the battery module 420's charge is depleted or falls below a threshold value, the microcontroller 440 controls the solar panels of the power generation module 410 to charge, and temporarily stores a portion of the charge in the battery module 420 (until the battery module 420's currently stored charge is greater than the threshold value) before supplying it to the device 110. In one embodiment, the microcontroller 440 can also control the charging of the power generation module 410, the solar panel continuously receives ambient light and converts it into electrical energy, and transfers and stores the power to the battery module 420, ensuring that the battery module's charge is greater than a threshold value, and continuously supplying power to the power supply device.

[0063] In another embodiment, if the battery module of the power supply device 130 currently stores no more than a threshold value, it is determined that the power is supplied in batch power supply mode B.

[0064] When multiple power supply devices are connected to the power consumption device 110, the operating mode is cooperative mode. At this time, the multiple power supply devices connected to the power consumption device 110 serve as the power source for the power consumption device 110, and the multiple power supply devices can be connected in series (S), in parallel (P), or a combination of series and parallel power supply.

[0065] Electrical device 110 determines whether to operate in series power supply S or parallel power supply P based on the device information of all power supply devices.

[0066] In one embodiment, under series power supply S, the power-consuming device 110 determines a master device from among multiple power supply devices. The master device is used to determine the power balance among the power supplies of the multiple power supply devices. For example, the power supply device directly connected to the power-consuming device 110 (i.e., the power supply device closest to the power receiving interface 520), the power supply device with the highest priority, or the power supply device with the lowest power failure rate will be designated as the master device. In one embodiment, the power supply device 130 also includes a connection interface 460, and the power output interface 430 of the power supply device 140 can be connected to the connection interface 460 of the power supply device 130 (cooperative mode).

[0067] In another embodiment, under parallel power supply P, the power supply devices 130 and 140 determine whether to provide individual one-time power supply based on their energy storage properties. For example, wind power generation and mechanical energy rotation power generation fall under the conditions of one-time power supply. In this embodiment, one-time power supply means that the power supply device supplies energy to the electrical device 110 in a one-time and continuous manner, without generating electricity in parallel during the energy supply process, that is, without storing energy in the battery modules of the power supply devices 130 and 140 themselves.

[0068] In one embodiment, when the energy storage properties of power supply devices 130 and 140 meet the conditions for one-time power supply or when the power supply devices 130 and 140 have the lowest power among all power supply devices 130 and 140, the power supply devices 130 and 140 that meet the conditions are controlled to provide one-time power supply to the electrical device 110.

[0069] In another embodiment, when none of the power supply devices 130 and 140 meet the one-time power supply conditions, the power-consuming device 110 determines the master device from the power supply devices 130 and 140, and the master device determines the power supply order of the power supply devices 130 and 140 to the power-consuming device 110. The power supply devices 130 and 140 supply power to the power-consuming device 110 according to the determined power supply order.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 4 . Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the power supply operation method of a power supply device according to one embodiment of this invention. For ease of understanding and to keep the content of the specification concise, the following is in conjunction with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Let me explain.

[0071] In one embodiment, the microcontroller 440 of the power supply devices 130 and 400 detects whether they are connected to the power consumption device 110. For example, the microcontroller 440 detects the connection to the power consumption device 110 through voltage sensing, current sensing, or load detection. When the power supply devices 130 and 400 are connected to the power consumption device 110, the power supply device 130 initiates a key exchange procedure. After initiating the key exchange procedure, an encrypted channel is established between the power supply devices 130 and 400 and the power consumption device 110. After establishing the encrypted channel between the power supply devices 130 and 400 and the power consumption device 110, the power supply devices 130 and 400 enter a power supply preparation procedure.

[0072] In step S210, power supply devices 130 and 400 receive device information from the power-consuming device 110 through power output interface 430 or communication interface 450. Device information may include, for example, the operating voltage and / or maximum current of the power-consuming device 110. The power supply device 130 and the power-consuming device 110 can exchange information, such as device information, through an encrypted channel.

[0073] In some embodiments, the power-consuming device 110 can also receive device information from the power supply devices 130 and 400. That is, the power-consuming device 110 and the power supply devices 130 and 400 can obtain each other's information and proceed to the next step after confirming that it is correct.

[0074] For example, in step S210, the power supply devices 130 and 400 (e.g., solar power generation devices) receive device information from the power-consuming devices 110 and 500 (e.g., keyboards). When the power output interface 430 of the power supply devices 130 and 400 is connected to the power receiving interface 520 of the power-consuming devices 110 and 500, they begin to receive and acquire device information. Based on the mechanism of energy transmission through communication, the power output interface 430 will not start the power supply mechanism immediately. It will only start supplying power after the communication is completed and the device information is acquired.

[0075] In step S220, the working mode of the power supply devices 130 and 400 to the power consumption device 110 is determined based on the number of power supply devices 130 and 400 connected to the power consumption device 110.

[0076] There can be one or more power supply devices. The following is an explanation of a power supply device, for example, power device 110 is connected to power supply device 130, while power supply device 140 is removed.

[0077] In step S230, when there is only one power supply device, the operating mode is determined to be the standby mode.

[0078] For example, power supply devices 130 and 400 detect that they are only connected to the power consumption device 110 and not to any other power supply devices. In this case, power supply devices 130 and 400 decide to supply power to the power consumption device 110 in a standalone mode. Standalone mode means that only one power supply device serves as the power source for the power consumption device 110. In some embodiments, in the power supply operation method, power supply device 130 can detect the type and number of power consumption devices 110 (keyboard) by collecting device information of the power consumption device 110 (e.g., keyboard), and power supply device 130 determines its own operating mode accordingly. This application does not impose any limitations.

[0079] In step S240, the power supply device 130 adjusts the power supply output to meet the electrical requirements of the power-consuming device 110 based on the device information.

[0080] Device information, such as at least one of the operating voltage and maximum current of the power supply device 110, is used as the power required by the power supply device 110. The microcontroller 440 of the power supply devices 130 and 400 determines and / or receives the power from the battery module 530 of the power supply device 110 based on the device information (e.g., operating voltage). Figure 3 ) electrical devices.

[0081] In one embodiment, after step S240, the power supply devices 130 and 400 determine the subsequent power supply mode based on the type of storage mode of the battery module 420. In one embodiment, if the storage mode is sustainable energy supply, such as solar power generation, then step S250 is executed; if the storage mode is non-sustainable energy supply (one-time power supply), such as mechanical power generation, then the power supply mode is further determined based on the form of the charging module. In one embodiment, if the power output interface 430 supports high-speed power supply, then the voltage is increased and current pulses are used to provide high-speed charging for the power-consuming device 110; if the power output interface 430 does not support high-speed power supply, then the general power supply mode G of step S260 is executed.

[0082] In step S250, the power supply device 130 determines whether to use the normal power supply mode G or the batch power supply mode B. In one embodiment, if the current power of the power supply devices 130 and 400 is depleted to a set value, the power generation module 410 of the power supply devices 130 and 400 will first start solar charging. When the power of the battery module 420 is greater than the set value, the normal power supply mode G will then be used in step S260.

[0083] Normal power supply mode G refers to the situation where the power-consuming device 110 receives the electricity stored in the battery module 420 of the power supply devices 130 and 400. For example, the power supply devices 130 and 400 prioritize supplying electricity to the power-consuming device 110 using the electricity stored in the battery module 420. After the battery module 420 is depleted, the power supply device 130 switches from normal power supply mode G to batch power supply mode B, activating the generator module 410 to provide power.

[0084] Batch power supply mode B means that the battery module 420 of the power supply devices 130 and 400 has insufficient stored power, and the power generation module 410 of the power supply devices 130 and 400 needs to generate power first. At this time, the power generated by the power generation module 410 will be temporarily stored in the battery module 420 for a period of time until the battery module 420 has temporarily stored a certain amount of power before it is supplied to the power consumption device 110.

[0085] In one embodiment, step S250 determines whether to supply power in normal power supply mode G or batch power supply mode B based on whether the battery module of the power supply device 130 currently stores a power quantity greater than a threshold value.

[0086] If the battery module of the power supply device 130 currently stores more than a threshold value, it is determined that power will be supplied in normal power supply mode G. When the power supply device 130 supplies power in normal power supply mode G, in step S260, the power supply device 130 uses its power output to supply power to the electrical device 110 in normal power supply mode G. In this way, the power supply device 130 acts as a normal power source, supplying the energy required by the electrical device 110.

[0087] In one embodiment, during the power supply process of the power supply device 130, the power supply device 130 can provide unidirectional power supply or generate electricity based on the power generation type (store electrical energy) during continuous power supply. Generally, the rate at which the electrical device 110 consumes electricity is greater than the rate at which it stores electrical energy. In step S270, if the power supply device 130 has not yet exhausted its power, the process returns to step S260 to continue supplying power; if the power supply device 130 has exhausted its power, in step S280, the power supply output is used to supply electricity to the electrical device 110 in batch power supply mode B. In batch power supply mode B, the electrical device 110 intermittently receives electricity from the power supply device 130 to maintain normal operation.

[0088] On the other hand, in step S250, if the battery module of the power supply device 130 currently stores no more than a threshold value, it is determined that the power supply will be supplied in batch power supply mode B. Since trickle power supply is inefficient, the time-sharing power supply mechanism brought by batch power supply mode B can avoid the problem of trickle power supply during the power generation process of the power supply device 130.

[0089] Please refer to Figure 3 . Figure 3 This is a block diagram of an electrical appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention. The electrical appliance 500 may be... Figure 1 Block diagram of electrical device 110.

[0090] like Figure 3 As shown, the electrical device 500 includes a communication interface 510, a power receiving interface 520, a battery module 530, and a microcontroller 540. The communication interface 510 is configured to send device information to, for example, Figure 1 The power supply device 130. A power receiving interface 520 is coupled to the power output interface 430 of the power supply devices 130 and 400 and configured to receive power supplied by the power supply devices 130 and 400. A battery module 530 is coupled to the power receiving interface 520 and configured to store the power received from the power receiving interface 520. A microcontroller 540 is coupled to the communication interface 510 and the power receiving interface 520 and configured to perform charging operations.

[0091] In one embodiment, the power receiving interface 520 of the power device 500 is coupled to the power output interface 430 of the power supply devices 130 and 400 to send device information to the power supply devices 130 and 400. That is, the power device 500 in this invention can transmit device information to the communication interface 450 or the power output interface 430 of the power supply device 400 through the communication interface 510 or the power receiving interface 520.

[0092] In one embodiment, the microcontroller 540 detects whether it is connected to power supply devices 130 and 400. When the microcontroller 540 detects a connection to power supply devices 130 and 400, it initiates a key exchange procedure. After initiating the key exchange procedure, an encrypted channel is established between the powered devices 110 and 500 and the power supply devices 130 and 400. After the encrypted channel is established between the powered devices 110 and 500 and the power supply devices 130 and 400, the powered devices 110 and 500 enter a charging process.

[0093] In one embodiment, the power-consuming devices 110 and 500 obtain the power supply information of the power supply devices 130 and 400 through the power receiving interface 520 or the communication interface 510, and determine the power supply mode to obtain power from the power supply devices 130 and 400 based on the power supply information.

[0094] In one embodiment, the power supply devices 110 and 500 determine whether the power supply mode from the power supply devices 130 and 400 is a continuous power supply mode or a one-time power supply mode.

[0095] In one embodiment, when the power supply mode is a continuous power supply mode, such as solar power generation, and the power supply devices 130 and 400 have stored available power, the electrical devices 110 and 500 receive power from the power supply devices 130 and 400 in a normal power supply mode. In another embodiment, when the power supply mode is a continuous power supply mode, but the power supply devices do not have stored available power, the electrical devices receive power from the power supply devices 130 and 400 in a batch power supply mode.

[0096] In one embodiment, when the power supply mode is a one-time power supply mode and the power supply device 130 supports high-speed power supply, the power user 110 receives power from the power supply device 130 in high-speed power supply mode. In another embodiment, when the power supply mode is a one-time power supply mode but the power supply device 130 does not support high-speed power supply, the power user 110 receives power from the power supply device 130 in normal power supply mode.

[0097] Please refer to Figure 5 . Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the power supply operation method of a power supply device according to another embodiment of this invention. For ease of understanding and to simplify the content of the specification, the following is in conjunction with... Figure 1 and Figure 3 Let me explain.

[0098] In step S310, power supply devices 130 and 140 receive device information from the power-consuming device 110. This device information may include, for example, the operating voltage and / or maximum current of the power-consuming device 110. For instance, power supply device 130 and the power-consuming device 110 exchange information via an encrypted channel. After establishing the encrypted channel between power supply device 130 and the power-consuming device 110, power supply device 130 enters the power supply preparation process.

[0099] In one embodiment, power supply device 140 is directly connected to power supply device 130, and can obtain device information of power-consuming device 110 through power supply device 130 based on communication protocols that both have or support. Power-consuming device 110 and power supply device 130 can receive device information of all connected devices.

[0100] In step S320, the operating mode of the power supply device to the power user device 110 is determined based on the number of power supply devices 130 connected to the power user device 110.

[0101] There can be one or more power supply devices. The following is an explanation of multiple (e.g., two) power supply devices, for example, power device 110 is connected to power supply devices 130 and 140, wherein power supply device 140 is indirectly connected to power device 110 through power supply device 130.

[0102] In step S330, when there are multiple power supply devices, the working mode is determined to be the cooperative mode.

[0103] For example, power supply device 130 is connected to electrical device 110 and power supply device 140. In this case, power supply device 130 acts as the main device and decides to supply power to electrical device 110 in a cooperative mode. The cooperative mode means that multiple power supply devices serve as the power source for electrical device 110, and the multiple power supply devices can be connected in series (S), in parallel (P), or a combination of series and parallel power supply.

[0104] In step S340, the microcontroller 540 performs a judgment to switch the power supply device 130 and the power supply device 140 to either be connected in series (S) or in parallel (P).

[0105] In one embodiment, power supply devices 130 and 140 are determined to operate in series power supply S or parallel power supply P based on device information. For example, if the operating voltage of the electrical device 110 is greater than the voltage of power supply devices 130 and 140, then power supply devices 130 and 140 will supply power in series S. Compared to directly increasing the voltage of power supply devices 130 and 140 to meet the operating voltage in parallel power supply, which is a more energy-intensive approach, the series power supply of power supply devices 130 and 140 meets the operating voltage of the electrical device 110 in a way with lower energy loss by using the sum of voltages. In this embodiment, power supply devices 130 and 140 can determine whether to use series power supply S or parallel power supply P based on their internal energy storage units (voltage / remaining capacity). For example, electrical device 110 (e.g., keyboard) requires 3.3V, but power supply device 130 requires 2.5V and power supply device 140 requires 2.8V. If the two power supply devices are boosted to 3.3V, it will result in more energy conversion waste. Therefore, the main device in the power supply system can determine that energy loss can be avoided by directly connecting power supply devices 130 and 140 in series.

[0106] In step S362, a master device is selected from multiple power supply devices. The master device is used to determine the execution of power balance among the power supplies of the multiple power supply devices.

[0107] In one embodiment, one of power supply devices 130 and 140 is selected as the master device. For example, the power supply device selected as the master device may be the one directly connected to the power-consuming device 110, the power supply device with the highest priority, or the power supply device with the lowest power outage rate. Other power supply devices besides the master device are slave devices. Therefore, a master-slave relationship can be determined among multiple power supply devices.

[0108] In one embodiment, the main device can forcibly stop the power supply device with unstable electrical state, maintain the stability of the overall power supply system, and protect the circuit of the power-consuming device 110.

[0109] In one embodiment, if the signal of the master device is detected to be missing by the slave device (another power supply device besides the master device), a new master device is determined from among the remaining power supply devices to maintain master-slave control among the power supply devices.

[0110] In step S364, the master device determines the execution of power balance among the power supplies of multiple power supply devices.

[0111] Since power supply devices 130 and 140 are connected in series, a large difference in their electrical charge (i.e., the charge stored in the battery module) will cause a large voltage difference, burdening the power supply device with the lower voltage. Therefore, the main device handles the power balance (energy balance) between multiple power supply devices, transferring power from the power supply device with higher charge to the power supply device with lower charge. In one embodiment, the microcontroller 440 of the main device's power supply device 130 detects the voltage difference of the battery module 420. For example, the communication interface 450 of the power supply device 130 can receive the voltage difference of the battery module 420 from the communication interface 450 of the power supply device 140. In one embodiment, each power supply device 130, 140, 400 has a built-in fuel gauge (not shown in the figure), which can calculate whether energy needs to be transferred and how much energy needs to be transferred based on the remaining energy of each battery module 420.

[0112] In one embodiment, each power supply device is equipped with a power detector. The main device obtains the power level of each power supply device, uses this power level and a lifetime algorithm to estimate the available power of each power supply device, and then performs power balancing.

[0113] In one embodiment, the master device controls the power of multiple power supply devices to be the same as each other. This adjusts the power of all power supply devices to the same or nearly the same value, preventing damage to some power supply devices caused by excessive voltage differences.

[0114] After the power balance is completed, the power supply devices 130 and 140 connected in series provide power to the power consumption device 110.

[0115] In one embodiment, the master device does not perform power balancing when it determines that the difference between the battery health states of all power supply devices exceeds a threshold. For example, if the battery health state of power supply device 130 is 60%, but the battery health state of power supply device 140 is 20%, the difference in battery health states between power supply devices 130 and 140 exceeds the threshold (e.g., 20%), and such a large difference in battery health states would reduce the effectiveness of power balancing. In this case, power balancing is not performed, and power supply devices 130 and 140 directly supply power to the power-consuming device 110 in series. That is, the power supply calculates the current battery health state (health level) and current battery charge state of the master device.

[0116] Return to step S340. In step S340, if it is decided to implement parallel power supply P, then proceed to step S382.

[0117] In step S382, a decision is made on whether to provide individual, one-time power supply based on the energy storage characteristics of each power supply device. One-time power supply means that the power supply device supplies energy to the electrical device 110 continuously and in one go, without generating electricity in parallel during the energy supply process, i.e., without storing energy in the battery module of the power supply device. In one embodiment, wind power generation and mechanical energy-to-electricity generation are considered conditions for one-time power supply.

[0118] In one embodiment, when the energy storage properties of the power supply device meet the conditions for one-time power supply, such as when the power supply device is a hand-cranked generator, or when the power capacity of the power supply device is the smallest among all power supply devices, in step S384, the power supply device that meets the conditions is controlled to provide one-time power supply to the electrical device 110. However, this invention is not limited to the power supply device being a hand-cranked generator; for example, the conditions of step S384 may also be met when the power supply device is a wind power generator.

[0119] For example, if power supply device 130 generates electricity using solar power and power supply device 140 generates electricity using hand-crank power, only power supply device 140 meets the one-time power generation condition. Therefore, power supply device 140 will prioritize supplying electricity to device 110 for one-time power generation or transfer the power to other power supply devices 130 until the power supply device 140 is depleted. At this point, the user can remove power supply device 140 from this power supply combination or array. Then, power supply device 130 will supply electricity to device 110 in a separate mode. The removed power supply device 140 can be placed elsewhere for charging. For example, power supply device 140 can be integrated with a hand gripper and placed within the hand gripper's mechanical structure. The user can operate the hand gripper to train hand muscles while simultaneously charging power supply device 140.

[0120] On the other hand, in step S382, if none of the multiple power supply devices meet the one-time power supply conditions, then in step S386, a master device is determined from the multiple power supply devices. The determination of the master device is as described in step S362 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0121] In step S388, the master device determines the power supply sequence of the multiple power supply devices to the electrical device 110. In this embodiment, the multiple power supply devices are connected in parallel, and the multiple power supply devices are configured to supply power to the electrical device 110 in a power supply sequence.

[0122] In one embodiment, each power supply device has a priority level. The higher the priority level, the more preferentially it supplies power to the power-consuming device.

[0123] In parallel power supply, one of the power supply devices acts as the master device. The master device is responsible for calculating the power of all power supply devices and controlling the priority of power supply to distribute the energy sources used.

[0124] Figure 2 and Figure 3Microcontrollers 440 and 540 are, for example, but not limited to, microcontrollers (MCUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), systems-on-chips (SoCs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), network processor chips, neural-network processing units (NPUs), tensor processing units (TPUs), cloud computing services, or combinations of the above components. Furthermore, microcontrollers 440 and 540 can be a collective term for one or more microcontrollers; this application does not limit the number of microcontrollers in implementation.

[0125] Figure 3 The communication interface 510 can be, but is not limited to, a universal asynchronous receiver and transmitter.

[0126] In summary, the power supply operation method proposed in this case determines the charging mode for the electrical device based on the power generation type, power supply information, connection topology, and device information of the electrical device. In this way, the combination of multiple power supply devices with the same or different power generation types, combined with the power supply operation method of this case, can provide a continuous and stable power output, while also ensuring circuit protection for the electrical device and the sustainable use of the power supply device.

[0127] The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the nature of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that the foregoing can be readily used as the basis for designs or modifications to other variations without departing from the spirit and scope of this application, in order to achieve the same purpose and / or realize the same advantages of the embodiments described herein. The foregoing should be understood as illustrative of this application, and its scope of protection should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A power supply operation method, characterized in that, The power supply operation method, performed between one or more power supply devices and electrical appliances, includes: The power supply device receives device information from the power-consuming device. When the number of power supply devices connected to the electrical device is one, the working mode of the power supply device supplying power to the electrical device is determined to be the standby mode. Based on the individual mode, the device information is used to adjust the power supply output of the power supply device to meet the electrical needs of the electrical device; and When the power supply device has no stored power, it charges the electrical device with the power output based on the batch power supply mode. When the power supply device has stored the power, it uses the power output to supply the electrical device in a normal power supply mode. After the power is used up, it switches to the batch power supply mode to charge the electrical device.

2. The power supply operation method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: When there are multiple power supply devices connected to the electrical device, the working mode in which the power supply devices supply power to the electrical device is determined to be a cooperative mode, wherein the cooperative mode includes multiple power supply devices being connected in series for power supply. as well as In the operation of the series power supply, a master device is determined from the plurality of power supply devices, and the master device determines the power balance among the power supplies of the plurality of power supply devices.

3. The power supply operation method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The main device performs the step of balancing the power of the power of the plurality of power supply devices, which includes controlling the power of the plurality of power supply devices to be the same as that of each other.

4. The power supply operation method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: When there are multiple power supply devices connected to the electrical device, the working mode in which the power supply devices supply power to the electrical device is determined to be a cooperative mode, wherein the cooperative mode includes multiple power supply devices supplying power in parallel. as well as In the operation of the parallel power supply, the energy storage properties of the multiple power supply devices determine whether to provide a one-time power supply mode to the electrical device. If the energy storage property is mechanical power generation or the power supply device has the lowest power among all the power supply devices, then the mechanical power generation device or the power supply device with the lowest power will supply the electrical device in the one-time power supply mode.

5. The power supply operation method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The operation of the parallel power supply also includes the following steps: If the energy storage properties determine that the electrical device will not be supplied with the one-time power supply mode, then the main device among the multiple power supply devices is determined; and The main device determines the power supply sequence of the multiple power supply devices to the electrical device.

6. The power supply operation method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The device information includes at least one of the operating voltage and maximum current of the electrical device.

7. The power supply operation method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the main device determines that the difference between the battery health states of the power supply device is greater than a threshold value, it does not perform the power balancing of the power supply device.

8. A power supply system, characterized in that, include: One or more power supply devices, wherein the power supply devices include: The power generation module is configured to generate electricity according to the power generation type. A battery module, coupled to the power generation module and configured to store the electrical energy generated by the power generation module during power generation; A power output interface, selectively connected to an electrical device or other power supply device, and configured to obtain device information of the electrical device and provide power to the electrical device; and A microcontroller, coupled to the power generation module and the power output interface, is configured to perform the following operations: When there is only one power supply device, the working mode of the power supply device supplying power to the electrical device is determined to be a single mode. Based on the individual mode, the device information is used to adjust the power output of the battery module to meet the electrical requirements of the electrical device; When the battery module has no stored power, the power-consuming device is charged using the power output based on a batch power supply mode; and When the battery module stores the power, it uses the power output to supply power to the electrical device in normal mode, and after the power is used up, it switches to the batch power supply mode to charge the electrical device.

9. The power supply system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The microcontroller is also configured to perform the following operations: When there are multiple power supply devices connected to the electrical device, the working mode in which the power supply devices supply power to the electrical device is determined to be a cooperative mode, wherein the cooperative mode includes multiple power supply devices being connected in series for power supply. as well as In the operation of the series power supply, a master device is determined from the plurality of power supply devices, and the master device determines the power balance among the power supplies of the plurality of power supply devices.

10. The power supply system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The main device performs the step of balancing the power of the power of the plurality of power supply devices, which includes controlling the power of the plurality of power supply devices to be the same as that of each other.

11. The power supply system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, When there are multiple power supply devices connected to the electrical device, the electrical device determines that the working mode in which the power supply devices supply power to the electrical device is a cooperative mode, wherein the cooperative mode includes multiple power supply devices being connected in parallel or in series.

12. The power supply system as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The power supply device determines whether the multiple power supply devices are connected in parallel or in series based on the device information.

13. The power supply system as described in claim 11, characterized in that, Under the operation of the parallel power supply, the energy storage properties of the multiple power supply devices determine whether to provide a one-time power supply mode to the electrical device.

14. The power supply system as described in claim 13, characterized in that, If the energy storage property is mechanical power generation or the power supply device has the lowest power among all the power supply devices, then the mechanical power generation device or the power supply device with the lowest power will supply the electrical device in the one-time power supply mode.

15. The power supply system as described in claim 13, characterized in that, If the energy storage properties determine that the electrical device will not be supplied with the one-time power supply mode, then the master device among the plurality of power supply devices is determined; and the master device determines the power supply sequence of the plurality of power supply devices to supply power to the electrical device.

16. The power supply system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The device information includes at least one of the operating voltage and maximum current of the electrical device.

17. The power supply system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, When the main device determines that the difference between the battery health states of the power supply device is greater than a threshold value, it does not perform the power balancing of the power supply device.

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