Autonomous Power Supply System with Segmented Storage for Rapid Control Circuit Startup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autonomous power supply systems face delays in powering electronic equipment due to the need for a predetermined voltage to start the generation control circuit, which is not reached quickly when the power generated by solar cells is minimal, leading to inefficient operation and prolonged standby times.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a primary storage element with a smaller capacity to quickly charge and start the generation control circuit, while a secondary storage element with a larger capacity supplies power to the loading device, allowing for efficient power distribution and minimizing startup time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single storage element with sufficient capacity is used to supply power to the generation control circuit, then the control circuit can be started, but the startup time is prolonged due to the time required to charge the storage element to the control start voltage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeneration control circuit startupVSAvoidstartup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The storage element is divided into a first storage element (smaller capacity) dedicated to charging the generation control circuit and a second storage element (larger capacity) dedicated to charging the load device. This segmentation allows the first storage element to quickly reach the control start voltage and enable rapid startup of the generation control circuit, while the second storage element provides sufficient capacity for the load device without delaying the startup process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the capacity of the storage element is increased to ensure sufficient power supply, then the power supply reliability is improved, but the time to reach control start voltage is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidcharging speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different storage elements are allocated with different capacity characteristics according to their specific functions: the first storage element has smaller capacity optimized for rapid charging to enable quick control circuit startup, while the second storage element has larger capacity optimized for sustained power supply to the load device. Each storage element's capacity is locally optimized for its specific purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration enables rapid initiation of the generation control circuit and efficient power supply to the loading device, even with minimal power generation, thereby reducing standby times and maximizing power generation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a power generation element 2... solar cell so as to allow unmanned operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a storage element group 6 which stores the electric power generated by the power generation element 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9590451B2Autonomous power supply system

Publication Date: 2017.03.07 HITACHI LTD

AI summary

An autonomous power supply system includes a generation control circuit which controls power generation efficiency of a power generation element, a group of storage elements for charging electric power generated by the power generation element, and a charging control circuit which controls a charging operation and a discharging operation of the storage element group. The storage element group includes a primary storage element for supplying electric power to the generation control circuit and the charging control circuit, and secondary storage elements for supplying electric power to a loading device. The electric power generated by the power generation element charges the primary storage element preferentially, and the secondary storage elements subsequent to the primary storage element. A capacity value of the primary storage element is set to be smaller than a capacity value of the secondary storage elements.