Bi-directional Boost Converter for Low Voltage Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy harvest systems using schottky diode bridges are too lossy and fail to start up with low voltage electrical energy generated by energy harvesters, limiting their effectiveness in converting mechanical movements into usable electrical power.
Innovation Solution
An energy harvest system employing transistors and a storage capacitor, where transistors operate at different switching frequencies to form a bi-directional boost converter, effectively boosting low AC sources to desired voltage levels with reduced power loss and improved startup capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a schottky diode bridge is used to convert electrical energy, then voltage conversion is achieved, but power loss increases and startup capability at low voltage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the energy conversion circuit by using transistors instead of schottky diodes, enabling the circuit to operate at low voltages (including 0.5V) where schottky diodes fail. The transistor-based bi-directional boost converter maintains efficient power conversion while enabling startup at voltages too low for conventional diode bridges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/diode-based rectification system with an electronically controlled transistor system. The bi-directional boost converter using transistors Q1-Q4 replaces the schottky diode bridge, providing both low-voltage startup capability and reduced power loss through active control.
2Power
If a schottky diode bridge is used for voltage conversion, then voltage boosting is achieved, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive schottky diode bridge with an active transistor-based bi-directional boost converter. This substitution enables efficient voltage conversion with significantly reduced power loss, as transistors can operate with lower voltage drops compared to diode forward voltage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the conversion mechanism from diode-based rectification to transistor-based active switching. The differential pair configuration and bi-directional boost converter architecture enable efficient power conversion by dynamically controlling current flow through the transistors, minimizing resistive losses.
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
The system achieves efficient voltage boosting and reduced power loss, enabling the use of low voltage electrical energy generated by energy harvesters to power various loads, including micro-controllers and sensors, without the need for external wiring or frequent battery changes.
Implementation Method 1
An energy harvester is a device that converts mechanical movements, such as vibrations, oscillations or other mechanical motions into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
an inductor and an AC source generator coupled in series
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses an energy harvest system converting an AC source provided by an energy harvester to a desired voltage. The AC source is boosted to the desired voltage by a bi-directional booster converter comprising fourth controllable transistors configured in an H-bridge, and stored by a storage capacitor. The desired voltage is then used to power various loads.