Bidirectional DC to DC Converter for Power Scavenging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC to DC converters require multiple units to manage varying energy requirements and availability, increasing complexity, cost, and energy wastage, while failing to efficiently harvest excess power in power scavenging applications.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional DC to DC converter that efficiently transfers excess power to a storage device and draws power from it when needed, using a pair of input and output terminals, an inductor, and control switches with PWM signals, allowing for efficient power management in circuits with varying energy demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple DC to DC converters are used to manage varying energy requirements, then power management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple separate DC to DC converters into a single bidirectional converter. This single converter can operate in both forward and reverse modes, replacing what would traditionally require two separate converters (one for each direction), thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to manage varying energy requirements between storage device 504 and load 506.
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional DC to DC converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transfer power from the storage device to the load, from the load to the storage device, and regulate voltage in both directions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate converters for each power flow direction, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing power management adaptability.
2Reliability
If conventional DC to DC converters are used, then voltage regulation is achieved, but energy wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional converter dynamically adapts its operation based on real-time power availability and demand conditions. It can switch between power transfer directions and adjust its conversion ratio to maximize energy efficiency, avoiding the continuous energy dissipation that occurs in conventional converters that cannot recover excess energy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding excess energy as heat (which is what conventional converters do when they cannot transfer all input power), the bidirectional converter recovers and stores this excess energy in the storage device 504. This recovery mechanism significantly reduces energy wastage while maintaining reliable voltage regulation for the load.
3Quantity of substance
If power is scavenged from a current loop, then excess power is harvested, but voltage drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter incorporates feedback control that continuously monitors the voltage drop across the current loop and adjusts its power extraction accordingly. When voltage drop becomes excessive, the converter reduces its power scavenging rate, thereby limiting the impact on the primary circuit while still harvesting available excess power efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter extracts only the excess power that is not needed by the primary circuit, using partial action rather than extracting maximum possible power. This approach allows the system to harvest energy without causing excessive voltage drop that would interfere with the normal operation of the primary current loop.
4Loss of energy
If bidirectional power transfer is implemented, then power efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional converter is segmented into distinct operational modes (forward power transfer, reverse power transfer, and power storage) that are controlled by switching elements. This segmentation allows the converter to achieve high power efficiency in each mode while managing complexity through structured control logic rather than requiring completely different circuit topologies for each direction.
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 bidirectional converter maximizes power usage, directs stored power back to the circuit faster than it is scavenged, and maintains efficient power transfer with reduced voltage drop, enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of power scavenging systems.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor for storing current or another element capable of accumulating electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A bidirectional DC to DC converter having a first operational mode and a second operational mode includes a first terminal pair that has a positive terminal and a negative terminal and that connects the converter to a first electric circuit, a second terminal pair that has a positive terminal and a negative terminal and that connects the converter to a second electric circuit, an accumulation element for temporary accumulation of electric energy; and a switching circuit connected to the first terminal pair, the second terminal pair, and the accumulation element. Electric energy is transferred from the first electric circuit to the second electric circuit via the accumulation element in the first operational mode of the bidirectional DC to DC converter and, from the second electric circuit to the first electric circuit via the accumulation element in the second operational mode of the DC to DC converter.