EHC Maximum Power Output Circuit Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy harvesting solutions for power transmission lines, particularly induction harvesting, face challenges in achieving a large dynamic range, high power density, and anti-surge capability due to limitations in current range and device weight, which hinder their effectiveness in monitoring systems.

Innovation Solution

A maximum power output circuit for an energy harvesting coil (EHC) is designed using a magnetic core with a primary coil, secondary coil, load resistor, and capacitor, optimizing the magnetic core dimensions and parameters to ensure maximum power output and power density, and dynamically adjusting resistance and capacitance to maintain stable power output across varying currents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If induction harvesting is used for power supply, then it is suitable for transmission line monitoring, but the current range is limited to above 50 A which prevents normal operation on most applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent range adaptabilityVSAvoidoperation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the energy harvesting coil by optimizing the number of turns, wire diameter, and coil dimensions to extend the operating current range from 50 A to 10 A, enabling reliable operation across different current conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment mechanisms including variable resistors and capacitors that can be adjusted based on current conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying current ranges and maintain reliable operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Weight of moving object

If the weight of monitoring device is strictly regulated to ensure safety, then device safety is improved, but the power density of energy harvester must be increased to compensate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring device weightVSAvoidpower density
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes physical parameters of the energy harvesting coil including reducing wire diameter from standard gauges to 0.5mm, optimizing coil dimensions (outer diameter 30mm, inner diameter 20mm, length 50mm), and selecting appropriate magnetic core materials to increase power density while maintaining acceptable weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite magnetic core structures combining different magnetic materials with appropriate permeability and loss characteristics to maximize power output per unit weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If transmission line is subject to short circuits or lightning, then peak current of several kA occurs, but the induction harvester must withstand such current surges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent surge resistanceVSAvoidharvester reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates protective components including varistors, diodes, and surge absorbers that are pre-installed to cushion and divert current surges before they can damage the energy harvesting coil, ensuring reliability during lightning or short circuit events

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses varistors and other protective components that activate during surge conditions to convert harmful current spikes into controlled energy dissipation, protecting the system while maintaining operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Stability of the object's composition

If output power of EHC is regulated to output stable power within wide dynamic range, then power stability is improved, but the circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower output stabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic components including variable resistors and capacitors that can be adjusted to optimize power output at different current levels, enabling stable power regulation across the 10-1000 A range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the output power is monitored and compared to reference values, with automatic adjustment of circuit parameters to maintain stable power output despite varying input conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution significantly increases the unit power density of the energy harvester, enabling it to operate at maximum power output points and withstand current surges, effectively addressing the limitations of prior art by more than doubling the power density and ensuring stable power output across a wide dynamic range.

Implementation Method 1

induction harvesting is believed to be the most suitable for transmission line energy harvesting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9899876B2Maximum power output circuit for an EHC and design method thereof
Publication Date: 2018.02.20 SHANGHAI JIAOTONG UNIV
  • US9899876B2 patent drawing
  • US9899876B2 patent drawing
  • US9899876B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A maximum power output circuit for EHC and its design method are presented. The circuit is comprised of a magnetic core, that is, a primary coil and a secondary coil, with a load resistor and a capacitor parallel connected at the two ends of the secondary coil. The circuit enables the EHC to be always working at the maximum power output, thus realizing maximum power output of the energy harvesting power source.