Energy Mixer With Active Diodes And Dynamic Capacitor Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional energy harvesting systems are inefficient in mixing energy from multiple sources due to unnecessary startup cycles caused by voltage drops and energy wasteful diode voltage drops, especially when not all energy sources are available simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An energy mixer design featuring active diodes and capacitors, along with switching circuitry and control circuitry, that selectively couples capacitors in series only when the output voltage falls below a certain threshold, preventing wasteful restarts and optimizing energy mixing by using buck converters to manage voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional diode devices are used for energy mixing, then the system structure is simple, but substantial energy is wasted due to voltage drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional passive diode devices with active diode circuits that can dynamically adjust their operating parameters. The active diodes use control signals to regulate voltage levels and minimize voltage drops, thereby reducing energy waste while maintaining manageable system complexity through controlled parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control circuitry as an intermediary between the energy sources and the mixing mechanism. This control circuitry monitors voltage levels and activates the active diodes only when necessary, mediating the energy flow to prevent wasteful voltage drops while keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple.
2Reliability
If traditional energy harvesting systems allow startup cycles, then the system can initialize properly, but unnecessary restarts occur when voltage drops happen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where control circuitry continuously monitors the voltage output from multiple energy sources. When the voltage remains above a threshold level, the system maintains operation without restarting. The feedback loop detects voltage drops and prevents unnecessary startup cycles, thereby improving both system stability and operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic voltage threshold detection and adaptive control where the system's behavior changes based on real-time voltage conditions. The active diodes and control circuitry dynamically adjust their operation to prevent spurious restarts while ensuring proper initialization when actually needed, creating a more reliable and continuous operating system.
3Power
If capacitors are always coupled in series, then voltage handling capability is improved, but energy mixing efficiency decreases when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic switching circuitry that selectively couples capacitors in series only when the output voltage falls below a threshold level. When voltage is sufficient, the capacitors operate independently, maximizing energy mixing efficiency. When voltage drops, the switching circuitry dynamically reconfigures to series connection to boost voltage handling capability, thus optimizing both power and energy efficiency based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the capacitor configuration based on voltage levels. The control circuitry monitors output voltage and adjusts the coupling state of capacitors accordingly, transitioning between parallel and series configurations to optimize both voltage handling and energy mixing efficiency under different operating conditions.
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 solution enhances energy efficiency by preventing wasteful restarts and optimizing energy mixing, ensuring continuous operation even when one or more energy sources experience a drop in energy contribution, thereby improving the overall performance of multi-source energy harvesting systems.
Implementation Method 1
A first capacitor is coupled between the first input node and a dynamic node, and a second capacitor is coupled between the second input node and a third node
Implementation Method 2
a first active diode coupled between a first input node and an output node, and a second active diode coupled between a second input node and the output node
Implementation Method 3
Switching circuitry is configured to selectively couple the dynamic node between a fixed voltage node and the second input node in response to a control signal provided by control circuitry
Implementation Method 4
a first buck converter with a first converter input coupled to the output node, and a first converter output for providing a first buck voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an energy mixer having a first active diode coupled between a first input node and an output node, and a second active diode coupled between a second input node and the output node. A first capacitor is coupled between the first input node and a dynamic node, and a second capacitor is coupled between the second input node and a third node. Switching circuitry is configured to selectively couple the dynamic node between a fixed voltage node and the second input node in response to a control signal provided by control circuitry. When an output voltage at the output node is within a first range, the dynamic node is coupled to the fixed voltage node and when the output voltage is within a lower voltage second range, the dynamic node is coupled to the second input node such that first capacitor and second capacitor are coupled in series.