Flyback Energy Harvesting Control for Optimal Power Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flyback energy harvesting systems lack efficiency due to non-optimal power points and fixed pulse width modulator frequencies and duty cycles, which results in suboptimal energy harvesting and storage.
Innovation Solution
The electrical network directly powers the logic supply using a flyback energy harvesting device with a microcontroller, PID controller, voltage boost converter, and pulse width modulator integrated circuit, allowing adjustable pulse width modulator frequencies and duty cycles to optimize power points and maximize energy harvesting efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed pulse width modulator frequencies and duty cycles are used, then device complexity is reduced, but energy harvesting efficiency deteriorates due to operation at non-optimal power points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a microcontroller that dynamically adjusts the pulse width modulator frequency and duty cycle based on real-time power source voltage measurements. The system transitions from fixed parameters to variable parameters, allowing the flyback converter to operate at optimal power points across varying input conditions, thereby maximizing energy harvesting efficiency while managing complexity through automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the microcontroller continuously monitors the power source voltage and adjusts the PWM parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the flyback converter operates at optimal power transfer points, resolving the contradiction between simplified fixed-parameter control and efficient adaptive energy harvesting.
2Loss of energy
If the logic supply is directly powered by harvested energy, then energy harvesting efficiency is maximized, but system reliability worsens due to voltage instability from non-optimal power points
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller dynamically adjusts PWM frequency and duty cycle to maintain optimal power transfer, ensuring stable voltage output from the flyback converter. This dynamic control compensates for variations in power source voltage, providing reliable power to the logic supply while maximizing energy harvesting efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control loop monitors voltage conditions and adjusts operating parameters in real-time, maintaining stable power delivery to the logic supply even as input conditions vary. This ensures both high efficiency and reliability by preventing operation at non-optimal power points that would cause voltage instability.
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 maximizes energy harvesting by operating at optimal power points, increasing efficiency and allowing the system to store excess energy for later use, thereby enhancing the reliability and sustainability of power generation from sources like microbial fuel cells.
Implementation Method 1
a flyback converter. The flyback converter converts energy to useable or storable energy
Implementation Method 2
The voltage boost converter utilizes the power source voltage and power to provide higher voltage power to the electrical network
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical network including a power source, a flyback converter, a microcontroller, a PID controller, a voltage boost converter, a pulse width modulator integrated circuit, and a battery. The power source produces a charge with a voltage ranging from about 0.1V to about 0.8V and a power ranging from about 0.3 mW to about 100 mW. The flyback converter functions in discontinuous current mode. The microcontroller monitors the power source voltage, calculates a voltage response, and outputs a control signal for the voltage. The PID controller is a digital PID controller, an analog PID controller, or a combination thereof. The voltage boost converter utilizes the power source voltage and power to provide higher voltage power to the electrical network. The pulse width modulator integrated circuit sets a duty cycle and frequency for the flyback converter. The battery stores excess charge produced by the power source.