Integrated Energy Harvesting Electronics for Continuous Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy harvesting technologies are limited by the need for specific environmental conditions to operate, such as air flow, temperature gradients, sunlight, or RF transmission, and struggle with efficiently harnessing and managing thermal energy due to its peak at long infrared wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor-based energy harvesting and storage system that combines solar and thermal harvesters with advanced electronics for continuous power generation and storage, utilizing a dual or single circuit design with voltage regulation and maximum power point tracking to manage energy from various sources, including blackbody radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing energy harvesting technologies are used, then energy can be harvested from specific sources, but operation is limited by the need for specific environmental conditions such as air flow, temperature gradients, sunlight, or RF transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy harvesting technologies (solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, and RF harvesting) into a single integrated system. This merging allows the system to operate continuously by switching between different energy sources depending on environmental conditions, thereby improving both operational versatility and continuous operation reliability without requiring any single specific environmental condition.
2Use of energy by moving object
If thermal energy harvesting is implemented, then previously overlooked thermal energy can be harnessed, but the peak at long infrared wavelengths poses a significant challenge for harvesting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary thermal energy conversion mechanism that bridges the gap between long-wavelength infrared thermal radiation and usable electrical energy. This intermediary approach converts thermal energy through a staged process involving thermal-to-mechanical conversion and then mechanical-to-electrical conversion, making thermal energy harvesting feasible despite the long wavelength challenge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs parameter changes by utilizing temperature-dependent properties of materials to convert thermal energy. By leveraging the temperature gradients created by solar thermal absorption and the thermodynamic properties of the thermal engine components, the system transforms thermal radiation into mechanical work and then into electrical energy, effectively harvesting thermal energy across a range of temperatures.
3Productivity
If advanced electronics are added for power management and regulation, then efficient energy storage and output control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management electronics are designed with multi-functionality, serving multiple purposes: regulating voltage output, managing battery charging/discharging, tracking maximum power point, and adapting to different energy source conditions. This universal design consolidates what could be multiple separate control systems into a single integrated electronics platform, improving energy management efficiency while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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
Enables continuous power generation and storage across varying environmental conditions, preventing battery damage through efficient power management and regulation, and effectively harnesses thermal energy previously overlooked.
Implementation Method 1
solar and thermal harvesters with advanced electronics for continuous power generation and storage
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a dual or single circuit design with voltage regulation and maximum power point tracking to manage energy from various sources, including blackbody radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for perpetually harvesting ambient near ultraviolet to far infrared radiation to provide continual power regardless of the environment, incorporating a system for the harvesting electronics governing power management, storage control, and output regulation. The harvesting electronics address issues of efficiently matching the voltage and current characteristics of the different harvested energy levels, low power consumption, and matching the power output demand. The device seeks to harvest the largely overlooked blackbody radiation through use of a thermal harvester, providing a continuous source of power, coupled with a solar harvester to provide increased power output.