Integrated Rectifier Boost Converter Wireless Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current half-bridge rectifiers in wireless power transmission systems are inefficient due to forward voltage drop in diodes, leading to reduced efficiency and increased heat, which complicates design with constraints on size, cost, and frequency range, especially for low-voltage applications.
Innovation Solution
An integrated rectifier architecture with a plurality of synchronous half-bridge rectifying circuits connected to a boost converter, utilizing a controller to manage power transfer and include a charging inductor, enabling efficient power conversion over a wide range of frequencies and reducing heat loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional half-bridge rectifiers with diodes are used, then the circuit is simple, but efficiency is reduced due to forward voltage drop and heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the rectifier by using synchronous switching with controllable switches (MOSFETs/IGBTs) instead of passive diodes. The switching timing and duty cycle are optimized to minimize voltage drop and maximize efficiency, directly addressing the energy loss problem while maintaining manageable circuit complexity through controlled parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic control elements (controllable switches with PWM control) that can adapt their operation in real-time based on load conditions and input voltage variations. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain high efficiency across varying conditions while the control circuit manages the increased complexity through intelligent algorithms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If filter capacitors are added to smooth DC output, then output stability is improved, but size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filtering function from traditional large external capacitors and redistributes it across multiple smaller capacitors placed at different nodes in the circuit (input capacitors, output capacitors, and intermediate filtering capacitors). This extraction and redistribution maintains the required DC stability while significantly reducing the total volume occupied by filtering components.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering function is segmented into multiple smaller capacitive elements distributed throughout the circuit rather than using one or two large capacitors. This segmentation achieves the same voltage smoothing effect while reducing peak component sizes and overall circuit footprint, directly addressing the volume constraint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rectifier operates over wide frequency range, then adaptability is improved, but maintaining efficiency across all frequencies becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit dynamically adjusts switching frequencies and duty cycles based on the input RF frequency and load conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the rectifier to maintain optimal efficiency across a wide frequency range by continuously optimizing operating parameters rather than being fixed at a single frequency point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor input frequency, output voltage, and current conditions, then adjust the switching parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures efficiency is maintained across varying frequencies by automatically compensating for frequency-dependent losses and optimizing the rectification process in real-time.
4Loss of energy
If synchronous rectifiers with controllable switches are used, then efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controllable switches in the synchronous rectifier are designed to perform multiple functions: rectification, voltage regulation, and frequency adaptation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing overall circuit complexity while maintaining the efficiency benefits of synchronous switching.
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 integrated rectifier design enhances power transmission efficiency, reduces size and cost, and maintains stability across varying power levels and frequencies, addressing inefficiencies and reliability issues in traditional rectifier systems.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifying circuit for converting received radio frequency (RF) signals in the form of AC waveforms to DC waveforms
Implementation Method 2
a boost converter connected to the rectifying circuit and configured to convert the output of the rectifying circuit to a determined voltage level at output terminals of the wireless power receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A novel integrated rectifier and boost converter circuit architecture is disclosed. The rectifier architecture includes a plurality of identical half-bridge rectifiers connected to receiving antennas to convert wireless AC power into DC power. The integrated rectifier may be coupled in series with a charging inductor in a boost converter. The inductor may discharge upon operation of two micro-controller-driven switching transistors using predetermined threshold and timing scheme to turn on/off. The rectifier architecture may provide high power densities, improve efficiency at larger load currents, and may be enabled in an integrated circuit with eight RF signal inputs, eight half-bridge rectifiers, and eight DC outputs ganged together as single feed into the boost converter. The rectifier circuit topology may include a comparator driven by the boost controller with a proprietary algorithm which suits control for a maximum power point tracking functionality, and an external micro-controller for additional control of the boost converter.