Light-Harvesting Battery Standby Power for Displays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern display devices require constant standby power, leading to ongoing energy costs and environmental concerns due to reliance on traditional energy sources, even in low-power modes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a light collection unit to charge a battery, which provides standby power to a visual display device, switching to an AC power source if the battery voltage is low and light is unavailable, optimizing power usage and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standby power is constantly supplied to maintain basic functions, then the display device can respond to user inputs and maintain operational readiness, but energy costs increase and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a light collection unit to harvest ambient light energy and charge the battery, allowing the display device to self-power its standby functions without drawing constant power from the electrical grid. The battery autonomously maintains charge levels to support standby operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different power sources (battery and AC power supply) based on battery voltage levels. When voltage exceeds the threshold, AC power charges the battery; when below, AC power directly supplies standby power, optimizing energy usage based on real-time parameters.
2Loss of energy
If a battery is used to provide standby power, then energy costs are reduced, but the battery requires charging infrastructure and voltage monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The battery serves multiple functions: it stores energy from the light collection unit, provides standby power when charged, and acts as a voltage sensor to trigger AC power charging or direct AC power supply based on its charge level. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery voltage and uses this feedback to control power flow. When voltage exceeds the threshold, the controller directs AC power to charge the battery; when below, it directs AC power to supply standby power directly, creating a closed-loop control system.
3Loss of energy
If light collection unit is used to charge battery, then renewable energy is utilized, but the system performance depends on light availability
Solution Approach 1:
The battery acts as an energy intermediary between the light collection unit and the standby power circuit. It accumulates energy when light is available and releases it when needed, decoupling the renewable energy source from the load and ensuring stable power supply regardless of light conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively charges the battery using light energy during daytime or when light is available, preparing energy reserves in advance for periods when light may be unavailable. This preliminary energy accumulation ensures continuous standby power capability.
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 reduces energy costs and environmental impact by harnessing light energy to charge batteries for standby power, minimizing the need for constant AC power supply during low-power modes.
Implementation Method 1
a light collection unit which is operable to receive light and output a charging current
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an apparatus and method thereof for providing standby power to a visual display, the apparatus including: a light collection unit which is operable to receive light and output a charging current; a battery which is operable to receive the charging current and providing the standby power to the visual display; and a controller which determines whether the battery has a voltage below a predetermined value, wherein if the voltage is below the predetermined value, the controller controls the battery to receive the charging current from the light collection unit, and wherein if the voltage is not below the predetermined value, the controller controls the battery to provide the standby power to the visual display.