Low Frequency Switched Capacitor Voltage Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage regulators contribute to significant power losses (20-50%) during very light load conditions, necessitating the development of efficient solutions that can operate effectively under these conditions.
Innovation Solution
A unique switched capacitor voltage regulator using electrochemical capacitors with extremely low switching frequencies (less than 1 kilohertz) is designed to reduce losses, incorporating porous-Si electrochemical capacitors with ultra-low effective series resistance and solid-state or gel electrolytes for efficient energy storage and conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional voltage regulators are used, then voltage regulation function is provided, but power losses increase significantly (20-50%) during very light load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching action at extremely low frequencies (less than 1 kHz) to charge and discharge electrochemical capacitors, providing voltage regulation through intermittent energy transfer rather than continuous operation. This periodic action allows the system to maintain voltage regulation functionality while dramatically reducing power losses during light load conditions by entering low-activity states between switching cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using extremely low switching frequencies (less than 1 kHz) compared to conventional high-frequency regulators, and by utilizing electrochemical capacitors with ultra-low effective series resistance. These parameter changes enable the system to achieve less than 10% standby losses while maintaining effective voltage regulation.
2Productivity
If high-frequency converters are used, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but noise issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using periodic switching at extremely low frequencies (less than 1 kHz), the system achieves power conversion functionality while avoiding the high-frequency noise generation associated with conventional converters. The low-frequency periodic action allows energy transfer to occur without generating electromagnetic interference or acoustic noise in the audible and radio frequency ranges.
3Loss of energy
If electrochemical capacitors with ultra-low effective series resistance are used, then energy storage efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage regulation function with energy storage by integrating electrochemical capacitors directly into the converter circuitry. This combination eliminates the need for separate regulation stages and reduces overall device complexity while achieving ultra-low effective series resistance through the inherent properties of the integrated capacitor design.
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 approach minimizes standby losses to less than 10%, extending battery life in mobile and handheld devices while avoiding noise issues associated with high-frequency converters.
Implementation Method 1
A unique switched capacitor voltage regulator using electrochemical capacitors with extremely low switching frequencies (less than 1 kilohertz) is designed to reduce losses
Implementation Method 2
incorporating porous-Si electrochemical capacitors with ultra-low effective series resistance and solid-state or gel electrolytes for efficient energy storage and conversion
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the invention, a low frequency converter is described that includes a first electrochemical capacitor to charge to an input voltage and a second electrochemical capacitor that is coupled to the first electrochemical capacitor. The second electrochemical capacitor is associated with an output voltage of the low frequency converter. Each electrochemical capacitor may have a capacitance of at least one millifarad (mF) and a switching frequency that is less than one kilohertz.