MPPT Controller Adjusting Duty Cycle via Inductor Energy-Releasing Duration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy harvesting systems for IoT devices face inefficiencies in charging due to the lack of effective maximum power point tracking methods, leading to increased battery demand and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A maximum power point tracking method and apparatus that utilizes a converter with an inductor to perform power conversion based on a duty cycle signal, where the duty cycle is adjusted according to the length of the energy-releasing duration to track the maximum power point, enabling efficient energy harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If maximum power point tracking is not implemented, then the system is simpler, but energy harvesting efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements MPPT by continuously monitoring the energy-releasing duration of the inductor and using this feedback to adjust the duty cycle. The controller measures the actual energy release time and compares it with reference values to dynamically optimize the operating point, ensuring maximum power extraction from the energy harvester while maintaining system simplicity through a single primary sensing parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the inherent energy-releasing duration characteristic of the inductor itself as the sensing parameter for MPPT. Rather than requiring external sensors or complex measurements, the system leverages the natural temporal characteristic of the inductor's energy release phase to determine optimal operating conditions, making the system self-sufficient and reducing additional hardware requirements.
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery demand increases, then IoT devices can operate longer, but environmental issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the energy harvesting system by dynamically adjusting the duty cycle based on energy-releasing duration measurements. This enables the system to operate at maximum power points under varying conditions, extracting more energy from the same environmental sources (light, heat, vibration), thereby extending device lifetime without proportionally increasing battery quantity or size, and reducing environmental impact.
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 enhances energy harvesting efficiency, reduces charging time, and minimizes battery demand, thereby extending the lifetime of IoT devices and mitigating environmental impacts.
Implementation Method 1
a current flowing through the inductor increases in an energy-storing duration and decreases in an energy-releasing duration
Data Source
AI summary
A maximum power point tracking method is provided. The method includes the following steps. Perform a power conversion operation by a converter according to a duty cycle signal so as to convert an input power supplied by an energy harvester into an output power, wherein the converter includes an inductor, and a current flowing through the inductor increases in an energy-storing duration and decreases in an energy-releasing duration. Obtain a length of the energy-releasing duration. Adjust the duty cycle signal according to the length of the energy-releasing duration so as to track a maximum power point of the input power or the output power.