Power Saving Circuit with Dynamic Backup Battery Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-power devices equipped with energy harvesting systems face challenges in efficiently managing power supply when alternative energy sources are unavailable for extended periods, leading to unnecessary drainage of backup batteries.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit with a storage element, a backup battery, and a switch control circuit that monitors voltage levels to selectively connect and disconnect these components from the output, ensuring the backup battery is only used when necessary and for limited durations, thereby preventing unnecessary drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the backup battery is connected to the output when storage element voltage is below reference voltage, then continuous power supply is ensured, but the backup battery is drained unnecessarily during extended periods without energy availability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the connection state of the backup battery based on real-time monitoring of energy source availability and storage element voltage levels. The switch control circuit changes the system configuration from static (backup battery always connected or never connected) to dynamic (connected only when necessary), resolving the contradiction between ensuring continuous power supply and preventing unnecessary battery drainage.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage monitor provides continuous feedback about the storage element voltage level to the switch control circuit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to make informed decisions about when to connect or disconnect the backup battery, ensuring power supply reliability only when the storage element voltage falls below the reference voltage, thereby preventing unnecessary energy loss.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the backup battery remains connected during extended periods without energy availability, then power supply continuity is maintained, but the battery lifetime is reduced due to unnecessary drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring of the storage element voltage and conditional connection of the backup battery only during periods when energy is actually needed. Instead of continuous connection, the backup battery is activated periodically or intermittently based on system needs, extending its operational life while maintaining power supply continuity when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage monitor continuously tracks the storage element voltage in advance to predict when the backup battery will be needed. By preparing and connecting the backup battery proactively only when voltage approaches the reference threshold, the system ensures power continuity without unnecessary prolonged connection that would drain the battery.
3Device complexity
If a simple voltage threshold system is used to switch between storage element and backup battery, then the control mechanism is simple, but it cannot prevent unnecessary backup battery usage during extended inactive periods
Solution Approach 1:
The switch control circuit performs multiple functions: it monitors voltage levels, determines energy source availability status, controls the connection state of the backup battery, and extends battery life through intelligent management. This multi-functional approach maintains relative simplicity while preventing unnecessary energy drainage that a basic threshold switch cannot achieve.
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 extends the lifetime of the backup battery by limiting its usage to only when necessary, ensuring continuous power supply while preventing unnecessary drainage, thus maintaining the battery's longevity and allowing for a more robust and cost-effective manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage monitor is configured to compare a voltage of the storage element to a reference voltage
Implementation Method 2
a power supply that converts an external source of energy into electric power. For example, a solar cell (or photovoltaic, PV, cell)
Implementation Method 3
the harvesting controller can be configured to store the harvested energy in a storage element
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for controlling a power supply is disclosed. The circuit has a storage element for storing energy harvested from energy sources, a backup battery, and a comparator to compare a voltage of the storage element to a reference voltage. The circuit also contains a first switch for selectively connecting the storage element to an output. A second switch connects the backup battery to the output. A switch control circuit controls the first switch to disconnect the storage element from the output and the second switch to connect the backup battery to the output, if the voltage of the storage element is below the reference voltage. The backup battery is disconnected from the output while the voltage of the storage element is below the reference voltage. The control circuit controls the second switch to disconnect the battery from the output while the voltage of the storage element is below the reference.