Power Supply Device for Boosting Input Voltage with Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In energy harvesting systems, particularly thermoelectric generation, existing circuits continue to oscillate after reaching the desired output voltage, leading to energy wastage and wear of harvesting elements, making them unsuitable for sustainable systems.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device incorporating an oscillator circuit, step-up circuit, hysteresis comparators, and switches to control the output voltage based on threshold values, ensuring efficient boosting and preventing unnecessary oscillation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a typical step-up circuit is used to boost the output voltage of thermoelectric generation, then the voltage can be increased from several tens of mV to usable levels, but the oscillation operation continues even after the output voltage reaches the desired voltage, causing energy wastage and wear of harvesting elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using a hysteresis comparator that continuously monitors the output voltage and compares it with a reference voltage. When the output voltage reaches the desired level, the comparator triggers a switch to stop the oscillation operation, preventing further energy consumption. This closed-loop feedback control ensures the boosting operation ceases at the appropriate moment, resolving the energy wastage problem while maintaining effective voltage boosting.
2Temperature
If a typical step-up circuit is used to boost the output voltage of thermoelectric generation, then the voltage can be increased from several tens of mV to usable levels, but the oscillation operation continues even after the output voltage reaches the desired voltage, causing wear of harvesting elements
Solution Approach 1:
The hysteresis comparator provides real-time feedback on the output voltage status. When the voltage reaches the target threshold, the comparator's output state change triggers the switch to terminate oscillation, thereby preventing excessive operation that would cause wear to the thermoelectric generation elements. This feedback-controlled termination extends the reliability and lifespan of the harvesting elements.
3Loss of energy
If the oscillation operation is stopped when output voltage reaches desired level, then energy wastage is reduced and harvesting elements are protected, but the circuit complexity increases due to additional control components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hysteresis comparator, which is a relatively simple yet effective feedback component, to monitor output voltage and control the oscillation termination. This approach achieves energy savings and element protection with minimal additional circuit complexity, as the comparator integrates seamlessly with the existing step-up circuit topology and provides intelligent control without requiring complex external control systems.
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 device effectively boosts input voltage while minimizing energy wastage and extending the lifespan of harvesting elements by controlling the output voltage within desired thresholds, thus enhancing the sustainability of energy harvesting systems.
Implementation Method 1
a low-voltage power source of less than 100 mV is boosted by rectifying an oscillating waveform produced by an oscillator using an N-fold transformer
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier circuit arranged between the oscillator circuit and the step-up circuit, and configured to cause a current from the oscillator circuit to flow to the step-up circuit
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a power supply device configured to boost an input voltage to output an output voltage, the power supply device including: an oscillator circuit configured to receive the input voltage and to output an oscillation signal; a step-up circuit configured to output a boost voltage based on the oscillation signal; a first hysteresis comparator and a second hysteresis comparator configured to compare boost voltages with threshold values; a first switch that is connected between the oscillator circuit and the step-up circuit and that is controlled based on a comparison result of the first hysteresis comparator; and a second switch that is connected to an output terminal configured to output the output voltage and that is controlled based on a comparison result of the second hysteresis comparator.