Wireless Power Receiver MPPT Control via Segmented Boost Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless power transmission from RF waves is challenged by variability in power extraction due to environmental and interference factors, leading to instances where extracted power becomes zero, necessitating a method to manage maximum power point tracking (MPPT) effectively.
Innovation Solution
An MPPT management method is implemented in a receiver system with an intelligent input boost converter and micro-controllers to monitor and adjust voltage levels, using MPPT data to maximize power extraction from RF waves by tracking local and global power maxima, and adjusting the operation of the input boost converter to ensure continuous and stable power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If maximum power point tracking is implemented to extract maximum power from RF waves, then power extraction efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple micro-controllers and monitoring mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides MPPT control into two independent segments: a built-in micro-controller in the input boost converter that performs local MPPT tracking, and a main system micro-controller that provides overall coordination. This segmentation allows each controller to focus on specific tasks, improving power extraction efficiency while distributing system complexity across multiple specialized components rather than requiring one complex centralized controller
Solution Approach 2:
The built-in micro-controller acts as an intermediary between the RF power source and the main system micro-controller. It independently monitors voltage levels, detects maximum power points, and communicates findings to the main controller, thereby enabling sophisticated MPPT functionality without requiring the main controller to directly handle all monitoring and adjustment operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the receiver operates in variable environmental conditions, then adaptability is improved, but power extraction stability deteriorates due to variability in RF wave power
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring where the built-in micro-controller constantly monitors voltage levels at the antenna array and adjusts the boost converter operation accordingly. This real-time feedback mechanism enables the receiver to adapt to varying environmental conditions while maintaining stable power extraction by dynamically tracking the maximum power point regardless of external interference or RF wave variability
Solution Approach 2:
The MPPT system employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms where the built-in micro-controller continuously modifies operating parameters based on real-time voltage level monitoring. This dynamic approach allows the receiver to maintain optimal power extraction across changing environmental conditions, transforming the system from static to adaptive operation that responds to instantaneous power availability
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 method enables the receiver to efficiently extract maximum power from RF waves, ensuring continuous and suitable power delivery to electronic devices despite variable environmental conditions, thereby overcoming the issue of zero power extraction.
Implementation Method 1
power or energy extracted from RF waves
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments described herein include a wireless power receiver. One such receiver includes: (i) a first rectifier configured to rectify a first power received at a first antenna, (ii) a second rectifier configured to rectify a second power received at a second antenna, (iii) a controller configured to transmit an operational instruction to an input boost converter to adjust the first rectified power in response to determining that the power extracted by the receiver is less than a global power maximum based upon the first rectified power and the second rectified power, and (iv) an output boost converter configured to adjust the power provided to a load associated with the receiver. The controller is configured to: (a) determine load requirements for the load and (b) transmit one or more operational instructions to at least one of the input boost converter and the output boost converter based upon the load requirements.