RF Rectifier Gang Switching for Adaptive IoT Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF energy harvesting technologies do not account for varying IoT device power consumption needs, leading to inefficiencies in energy harvesting due to factors like location, task configuration, and duty cycles.
Innovation Solution
A configurable harvester that switches between sensitive and fast modes based on energy conditions, using a selector to interconnect rectifiers in series or parallel, optimizing energy harvesting efficiency for IoT devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If RF energy harvesting technology is used to provide wireless power for battery-free devices, then energy autonomy and environmental sustainability are improved, but harvesting efficiency varies significantly depending on device location, task configuration, and duty cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of rectifier gangs between series and parallel connections based on real-time energy conditions. The system transitions from static to dynamic operation by using a controller to switch between connection topologies, optimizing harvesting efficiency for different power consumption scenarios and duty cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical connection parameters of the rectifier gangs (series/parallel configuration) to adapt to varying energy conditions. By modifying the connection topology parameter, the harvester optimizes its performance for different RF energy availability levels and device power requirements.
2Productivity
If a uniform RF energy harvesting approach is used for all IoT devices, then device complexity is reduced, but harvesting efficiency cannot be optimized for individual device requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The harvester is divided into multiple independent rectifier gangs that can be independently connected in series or parallel. This segmentation allows the system to optimize harvesting efficiency for different devices by reconfiguring which gangs are active and how they are connected, without requiring completely different harvester designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The same harvester circuitry with multiple rectifier gangs can serve multiple IoT devices with different power requirements by reconfiguring the connection topology. The system achieves multi-functionality where a single harvester design can adapt to various device specifications and duty cycles.
3Measurement precision
If rectifier gangs are connected in series, then voltage output is increased for sensitive mode operation, but charging speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between series and parallel rectifier gang configurations based on energy conditions. During sensitive mode operation with weak RF signals, gangs are connected in series to maximize voltage output. During fast charging mode with strong RF signals, gangs are connected in parallel to maximize charging current and speed.
4Speed
If rectifier gangs are connected in parallel, then charging speed is increased for fast mode operation, but sensitivity to weak RF signals is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the rectifier gang connections based on real-time energy conditions. When strong RF energy is available and fast charging is needed, the gangs are connected in parallel to maximize current output. When RF energy is weak, the system switches to series connection to maximize voltage and sensitivity.
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
Enhances energy harvesting efficiency by adapting to varying energy conditions, enabling faster charging and reduced time between packets in IoT devices.
Implementation Method 1
energy harvesting derives energy from surrounding sources like mobile phones, Wi-Fi, and broadcast signals, capturing it with a receiving antenna and converting it into direct current voltage
Implementation Method 2
A configurable harvester energized by radio-frequency (RF) inputs and stores direct current (DC) in an accumulator
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect of the present disclosed subject matter, a configurable harvester energized by radio-frequency (RF) inputs and stores direct current (DC) in an accumulator, the harvester comprises: a plurality of gangs each comprising at least one rectifier powered by RF input; and at least one selector configured to interconnect the gangs either in series or in parallel; wherein an output of the interconnected gangs charges the accumulator with DC.