Sequential Power Activation Circuit for Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In energy harvesting, the fluctuating power output from environmental energy sources like solar cells and piezoelectric elements poses challenges for reliable activation of loads, as existing DC-DC converters may fail to stabilize voltage effectively, leading to insufficient power supply and potential load failure.
Innovation Solution
A power circuit with a DC-DC converter and an activation control circuit that uses threshold voltage comparisons to sequentially activate loads, ensuring stable power delivery by starting the DC-DC converter when input voltage reaches a first threshold and activating additional loads when voltage exceeds a second threshold, thereby managing power distribution efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a DC-DC converter is activated when input voltage exceeds UVLO voltage, then the converter can start operating, but the output voltage may be inappropriate causing insufficient power supply to the load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by activating the DC-DC converter before activating the load. The control circuit first activates the converter when input voltage exceeds UVLO, allows it to stabilize output voltage, then subsequently activates the load when output voltage reaches a higher threshold. This sequential activation ensures the converter is ready to provide adequate power before the load demands it, resolving the contradiction between starting the converter and providing sufficient power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms with voltage detection circuits that continuously monitor both input and output voltages. The control circuit adjusts activation timing based on real-time voltage feedback, ensuring the DC-DC converter is activated at the appropriate moment when input voltage is sufficient and output voltage has stabilized, thereby guaranteeing reliable load activation with adequate power supply.
2Stability of the object's composition
If power is accumulated in a capacitor to buffer fluctuations, then power stability improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a control circuit that automatically manages power accumulation and distribution without external intervention. The circuit autonomously detects voltage levels, determines when to activate the DC-DC converter and load, and manages capacitor charging/discharging cycles based on real-time conditions, thereby achieving power stability while minimizing the need for additional complex control mechanisms.
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 ensures reliable activation of all loads by managing power distribution based on input voltage thresholds, preventing load failure and optimizing power usage, even during fluctuations in energy generation.
Implementation Method 1
a DC-DC converter that converts input voltage into voltage different from the input voltage
Implementation Method 2
voltage comparison unit that compares a voltage depending on the input voltage with a reference voltage
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a power circuit includes a DC-DC converter and an activation control circuit. The DC-DC converter converts input voltage into voltage that is different from the input voltage. The activation control circuit sends a first enable signal to start operation of the DC-DC converter when voltage depending on the input voltage becomes equal to or higher than a first threshold voltage, and sends a second enable signal to start operation of a load connected to an output side of the DC-DC converter when the voltage depending on the input voltage becomes equal to or higher than a second threshold voltage. The second threshold is higher than the first threshold voltage.