Solar Power Tracking Voltage Converter with Feedback Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges in maintaining stable power output from solar power sources, as existing systems struggle to track and regulate power effectively, leading to instability and inefficiency, especially in remote locations where conventional charging options are unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A voltage converter and controller system that monitors power drawn by an electronic load and adjusts the output power from a solar power source to maintain a predetermined voltage range, using a programmable microcontroller to generate control signals based on monitored power characteristics, ensuring stable and efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solar power is used to power handheld devices, then portable power supply is improved, but power stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the controller continuously monitors the output voltage of the solar cells and adjusts the power draw accordingly. The controller reduces power consumption when solar output is low and increases it when solar output is high, maintaining stable operation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by dynamically adapting the load to match the variable solar power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the power draw from solar cells based on real-time conditions. The controller modifies the operating point of the solar cells by changing the load characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to varying solar irradiance and maintain stable power delivery despite the inherently variable nature of solar power.
2Power
If power draw from solar cells is increased to meet device demands, then power output is improved, but power stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses feedback to monitor solar cell output and dynamically adjusts the power draw to prevent instability. When the solar cells approach their maximum power point or experience fluctuating irradiance, the controller reduces the load to maintain stable operation, preventing the system from entering unstable regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by proactively reducing power draw when solar output conditions indicate potential instability. The controller anticipates power fluctuations and adjusts the load before instability occurs, maintaining stable power delivery while maximizing usable power output.
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 provides a stable and efficient power supply to portable electronic devices by maintaining the solar power output within a consistent range, preventing voltage drops and ensuring reliable operation even when solar power is limited, thus addressing the instability issues in existing solar power systems.
Implementation Method 1
solar power has been used to power up a handheld device
Data Source
AI summary
Solar power tracking techniques are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, a solar power tracking apparatus includes, but is not limited to, a voltage converter and a controller coupled to the voltage converter. The voltage converter includes an input capable of being coupled to a solar power source and an output capable of being coupled to an electronic load, such as, for example, a portable electronic device. The voltage converter is configured to monitor or detect an amount of power drawn by the electronic load at the output of the voltage converter. In response to the monitored power drawn, the controller is configured to control the voltage converter to reduce amount of power to be drawn subsequently if the monitored amount of power exceeds a predetermined threshold. As a result, the output voltage from the solar power source is maintained within a predetermined range. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.