Supplemental Power Supply Split for Battery and Control Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered control devices, such as motorized window treatments, face significant battery life reduction due to frequent power checks by communication circuitry and suboptimal solar charging methods, which are costly and limit rechargeable battery cycling lifetimes.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental power supply based on renewable but unreliable energy sources, such as electromagnetic, acoustic, or thermal energy, is integrated to power control and communication circuits, while the battery powers larger loads, extending battery life and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If solar cells are used to charge rechargeable batteries, then battery life is extended, but the cycling lifetime of the rechargeable battery is limited and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent parts: a rechargeable battery for high-power motor operation and a disposable battery for low-power control circuitry. This segmentation allows each battery type to be optimized for its specific function, preventing the rechargeable battery from being degraded by frequent small charges from solar cells while still extending overall system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry power requirement is extracted from the rechargeable battery system and assigned to a separate disposable battery. This removes the harmful effect of solar trickle-charging on the rechargeable battery's cycling lifetime while maintaining the ability to extend operational duration through the disposable battery.
2Speed
If control and communication circuitry frequently checks for control instructions, then device responsiveness is improved, but battery energy usage increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A disposable battery is used specifically for the control and communication circuitry, which requires frequent power checks and higher energy consumption. This disposable component absorbs the energy burden, allowing the main rechargeable battery to be preserved for longer periods and reducing the impact of frequent communication operations on overall system lifetime.
3Device complexity
If a single battery powers both motor and control circuitry, then device complexity is reduced, but battery capacity is consumed faster
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is divided into two separate battery systems, each dedicated to specific functions. The motor battery handles high-power transient loads while the control battery handles continuous low-power operations. This segmentation extends the overall system lifespan by preventing the high-power motor operations from rapidly depleting the control circuitry power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
Different battery types are assigned to different functional areas based on their specific power requirements. The rechargeable battery with higher capacity serves the motor, while the disposable battery with lower self-discharge rate serves the control circuitry. This local optimization ensures each component operates in its optimal performance range.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery-powered device, such as a motorized window treatment, may provide power to an electrical load, such as a motor. The device may also include a control circuit and a communication circuit. In addition to the battery, the device may be configured to receive power from a supplemental power source, such as a solar cell or wireless RF power supply, through which to power the control and communication circuits. The device may include a voltage monitor and a switch to intelligently control whether the battery or the supplemental power source is powering the control and communication circuits.