Switch Mode Power Conveyor Circuit for Energy Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power converters in energy harvesting systems are constrained to specific voltage or current levels based on input power, limiting the efficiency and flexibility of energy transfer to loads.

Innovation Solution

A switch mode power path circuit that couples input and output ports to transfer energy at an output power level equal to the input power level times a transfer efficiency, allowing for energy to be received at a prescribed impedance level and optimized for maximum power point tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current power converters are used to convert harvested energy, then energy can be converted to usable voltage or current, but the output is constrained to specific voltage or current levels based on input power, reducing system flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput voltage flexibilityVSAvoidpower converter constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic power conveyor system where the output voltage and current are not fixed but can be dynamically adjusted based on load requirements. The system continuously adapts the output parameters to match the connected load, enabling flexible power delivery across a wide range of voltage and current levels while maintaining high efficiency through real-time optimization of the power transfer path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If power converters are used to convert energy, then energy can be delivered to loads, but transfer efficiency is reduced due to conversion losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidsystem implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary power conveyor circuit that acts as an optimized bridge between the energy harvesting sensor and the load. This intermediary component uses synchronous rectification and intelligent power path management to minimize conversion losses, achieving transfer efficiencies of 95% or higher by reducing dissipative losses in the power transfer path while maintaining electrical isolation and impedance matching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If maximum power point tracking is implemented to optimize harvesting efficiency, then energy harvesting efficiency improves, but the input power level must be continuously adjusted, complicating power delivery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy harvesting efficiencyVSAvoidpower regulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback-controlled power conveyor system that continuously monitors the operating point of the energy harvesting sensor and dynamically adjusts the power transfer parameters to maintain maximum power point tracking. The system uses real-time feedback from voltage and current sensors to optimize the power extraction efficiency while simultaneously regulating the output to match load requirements, resolving the contradiction between harvesting optimization and power delivery complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 enables high-efficiency transfer of energy from sensors to loads, maintaining voltage regulation and maximizing harvesting efficiency, with efficiencies of approximately 99% achievable, and allows for flexible power delivery regardless of load constraints.

Implementation Method 1

A switch mode power path circuit is coupled to the input port and the output port to receive the input signal from the sensor received at the input port and to provide an output signal to the output port at an output power level equal to the input power level times a transfer efficiency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwitch mode power conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS11502533B2Power conveyor devices for energy harvesting systems and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 INTRINSIX CORP

AI summary

A power conveyor circuit for an energy harvesting system includes an input port configured to be electrically coupled to a sensor to receive an input signal from the sensor at an input power level and an output port configured to 5 be electrically coupled to a load. A switch mode power path circuit is coupled to the input port and the output port to receive the input signal from the sensor received at the input port and to provide an output signal to the output port at an output power level equal to the input power level times a transfer efficiency. A method of making the power conveyor circuit and an energy harvesting system including the power conveyor circuit are also disclosed.