Switched-Capacitor MPPT DC-DC Converter With Output-Power Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC-DC electrical power energy converters face inefficiencies due to complex design, large component footprints, and sensitivity to control signals, with maximum power point tracking methods not accounting for energy efficiency and relying heavily on capacitance measurements.
Innovation Solution
A switched capacitance-based DC-DC converter unit with a power detector that measures output current and uses a controller module to adjust switching frequency and voltage gain, integrated as a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) with power gating to minimize energy consumption by disabling unnecessary components during low energy levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional DC-DC converter design with inductance is used, then power conversion function is achieved, but device complexity and footprint size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional inductor-based magnetic energy storage with a switched capacitor network that uses capacitive elements and switching devices to achieve the same DC-DC conversion function. This substitution eliminates the need for large inductors and reduces reliance on external passive components, thereby simplifying the overall design and reducing footprint while maintaining power conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions including power conversion, maximum power point tracking, and power detection into a single unified circuit architecture. The switched capacitor network combines energy storage and power transfer functions, while the power detector integrates current sensing and control feedback, reducing device complexity through functional consolidation.
2Productivity
If maximum power point tracking based on input voltage measurement is used, then tracking function is achieved, but efficiency is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the power detector continuously monitors the actual power delivered to the load and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller adjusts the switching duty cycle based on this feedback to maximize power transfer efficiency, ensuring optimal operation under varying load conditions rather than relying solely on input voltage measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the switching frequency and duty cycle of the switched capacitor network based on real-time power detection results. By adjusting these parameters according to actual power delivery conditions, the system optimizes conversion efficiency while maintaining the maximum power point tracking function.
3Productivity
If output voltage measurement based MPPT is used, then tracking is achieved, but system becomes highly dependent on output capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces voltage-based measurement with current-based measurement using the power detector. By measuring output current flow through a sensing element rather than voltage, the system becomes independent of output capacitance values, allowing versatile operation with different capacitance configurations while maintaining accurate tracking capability.
4Measurement precision
If dedicated microcontrollers are used for MPPT measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the maximum power point tracking control logic and power detection functions into a single integrated circuit module. This integration eliminates the need for separate dedicated microcontrollers, reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision through specialized analog-to-digital conversion and control logic designed specifically for MPPT applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The power detector circuit is designed to operate autonomously, self-calibrating and self-regulating its measurement process without requiring high-power external control. The circuit uses efficient sampling and comparison techniques that minimize energy consumption while achieving accurate maximum power point detection.
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 approach results in a highly efficient design with sub-microwatt power consumption and reduced power dissipation, suitable for energy harvesting applications like RF and PV systems, by enabling efficient power management and reducing the need for additional microcontrollers.
Implementation Method 1
the output current of the switched capacitor electrical power energy converter unit is driven through a resistor, which can be a programmed, thus producing a voltage drop said first and second potential difference across the resistor
Implementation Method 2
the voltage drop across the resistor is amplified by a voltage amplifier and sampled by sample-and-hold comparator
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical power energy converter unit for converting Direct Current to Direct Current, DC-DC, with maximum power point tracking that measures converted power at the output and controller module.