Thermoelectric Backup Power for Data Retention After Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backup power solutions for electronic devices are bulky, costly, and prone to thermal sensitivity, making them inefficient for small devices and unreliable for data backup operations after power shutdown.
Innovation Solution
A backup power supply system utilizing a thermoelectric generator and boost converter to provide power to essential components, managed by a microcontroller that monitors and adjusts energy requirements based on temperature and power consumption, ensuring data backup without damaging the microcontroller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional backup power solutions using multiple aluminum capacitors are used, then data backup operation can be performed, but the device becomes bulky and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical capacitor-based backup power system with a thermoelectric generator system. The TEG converts thermal energy from the microcontroller's operation into electrical energy, eliminating the need for bulky aluminum capacitors while maintaining data backup capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller serves dual purposes: it performs data backup operations and simultaneously generates thermal energy that powers the TEG during backup operations. The system uses its own operational heat to power the backup function, eliminating external power source requirements.
2Reliability
If traditional backup power solutions using multiples aluminum capacitors are used, then data backup operation can be performed, but the system becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive multiple aluminum capacitors with a single thermoelectric generator module, significantly reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining or improving backup reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the microcontroller's computational function with its thermal energy generation function. The heat normally wasted during microcontroller operation is captured by the TEG to power backup operations, eliminating the need for separate backup power components.
3Reliability
If traditional backup power solutions using aluminum capacitors are used, then data backup can be performed, but the system suffers from thermal sensitivity and short MTBF
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful thermal sensitivity issue into a beneficial resource. Instead of being adversely affected by temperature, the system uses the microcontroller's operational heat as the power source for the TEG, turning thermal vulnerability into thermal utility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces temperature-sensitive aluminum capacitors with a thermoelectric generator that is inherently designed to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, eliminating thermal sensitivity issues while improving reliability.
4Ease of operation
If all components are powered during backup operation, then complete functionality is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device components into essential and non-essential categories. During backup operation, only essential components are powered by the TEG, while non-essential components remain dormant, optimizing energy distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by powering only the minimum necessary components during backup operation. The TEG provides just enough energy to maintain essential functions, avoiding the excessive energy consumption of powering all components.
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 optimizes energy use by powering only essential components, preventing data loss and damage during power interruptions, while being more compact and reliable than traditional solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical energy being converted by the thermoelectric generator from the heat flux of the temperature deviation from the chip
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a backup power supply system (BPS) for managing data backup operation of an electronic device, comprising: a DC/DC converter (DC) having a main power input and a power output; a boost converter (BC) having a power input and a power output; a thermoelectric generator (TEG) associated with a chip and electrically connected to the power input of the boost converter, wherein the thermoelectric generator is able to heat or cool the chip; a microcontroller (MCT) electrically connected to the power outputs of the first and the second power converter, and electrically connected to a set of components (SC) able to perform data backup operation of the electronic device, wherein the microcontroller (MCT) is configured to determine an electrical energy required to perform data backup operation by the set of components, wherein the microcontroller (MCT) is configured to compute from the determined electrical energy a temperature deviation to reach by the thermoelectric generator (TEG), wherein the temperature deviation is the difference between the temperature inside the chip and the ambient temperature of the chip, wherein the microcontroller (MCT) is configured to command the regulation of the temperature inside the chip by means of the thermoelectric generator to reach the temperature deviation, wherein the microcontroller (MCT) is configured to supply electrical energy to the set of components (SC) when data backup operation is triggered, the electrical energy being converted from the heat flux of the temperature deviation from the chip.