Wireless Power Receiver with Boost Converters for Stable RF Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless power transmission from RF waves is challenged by variability in power extraction due to interference from electronic devices, walls, metallic objects, and electromagnetic signals, leading to instances where power extraction may be zero, necessitating a receiver capable of operating with variable power sources and low voltage levels.
Innovation Solution
An enhanced receiver apparatus with an antenna array, input and output boost converters, storage element, communication subsystem, and microcontroller that converts RF waves into stable power for electronic devices, utilizing maximum power point tracking and adjustable current limits to optimize power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless power transmission is performed through air medium, then power can be transmitted wirelessly to electronic devices, but power extraction becomes variable and may become zero due to interference from electronic devices, walls, metallic objects, and electromagnetic signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a storage element (capacitor or battery) to accumulate energy in advance from the variable RF power source. This stored energy serves as a buffer that ensures continuous and stable power delivery to the load even when the RF power extraction becomes variable or zero, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining wireless power transmission capability and ensuring power stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power is extracted from RF waves in variable conditions, then wireless power transmission can operate in diverse environments, but the extracted power level becomes unpredictable and may drop to zero
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a storage element as an intermediary between the variable RF power source and the load. This intermediary component decouples the power extraction process from the power delivery process, allowing the system to operate in diverse environments while maintaining stable power levels. The storage element mediates the power fluctuations, accumulating energy when available and releasing it when the RF power drops, thus resolving the contradiction between environmental adaptability and power level stability.
3Reliability
If a storage element is added to stabilize power output, then continuous power delivery can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the storage element to automatically charge from the RF power source when power is available and automatically discharge to the load when power is needed, without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The system self-regulates the power flow based on the charging state of the storage element, achieving continuous power delivery with minimal additional complexity. This resolves the contradiction by providing reliable continuous power through a relatively simple self-managing architecture.
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
The receiver effectively extracts and converts variable RF wave power into continuous, suitable voltage for charging or powering electronic devices, even at low power levels, ensuring stable operation and matching load requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the antenna array may include one or more antenna elements that may convert RF waves into alternating current (AC) power or voltage
Implementation Method 2
Each antenna element may be operatively coupled with a rectifier which may rectify AC voltage or power to direct current (DC) voltage or power
Implementation Method 3
The input boost converter may step up the rectified DC voltage into a more stable voltage or power
Implementation Method 4
The input boost converter may step up the rectified DC voltage into a more stable voltage or power that may be utilized by the internal components of the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An enhanced receiver for wireless power transmission is disclosed. The receiver may be able to convert RF waves into continuous, stable and suitable voltage or power that can be used for charging or powering an electronic device. The receiver may include an antenna array for extracting and rectifying power from RF waves or pockets of energy. An input boost converter in the receiver may step up and stabilize the rectified voltage, while charging a storage element in the receiver. An output boost converter in the receiver may step up the output voltage of the storage element to deliver continuous and suitable power or voltage to a load. A microcontroller in the receiver may perform power measurements at different nodes or sections to adjust the operation of the input and output boost converters so that load power requirements can be satisfied at all times.