Circuit and method to startup from very low voltages and improve energy harvesting efficiency in thermoelectric harvesters
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United States of America Patent
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Nov 6, 2012
Grant Date -
Oct 28, 2010
app pub date -
Oct 12, 2009
filing date -
Apr 28, 2009
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Abstract
An energy harvesting system is provided that includes a startup module for starting the energy harvesting system operation from a completely OFF state. The startup module uses mechanical vibrations due to motion to trigger a switch which permits the startup module to charge one or more first capacitive elements so to as reach a first defined voltage. A storage module buffers energy obtained from a thermoelectric harvester to be used by a load device. The storage module commences storing energy from the thermoelectric harvester when the first defined voltage has been reached allowing charging of one or more second capacitive elements to reach a second defined voltage. A DC-DC converter module provides regulated voltage to the load device after energy has been transferred from the thermoelectric harvester. The DC-DC converter module determines whether the second defined voltage has been reached and releases stored energy in the one or more first capacitive elements and the load device.
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