Energy harvesting system with selectively activatable harvesting interface, and method of energy harvesting
US9450434B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 14, 2014 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B70/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An energy-harvesting system includes a transducer to convert environmental energy into a harvesting electrical signal. A storage element stores electrical energy derived from conversion of the harvested environmental energy. A harvesting interface supplies an electrical charging signal to the storage element. The harvesting interface is selectively connected to the storage element in response to a control signal. The control signal causes the connection when the harvesting electrical signal exceeds a threshold. Conversely, the control signal causes the disconnection when the harvesting electrical signal is less than the threshold.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.