2025 SMSI Bannerklein

A3.4 Universal Energy Harvesting Topology Used for Small Variable Temperature Gradients

Event
SMSI 2020
-
(did not take place because of Covid-19 virus pandemic)
Band
SMSI 2020 - Sensors and Instrumentation
Chapter
A3 Low-power Sensing and Energy Havesting
Author(s)
M. Lenzhofer - Silicon Austria Labs GmbH, Villach (Austria)
Pages
65 - 66
DOI
10.5162/SMSI2020/A3.4
ISBN
978-3-9819376-2-6
Price
free

Abstract

This paper presents a thermo-electric energy harvesting circuit that starts up at very low input voltages, harvests the very little energy contained in small variable temperature gradients and bases on a commercially available converter chip. To guarantee a safe system start and stable operation over a certain time, external components are added that realize the topology developed within a modified block diagram. As a result, it turns out that beside optimal load matching also the power distribution and sequencing within the system is essential to deal with such low energy levels.

Download