Energy Harvesting Techniques in Low-Voltage Power Conversion Systems
Summary
Energy harvesting in low-voltage power conversion systems encompasses a suite of methods that capture ambient energy—such as thermal gradients, mechanical vibrations, light, and radio-frequency waves—and convert it into electrical power suitable for electronic devices. Central to these systems are specialised converters capable of operating at input voltages often below a few hundred millivolts. Key architectures include boost converters, which step up weak source voltages; charge pumps, which employ switched-capacitor networks for voltage multiplication; and hybrid designs combining inductive and capacitive elements to achieve ultra-low startup thresholds. Advanced control strategies such as maximum power point tracking and zero current switching optimise energy extraction and reduce losses. Together, these techniques underpin the autonomy of Internet of Things nodes, wearable sensors and implantable medical devices by extending operational lifetime and reducing reliance on conventional batteries.
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Energy Harvesting Techniques in Low-Voltage Power Conversion Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in energy harvesting techniques in low-voltage power conversion systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Energy harvesting: The process of capturing ambient energy sources and converting them into electrical power for autonomous systems.
Boost converter: A DC-DC converter topology that raises a low input voltage to a higher regulated output voltage using inductive energy storage.
Charge pump: A switched-capacitor circuit that accumulates and transfers charge in discrete phases to multiply voltage without inductors.
Maximum power point tracking (MPPT): A control algorithm that continuously adjusts converter operating parameters to extract peak power from the energy source.
Zero current switching (ZCS): A technique that schedules switching events at instants when the current through the semiconductor device is zero, minimising switching losses.
References
- A Design of Boost Converter With Time-Domain MPPT and Digital Self-Tracking ZCD for Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting Applications. IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics (2023).
- A Compact and Efficient Boost Converter in a 28 nm CMOS with 90 mV Self-Startup and Maximum Output Voltage Tracking ZCS for Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting. Sensors (2023).
- Low Voltage Switched-Capacitive-Based Reconfigurable Charge Pumps for Energy Harvesting Systems: An Overview. IEEE Access (2022).
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