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Circuit and method to startup from very low voltages and improve energy harvesting efficiency in thermoelectric harvesters

  • US 8,305,050 B2
  • Filed: 10/12/2009
  • Issued: 11/06/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/28/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An energy harvesting system comprising:

  • a startup module for starting operation from a completely OFF state, said startup module using mechanical vibrations due to Motion to activate a switch that allows charging of one or more first capacitive elements to reach a first defined voltage;

    a storage module for buffering energy obtained from a thermoelectric harvester to be used by a load device, said storage module commences storing energy from said thermoelectric harvester when said 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 for providing regulated voltage to said load device after energy has been transferred from said thermoelectric harvester, said DC-DC converter module determines whether said second defined voltage has been reached and releases stored energy in said one or more first capacitive elements and said load device.

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