Multiple-input multiple-output energy processing for energy-harvesting applications

Abstract

This article deals with energy harvesting field, which is a method of collecting energy from the environment to power small devices. This type of energy use is growing exponentially due to the appearance of many of these devices. The objective is to design and implement an ultra-low-power boost converter, designed for energy harvesting applications, which is able to add different types of energy coming from the environment to charge a battery or to feed another electronic device. It is a very innovative project and therefore, the methodology used has contemplated a lot of time for studying, doing simulations, optimizing and testing a prototype. This has allowed us to carry out a study of great value and usefulness which establishes the basis to construct a device that adds energies of our surroundings. Finally, to verify the feasibility of the application, a two-input boost converter is built to add energy coming from two different sources (with the possibility of expanding this number) and also offers different types of output storage elements. In conclusion, the work has confirmed the possibility of adding energy from our environment and has shown the great potential of the application studied through a functional prototype.