Power utility maximization for multiple-supply systems by a load-matching switch

ABSTRACT

For embedded systems that rely on multiple power sources (MPS), power management must distribute the power by matching the supply and demand in conjunction with the traditional power management tasks. Proper load matching is especially critical for renewable power sources such as solar panels and wind generators, because it directly affects the utility of the available power. This paper proposes a power distribution switch and a source-consumption matching algorithm that maximizes the total utility of the available power from these ambient power sources. Our method yields over 30% more usable power than conventional MPS designs.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.3 SPECIAL-PURPOSE AND APPLICATION-BASED SYSTEMS
      Subjects: Real-time and embedded systems

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation

Keywords:
load matching, photovoltaics, power management, power model, solar energy, solar-aware