In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards sustainable energy sources and the utilization of renewable energy for various applications. Energy harvesting has emerged as a promising technology that allows the extraction and conversion of ambient energy from the environment into usable electrical energy. This technology holds immense potential in powering lowpower electronic devices, wireless sensor networks, and IoT devices, among others, without the need for traditional power sources or frequent battery replacements. One crucial component in energy harvesting systems is the charge pump circuit. The charge pump circuit plays a vital role in efficiently converting and boosting the low-level energy harvested from ambient sources such as solar radiation, heat differentials, or mechanical vibrations to usable voltage levels required for powering electronic devices. However, the design of an optimized charge pump circuit for energy harvesting applications presents significant challenges. The primary motivation behind this project thesis is to address these challenges and contribute to the advancement of charge pump circuit design for energy harvesting applications. By developing novel design techniques and methodologies, we can enhance the efficiency, reliability, and overall performance of charge pump circuits, enabling the efficient utilization of ambient energy sources and facilitating the widespread adoption of energy harvesting systems. One of the key objectives of this project is to explore and analyze different charge pump circuit topologies, including voltage doublers, Dickson charge pumps, and hybrid configurations. Each topology possesses unique characteristics and trade-offs that need to be carefully considered to ensure optimal performance in energy harvesting applications. By comprehensively studying these topologies and their behavior, we can identify the most suitable configuration for specific energy sources and operational requirements. Additionally, this project thesis aims to investigate advanced control techniques and optimization strategies for charge pump circuits in energy harvesting systems. Adaptive control schemes, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms, and feedback control mechanisms will be explored to maximize power extraction from the energy source and enhance the overall efficiency of the charge pump circuit. These techniques will ensure that the charge pump circuit operates at its highest efficiency regardless of varying ambient conditions and load requirements. To validate the proposed design methodologies and techniques, the project will involve the implementation of the charge pump circuit on a hardware platform. Extensive experimental tests and measurements will be conducted to evaluate its performance in terms of efficiency, voltage ripple, power transfer capabilities, and response to dynamic load variations. This empirical validation will provide crucial insights into the practical feasibility and real-world applicability of the designed charge pump circuit. The outcomes of this project thesis will contribute to the advancement of energy harvesting systems by improving the performance and efficiency of charge pump circuits. The optimized charge pump circuit design methodologies and control techniques developed through this research will enable efficient energy extraction and utilization, leading to longer device lifetimes, reduced reliance on batteries, and increased sustainability in various applications. In conclusion, this project thesis on the design of charge pump circuits for energy harvesting applications holds great promise in advancing the field of renewable energy and sustainable power generation. By optimizing charge pump circuit design, we can unlock the full potential of energy harvesting technologies and pave the way for their widespread adoption in diverse fields, ranging from IoT devices and wireless sensor networks to remote monitoring systems and autonomous electronics, ultimately contributing to a greener and more energy-efficient future.
