Optimal component sizing in a two-reservoir passive energy harvesting system

Abstract

We utilize particle swarm optimization to reduce the size of the energy management components in an energy harvesting system, allowing us to eliminate the need for voltage regulators or DC-DC converters without affecting system performance. Prior literature on optimal power management in microelectronics [1, 2] has relied on engineering estimates or exhaustive parameter searches to optimize system design. No prior literature has considered the optimal design of a device with only passive components [3]. By using particle swarm optimization, we demonstrate a 55% reduction in device size relative to conventional engineering calculations of an optimal device design.