Combining Micro Generators

[RoyMcdoward]

I am currently exploring the construction of a device which runs 3-4 micro generators. How can I combine/direct the output of the generators toward a single source, such as a battery?

Thanks in advance.

 

[kellys_eye]

What voltage? What current? DC or AC?

 

[RoyMcdoward]

Thanks for your response. These are quite small DC generators: 6v / 40 mA

 

[Bluejets]

As dc generators will also run as motors, you'll need to "steer" the output of each through a diode to your battery.
As the least amount of voltage loss would, I imagine, be desirable, use schottky diodes as these will have only 0.2v loss as opposed to a silicon diode at 0.7v.

 

[RoyMcdoward]

Thank you, Bluejets. I am unfamiliar with the use of diodes. However, “steering” sounds quite exciting. I look forward to doing the research into schottky diodes and max efficiency. Do you have any suggestions where to begin?

 

[Bluejets]

Obviously the generator with the highest output will stop the others from charging.

 

[RoyMcdoward]

Extremely helpful. Thank you, sir.

 

[danadak]

Some ref material :

https://www.ti.com/lit/an/slvae57b/slvae57b.pdf?ts=1664544415236&ref_url=https%253A%252F%252Fduckduckgo.com%252F

If trying to do max efficiency :

https://www.ti.com/power-management/power-switches/ideal-diodes-oring-controllers/products.html#p238min=-6;6&p238max=6;100&p2192=Internal%20FET;Integrated%20FET