Telemetry device for real-time monitoring of tidal power generators using multiple sensors and a variety of communication protocols.

Description

1 / 8 Telemetry device for real-time monitoring of tidal power generators using multiple sensors and a variety of communication protocols. DESCRIPTIVE REPORT

[001] The present invention relates to a Telemetry Device for Real-Time Monitoring of Tidal Power Generators Through a Plurality of Sensors Using a Variety of Communication Protocols. This device is installed directly on the structure of the tidal power generator, which generates electrical energy from wave or ocean current energy. It plays a crucial role as an end node, connecting to the sensors responsible for monitoring the equipment's operating conditions. These sensors collect essential data such as temperature, voltage and current, angular acceleration, angular velocity, vibration, and torque (through the measurement of mechanical deformation), allowing remote and real-time monitoring of the generator's performance. Integrating telemetry technology, the device performs continuous and real-time monitoring, providing detailed information on the operational status of the generators.Based on the data captured, it enables the adoption of preventive, predictive, and corrective measures, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operation of equipment, as well as contributing to the optimization of its lifespan and performance. PREVIOUS EDITIONS

[002] Currently, one of the main global demands lies in the energy issue. The continuous increase in electricity consumption stems from relentless technological advancement, which depends on increasingly complex electro-electronic systems. Petition 870250113822, dated 10 / 12 / 2025, page 4 / 22 2 / 8

[003] To meet this challenge, several solutions are being proposed and implemented, such as the use of energy generation systems from renewable sources, including photovoltaic, wind, and tidal systems. Furthermore, due to growing concern for environmental preservation, renewable sources of electricity play a prominent role in meeting energy demand and combating global warming, as they present lower pollution levels per unit of energy generated. This factor has driven the development of new and more efficient technologies, ensuring energy supply to meet current and future needs.

[004] However, the implementation and operation of renewable energy generation systems bring with them a new challenge for operators: monitoring the variables essential to the operation of these systems. The lack of adequate monitoring can compromise efficient and safe operation, since they represent critical systems.

[005] Given the increasing complexity of modern renewable energy generation systems and the fact that many of these systems operate in remote areas, such as offshore wind and tidal power plants, the development of monitoring devices capable of operating remotely and in real time is imperative. This type of monitoring is essential to ensure the safety and efficiency of the operation of these systems, especially in hard-to-reach and geographically dispersed locations.

[006] Patent registration PI1005967-9A2 filed on 12 / 21 / 2010, concerns a system designed to convert wave power into electrical energy by means of rods with ballasted buoys, which, when following the movement of the waves, transfers the rectilinear motion represented by a pair of racks in symmetrical and opposite positions to the respective gears located on the main horizontal axis that rotates 360° independently of the direction of the rods. Petition 870250113822, dated 10 / 12 / 2025, page 5 / 22 3 / 8

[007] Patent registration BR102015006362-8A2 filed on 03 / 23 / 2015 concerns a device for converting the energy of wave motion featuring a float that, during use, is vertically movable in response to wave motion; the motion is transmitted to an input mechanical shaft, which rotates with reciprocating rotary motion and is connected to an output mechanical shaft by means of a transmission unit that transfers torque from said input mechanical shaft to the output mechanical shaft.

[008] Patent registration BR102017026058-5A2 filed on 04 / 12 / 2017, concerns a wave energy converter characterized by a float that moves up and down with the passage of the wave, a bar connected to the float and to a shaft, follows the movement and rotates the shaft clockwise and counterclockwise, another bar connected to the linear electric generator, moves the piston of the electric generator, one end of the generator is connected to a bar and the other to a pivot, which allows the rotational movement of the generator.

[009] Patent registration BR112023003671-2A2 filed on 08 / 24 / 2021 is a monitoring system that measures the loss in solar energy generation, comprising a data collection module, a processing module, and a label module responsible for generating a maintenance label.

[010] Patent registration BR102021016758-0B1 filed on 08 / 24 / 2021 is a monitoring system that measures the percentage of energy wasted from water that does not pass through hydroelectric generators, comprising a supervisory system, a recording computer, a group of sensors, electrical switches, control meters and an electrical panel. Petition 870250113822, dated 10 / 12 / 2025, page 6 / 22 4 / 8

[011] In the current state of the art, no specific devices have been identified for monitoring wave energy converters. However, several variations of these converters are described in patents, such as BR102017026058-5A2, BR102015006362-8A2 and PI1005967-9A2, which are configured as wave energy converters, although they do not include dedicated monitoring solutions.

[012] On the other hand, other types of renewable energy sources already have devices or performance monitoring systems described in the state of the art. Examples of this include patent BR102021016758-0B1, which proposes a system for monitoring wasted energy in hydroelectric plants, and patent BR112023003671-2A2, which describes a system for measuring losses in solar energy generation.

[013] In view of this, the present invention aims to develop a comprehensive monitoring device for electromechanical energy converters, especially those used in renewable energy generation. The proposed device not only allows monitoring of the energy generated, but also of the internal conditions of the converters, encompassing the equipment described in patents BR102017026058-5A2, BR102015006362-8A2 and PI1005967-9A2. Furthermore, the invention represents a significant advance over the state of the art of the other patents, as it is not limited to monitoring the performance of the converters based only on losses, but allows a complete monitoring of their operation. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[014] To obtain a visualization of how the Telemetry Device for Real-Time Monitoring of Tidal Power Generators Through a Plurality of Sensors Using a Variety of Communication Protocols is constituted, the following drawings are presented: Petition 870250113822, dated 10 / 12 / 2025, page 7 / 22 5 / 8

[015] Figure 1: Illustrates a flowchart relating to the operation of the entire device, the subject of this patent application, which is composed of a Microcontroller (1.1), a Sensor Module (1.2), a Communication Module (1.3), a Backup Module (1.4) and a Power Supply (1.5). The image also shows the connections between the modules, highlighted by lines that indicate their interactions.

[016] Figure 2: Illustrates a flowchart of the Sensor Module (1.3) and its integration with the Microcontroller (2.1). The Sensor Module (1.3) consists of several sensors, including, but not limited to: Voltage Sensor (2.2), Current Sensor (2.3), Temperature Sensor (2.4), Angular Velocity Sensor (2.5), Angular Acceleration Sensor (2.6), Torque Sensor (2.7), Vibration Sensor (2.8), RTC (Real Time Clock) Module (2.9) and GPS (Global Positioning System) (2.10). The data obtained by these sensors are transmitted to the Microcontroller (2.1). Figure 2 shows an indicator line demonstrating the interaction between the modules, complemented by a legend to facilitate the identification of the components.

[017] Figure 3: Illustrates a flowchart of the Communication Module (1.3), detailing the available communication options: Via TCP / IP (3.2) and Via non-TCP / IP (3.3). Communication via TCP / IP (3.2) uses protocols belonging to the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol family, including, but not limited to: Wi-Fi, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), Satellite, and Ethernet. Communication via non-TCP / IP (4.3) adopts protocols that do not depend on the TCP / IP infrastructure, including, but not limited to: ZigBee, LoRa, and Bluetooth, enabling interaction between devices independently of this network. The modularity of the device allows it to work with any communication protocol, whether based on TCP / IP or on alternatives outside this standard. Petition 870250113822, dated 10 / 12 / 2025, page 8 / 22 6 / 8 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[018] The present invention relates to a Telemetry Device for Real-Time Monitoring of Tidal Power Generators Through a Plurality of Sensors Using a Variety of Communication Protocols, which utilizes wireless sensor networks and embedded systems. The device allows continuous monitoring of tidal power generators in real time, through the use of wireless sensor networks and embedded systems. This device is composed of distinct components, each with a specific function: Microcontroller (1.1), Sensor Module (1.2), Communication Module (1.3), Backup Module (1.4) and a Power Supply (1.5).

[019] The Microcontroller (1.1) manages the device modules and performs data interpretation. It collects information from the sensors integrated into the Sensor Module (1.2), processes it using its firmware, and transmits it to the Communication Module (1.3) and to the Backup Module (1.4).

[020] The Sensor Module (1.2) contains the sensors and modules responsible for measuring the parameters of the tidal power generators, acquiring specific variables, including, but not limited to: the Voltage Sensor (2.2), used to measure the voltage and power generated by the power generators; the Current Sensor (2.3), used to measure the current and also the power generated by the power generators; the Temperature Sensor (2.4), which monitors the temperature; the Angular Velocity Sensor (2.5), used to determine the angular velocity; the Angular Acceleration Sensor (2.6), which measures the angular acceleration; the Torque Sensor (2.7), used to measure the torque applied to the generators; the Vibration Sensor (accelerometer) (2.8), which allows identifying the operational health status of the equipment and faults even in their early stages; Petition 870250113822, dated 10 / 12 / 2025, page 9 / 22 7 / 8

[021] The RTC (Real Time Clock) Module (2.9), used to record the date and time of the monitored data; and the GPS (Global Positioning System) (2.10), which allows identifying the position of the device, or, when installed on the generators, the location of the generators themselves.

[022] The Communication Module (1.3) aims to ensure data exchange between the device components, enabling remote, autonomous, and real-time transmission to the end recipient. Its modular structure, supported by firmware and platform, allows the use of various communication protocols, such as TCP / IP (including Wi-Fi, GSM, Satellite, and Ethernet) and non-TCP / IP alternatives (such as ZigBee, LoRa, and Bluetooth).

[023] The Backup Module (1.4) is responsible for storing the data, including but not limited to SD (Secure Digital) cards, of the measurements taken, in order to ensure greater security. If a failure occurs in the connection of the Communication Module (1.3) during data transmission, the stored information is sent as soon as the connection is re-established. This module consists of a storage device connected to the Microcontroller (1.2).

[024] The Power Supply (1.5) is responsible for providing the energy needed to operate the different parts of the device, and is essential for its operation. It can be powered by the public electricity grid or, alternatively, by other sources of electrical energy, with priority given to batteries combined with solar panels attached to the device. This flexibility allows the device to be installed in various locations without the need for existing electrical infrastructure. Petition 870250113822, dated 10 / 12 / 2025, p. 10 / 22 8 / 8 PREFERRED MODALITIES

[025] The invention has broad applicability in renewable energy generation systems, specifically in tidal power generators, being particularly suitable for tidal power plants and offshore installations. These plants, often located in hard-to-reach environments, require advanced communication and continuous monitoring solutions to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the systems. The use of wireless sensor networks and embedded systems provides flexibility, allowing the device to adapt to different operating conditions, including remote areas where traditional monitoring solutions would be impractical.Furthermore, the device is highly effective in managing preventive and predictive maintenance, enabling operators to identify potential failures in tidal power generators before they worsen, ensuring uninterrupted operational continuity and contributing to the longevity, operational safety, and efficiency of the equipment. Petition 870250113822, dated 10 / 12 / 2025, page 11 / 22

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIMS 1) TELEMETRIC DEVICE FOR REAL-TIME MONITORING OF TIDAL POWER GENERATORS THROUGH A PLURALITY OF SENSORS USING A VARIETY OF COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS characterized by collecting relevant information on the operation of the tidal power generator in real time, comprising for this purpose a microcontroller, a sensor module, a communication module, a backup module and a power supply. 2) TELEMETRIC DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized by performing real-time monitoring of the tidal power generator, through the reception, processing and transmission of data via radio frequency. 3) TELEMETRIC DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a module responsible for collecting and processing data directly from the tidal power generator, with a sensor module, and sending the processed information via wired or wireless communication protocols through a communication module, with the process coordinated by the microcontroller. 4) TELEMETRIC DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized by having a microcontroller that coordinates the other modules by means of instructions programmed in its firmware. 5) TELEMETRIC DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized by having the ability to store data by means of a storage mechanism, which guarantees the protection of crucial information in the event that it is impossible to establish a connection with the communication module. Petition 870250113822, dated 10 / 12 / 2025, page 12 / 22 2 / 2 6) TELEMETRIC DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized by having a power supply that provides power to the microcontroller, which, according to Claim 3, distributes the necessary power to the other components of the device mentioned in Claim 1. 7) TELEMETRIC DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized by having the ability to establish a connection, detect, receive and transmit the data obtained, either by radio frequency or by means of a wired connection, to the final recipient. Petition 870250113822, dated 10 / 12 / 2025, p. 13 / 22

Images