Programmable logic controller

Abstract

The invention discloses a programmable logic controller which is characterized in that through the synergistic effect of an environment sensing module, a program storage module, a task scheduling module, a dormancy timing module, an electric quantity monitoring module and a power-off management module, when equipment starts to run, the equipment is started, the surrounding environment is detected, and at the moment, corresponding equipment activator conditions are set in the equipment. When the environment condition reaches the equipment activation condition, the corresponding initialization program in the equipment is activated, so that the corresponding equipment is activated to work, and all the equipment is not activated; when the equipment enters the countdown mode and countdown reaches preset time, the equipment is awakened again, after awakening, the environment state is detected, the steps are repeated, and after execution is completed, the equipment still enters the standby state and enters the standby mode. Without additional charging equipment, the module can effectively work for a relatively long time under the condition of relatively low power supply cost, and the power consumption of the equipment is reduced to the greatest extent.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of device electric energy management, and particularly relates to a programmable logic controller. BACKGROUND

[0002] In contemporary electronic devices, energy saving is an important matter that cannot be ignored. For this reason, a large number of energy saving methods have been invented and applied to actual life. For example, a method of using a new material to convert more current flowing through a light bulb into light energy rather than heat energy, thereby increasing the energy utilization rate during use of the light bulb. Or a method of continuously using external energy to increase the energy of the device itself during use by externally connecting various automatic charging devices, thereby achieving the purpose of prolonging the use time. Or a method of closing some non-main functions according to the remaining amount of electricity, so that the use power of the device decreases with the decrease of the amount of electricity, thereby achieving the goal of electric energy management.

[0003] These methods can achieve stable output, but have the disadvantage of needing to add a whole charging module, which increases the cost, weight, and volume of the module. Or although no additional components such as charging devices are needed, the overall performance of the device will decrease when the amount of electricity is low, which means that the working efficiency of the system will decrease when the amount of electricity is low. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide a programmable logic controller to reduce the energy loss of the device in an intermittent start mode. Compared with the energy saving method with a charging device, this method reduces the devices required for the charging device and reduces the space required for the charging device, making the overall system more compact. Compared with the method of waking up the device according to the amount of electricity, this method can better achieve the function in the low-power mode, thereby producing better working results.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the technical scheme of the present application is as follows: A programmable logic controller for automatic device electric energy management, comprising: An environment sensing module for sampling at least one environmental parameter to obtain current environmental state information each time the device is woken up; A program storage module pre-storing a plurality of independently callable task programs, and each task program uniquely corresponding to at least one of the environmental state information; A task scheduling module in communication connection with the environment sensing module and the program storage module, for calling and executing the task program corresponding to the environmental state information from the program storage module after obtaining the current environmental state information; A hibernation timing module, in communication connection with the task scheduling module, is configured to start timing after the task program is executed, and to generate a wake-up signal to reactivate the environment sensing module when the timing reaches a first preset time length. A power monitoring module is configured to detect the remaining power of the device and output power information each time the wake-up signal is triggered. A power-off processing module, in communication connection with the power monitoring module, is configured to record the current environment state information and control the programmable logic controller to enter a power-off hibernation state when the power information is lower than a first threshold, until external charging or replacement of the power supply.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present application, the environment sensing module comprises: An image acquisition sub-module is configured to acquire visible light or infrared images. A sound acquisition sub-module is configured to acquire environmental sound wave signals. A power acquisition sub-module is configured to acquire device self-battery voltage, current or remaining capacity signals. The image acquisition sub-module, the sound acquisition sub-module and the power acquisition sub-module can be used as input sources for triggering the task program, either individually or in combination.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present application, the task program comprises: A first task program is configured to start a noise detection device when a ship image signal is detected. A second task program is configured to send the current location information of the device to the outside when a ship noise signal is detected. A third task program is configured to reduce the working frequency of non-critical function modules or shut down part of peripheral devices when the power information is lower than a second threshold but higher than the first threshold.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present application, the hibernation timing module further comprises: A programmable register is configured to dynamically adjust the first preset time length by software instructions, so that the first preset time length ranges from 5 minutes to 24 hours.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present application, the environment sensing module is completely powered off during the timing stage, and is powered on instantaneously to complete sampling immediately after the wake-up signal is received, and then is powered off again.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present application, further comprising: A data buffer module is configured to temporarily store the environment parameters of the last sampling before the power-off processing module records the current environment state information, so as to reduce the power consumption during the recording process.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present application, the task scheduling module adopts an event-driven architecture, so that when the triggering conditions of multiple task programs are met simultaneously in the same wake-up period, the multiple task programs are executed in turn according to a preset priority order.

[0012] A programmable logic controller-based intermittent power management method, comprising the following steps: a) sampling at least one environmental parameter at each wake-up time to obtain current environmental state information; b) according to the current environmental state information, calling and executing a task program uniquely corresponding to the environmental state information from a plurality of pre-stored task programs; c) after the execution of the task program, starting a timer and performing step a) again when the timer reaches a first preset time T1; d) detecting the remaining power of the device at each wake-up time, and if the remaining power is lower than a first threshold, recording the current environmental state information and entering a power-off hibernation state until external charging or replacement of the power supply.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present application, in step b), when the triggering conditions of multiple task programs are met simultaneously in the same wake-up period, the multiple task programs are executed in turn according to a preset priority order, and after the execution of the highest priority task, the timer stage of step c) is entered immediately, and the remaining unexecuted tasks are reevaluated in the next wake-up period.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present application, in step d), when the remaining power is lower than a second threshold but higher than the first threshold, the working frequency of a non-critical function module is reduced or part of the peripheral devices are turned off before the execution of the task program, so as to prolong the working period under the remaining power.

[0015] The present application has the following advantages and positive effects compared with the prior art due to the use of the above technical solutions: In one embodiment of the present invention, the programmable logic controller (PLC) utilizes the coordinated operation of an environmental sensing module, a program storage module, a task scheduling module, a sleep timing module, a power monitoring module, and a power failure management module. When the device starts operating, it powers on and detects the surrounding environment. At this time, corresponding device activation conditions are set within the device. When the environmental conditions meet the device activation conditions, the corresponding initialization program within the device is activated, thereby activating the corresponding device to operate, rather than activating all devices. When the device enters countdown mode and the countdown reaches a preset time, the device is woken up again. After waking up, the environmental status is detected, and the above steps are repeated. After completion, it returns to standby mode. Without the need for additional charging equipment, the module can effectively operate for a relatively long time with low power supply costs, maximizing the reduction of device power consumption. This PLC can be integrated into smart buoys, wireless sensor nodes, or portable industrial monitoring terminals, and through intermittent operation, the average power consumption is reduced to less than 1% of the continuous operation mode. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a programmable logic controller structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the programmable logic controller in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The programmable logic controller proposed in this invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The advantages and features of this invention will become clearer from the following description and claims.

[0018] To improve the overall usage time of the device and its reliability in low-power mode, this embodiment provides a programmable logic controller that turns the device on or off over time, regardless of the amount of power. This allows the controller to maintain sufficient performance even when the power is low and enables the device to operate without additional charging equipment throughout its entire working cycle.

[0019] For details, please refer to Figure 1 Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are used for power management in automated equipment, including: An environmental sensing module is used to sample at least one environmental parameter each time the device is woken up to obtain current environmental status information; The program storage module pre-stores multiple independently callable task programs, and each task program uniquely corresponds to at least one of the environmental state information. The task scheduling module is in communication connection with the environment sensing module and the program storage module, and is configured to call a task program corresponding to the current environment state information from the program storage module and execute the task program after obtaining the current environment state information; The sleep timing module is in communication connection with the task scheduling module, and is configured to start timing after the task program is executed, and generate a wake-up signal to activate the environment sensing module again when the timing reaches a first preset time length. The power monitoring module is configured to detect the remaining power of the device and output power information each time the wake-up signal is triggered. The power-off processing module is in communication connection with the power monitoring module, and is configured to record the current environment state information and control the programmable logic controller to enter a power-off sleep state when the power information is lower than a first threshold, until external charging or replacement of the power supply.

[0020] The environment sensing module includes: The image acquisition submodule is configured to acquire visible light or infrared images. The sound acquisition submodule is configured to acquire environmental sound wave signals. The power acquisition submodule is configured to acquire device self-battery voltage, current or remaining capacity signals. The image acquisition submodule, the sound acquisition submodule and the power acquisition submodule can be used as input sources of the task program individually or in combination.

[0021] The task program includes: The first task program is configured to start the noise detection device when a ship image signal is detected. The second task program is configured to send the current position information of the device to the outside when a ship noise signal is detected. The third task program is configured to reduce the working frequency of non-critical function modules or turn off part of the peripheral devices when the power information is lower than a second threshold but higher than the first threshold.

[0022] Further, the sleep timing module in the embodiment further includes: The programmable register is configured to dynamically adjust the first preset time length by software instructions, so that the value range of the first preset time length is 5 minutes to 24 hours.

[0023] The environment sensing module is completely powered off during the timing stage, and is powered on instantaneously to complete sampling and then powered off again immediately when the wake-up signal arrives.

[0024] The programmable logic controller in the embodiment further includes: The data cache module is configured to temporarily store the environment parameters of the last sampling before the power-off processing module records the current environment state information, so as to reduce the power consumption during the recording process.

[0025] The task scheduling module adopts an event-driven architecture, so that when the triggering conditions of multiple task programs are met at the same time in the same wake-up period, the multiple task programs are executed in turn according to a preset priority order.

[0026] Please refer to Figure 2 When the device starts running, the device is powered on, and the surrounding environment is detected. At this time, the corresponding device activation condition should be set in the device. When the environmental condition reaches the device activation condition, the corresponding initialization program in the device will be activated, and then the corresponding device will be activated to work, rather than activating all devices.

[0027] For example, when the environmental condition meets condition 1 shown in the figure, the device will activate the devices required to execute program 1, and complete all the actions specified in program 1. When the device meets condition 2 or condition 3, the device will run the specified program after sensing the specific environmental state, and enter the standby state and enter the timing mode after the program is completed.

[0028] Among them, condition 1, condition 2, and condition 3 can be expressed as any condition set by a programmable controller in advance, and the number of conditions is not necessarily 3.

[0029] When the device enters the countdown mode and the countdown reaches 1 hour, the device will be woken up again. After waking up, the environmental state is detected and the above steps are repeated. After execution, it still enters the standby state and enters the standby mode.

[0030] When the module power is depleted, the device will record the current environmental data and execute the above steps to stop.

[0031] When the environmental condition fails to meet any of the working conditions set by the program, the device will activate a recording program to record the current environmental condition.

[0032] The working process of the programmable logic controller is divided into two parts. The first part is to power on and detect the environmental variable, and call the corresponding program according to the environmental variable to wake up the device required at this time and execute the program to perform the action required at this time. The second part is the standby, timing, and power detection after detection is completed, and the self-wakeup process after the timing reaches one hour.

[0033] The first part mainly includes three actions, which are starting, environment monitoring and executing the corresponding running program under the current environment. The first part is the main part of the controller, which is mainly used to execute various required programs according to the environment change to achieve the purpose required under the corresponding environment condition. The second part mainly includes four actions, which are standby, power detection, device self-waking up when the power is sufficient and recording data when the power of the device is insufficient and then shutting down the device after the recording is completed. The second part is the main energy-saving way of the controller, and a sleep time of one hour will appear after each task, and the power consumption in this one hour can be almost ignored. Thus, the working time of the device under the condition of no charging can be extended to a considerable extent. In addition, the power detection is not performed in real time but before the device is woken up, so that the power consumption of the device is reduced to the maximum extent.

[0034] Based on the above working process, the embodiment also provides an intermittent electric energy management method based on a programmable logic controller, which comprises the following steps: a) sampling at least one environmental parameter at each wake-up time to obtain current environmental state information; b) according to the current environmental state information, calling and executing a task program corresponding to the environmental state information from a plurality of pre-stored task programs; c) after the task program is executed, starting timing and performing step a) again when the timing reaches a first preset time length T1; d) detecting the remaining power of the device at each wake-up time, and if the remaining power is lower than a first threshold, recording the current environmental state information and entering a power-off sleep state until external charging or replacement of the power supply.

[0035] In step b), when the trigger conditions of a plurality of task programs are met at the same wake-up cycle, the plurality of task programs are executed in turn according to a preset priority order, and after the task with the highest priority is executed, the timing stage of step c) is entered immediately, and the remaining unexecuted tasks are reevaluated in the next wake-up cycle.

[0036] In step d), when the remaining power is lower than a second threshold but higher than the first threshold, the working frequency of a non-critical function module is reduced or part of the peripheral devices is shut down before the task program is executed, so as to prolong the working cycle under the remaining power.

[0037] Through the above programmable logic controller, the device has the following effects: Ultra-long endurance intermittent operation: With only limited battery capacity (e.g. disposable lithium sub-C battery), the average power consumption is reduced to less than 1% of the continuous operation mode through periodic sleep-wake mechanism (e.g. 1 hour cycle), achieving maintenance-free operation for months to years.

[0038] Deep sleep during non-task period: The sleep timer module forces the device to enter deep sleep (only micro-amp consumption) during non-task period, completely shutting down high-power sensors and communication modules.

[0039] Performance without decay at low battery level: Even when the battery is close to depletion (e.g. 5% remaining), the device can still complete critical tasks (e.g. data collection, communication) at full performance, avoiding "frequency reduction" or function mutilation due to insufficient power.

[0040] Task scheduling module does not rely on remaining power decision, only triggers tasks based on environmental conditions, and the power monitoring module only detects power at the moment of wake-up, ensuring task execution integrity.

[0041] Precise task execution with on-demand response: After each wake-up, the device only activates the necessary hardware (e.g. only turn on noise detection module when a ship is detected), avoiding the redundant energy consumption of traditional "full system wake-up".

[0042] Environment perception module and task program one-to-one mapping (e.g. "ship image -> start noise detection"), achieving condition-triggered minimal operation through pre-programmed logic.

[0043] Zero additional hardware power management: No need for external solar panels, energy recovery devices or mobile charging devices, just through software logic optimization to achieve power management, reducing system size, weight and cost.

[0044] Advantages: Compared with the existing technology of "external charging module" or "dynamic shutdown function", this controller completely relies on internal timing control, with no additional hardware cost.

[0045] Data integrity and anomaly protection: Before the battery is completely depleted, automatically save the last environmental data (e.g. ship trajectory, noise record), avoiding information loss.

[0046] Power-off handling module, when the power is lower than the first threshold, preferentially executes data recording task, and then enters non-recoverable power-off sleep.

[0047] Scenario adaptive flexibility: By adjusting the sleep cycle T1 (e.g. 5 minutes to 24 hours) or task program mapping relationship, different application scenarios (e.g. high-frequency monitoring port vs. low-frequency ocean buoy) can be quickly adapted.

[0048] Application example The programmable logic controller is used for an intelligent buoy, an environmental perception module of which includes a camera, a hydrophone and a power meter; a task program is configured to start noise detection and broadcast the buoy position outward when a ship is detected; a first preset time length T1 is 1 hour, so that the intelligent buoy can work continuously for more than 180 days only relying on a disposable battery.

[0049] Specifically, the intelligent buoy includes the following hardware: A power supply layer • A main power supply: a disposable lithium sulfonyl chloride battery pack 14.4 V / 38 Ah; • A power management IC: supporting 0.9 µA sleep current, integrating battery voltage, temperature and current sampling channels.

[0050] A sensing / execution layer • An environmental perception module Image submodule: a low-power CMOS camera (OV5640), working current 120 mA@15 fps, and being able to be turned off to 5 µA; Sound submodule: a hydrophone + a low-noise amplifier + a 24 bitΣ-Δ ADC, 8 mA during sampling and 2 µA in standby; Power sampling submodule: an internal channel of the power management IC, without additional power consumption; • A communication submodule: a LoRa RF chip (SX1276), transmitting 120 mA@20 dBm and sleeping 1 µA; with a ceramic antenna; • A task execution submodule: a noise detection DSP (optional FFT coprocessor), working 25 mA and being able to be clock-gated; a Flash (W25Q64) for log storage, 5 mA for page programming and 1 µA in standby.

[0051] A control core • MCU: STM32L431 (Cortex-M4, with a low-power timer LPTIM); • Programmable logic controller firmware: task scheduler (event-driven + priority queue); sleep timer (LPTIM1, 32.768 kHz crystal oscillator, timing error < 2 ppm); power threshold table (two levels: second threshold 20%, first threshold 5%).

[0052] The working process of the intelligent buoy includes the following stages: Stage A: power-on initialization (first deployment or battery replacement) MCU startup → self-check → read T1=1 h and task priority table from EEPROM; Immediately perform a full-environment scan: • Camera captures 3 frames → runs YOLO-Tiny ship detection model (150 ms, peak 120 mA); • Hydrophone 1 s sample -> Run 1 / 3 octave energy detection algorithm (30 ms, peak 25 mA); • Power meter reading -> Check if below second threshold.

[0053] Phase B: Task decision and execution If no ship: • Task scheduler calls "empty log" subroutine -> Write only 16 B timestamp to Flash -> 2 ms; If ship image detected and confidence > 0.6: • Task scheduler starts "noise detection" subroutine -> Turn on DSP -> Continuous sampling for 10 s -> Calculate ship noise level -> Write result 128 B; If ship noise level > 70 dB re 1 µPa detected: • Task scheduler starts "broadcast position" subroutine -> LoRa send 32 B data packet (SF9, ~ 120 ms).

[0054] Phase C: Fast hibernation Power down camera, hydrophone, DSP, LoRa power domains (via high-side switch TPS22916); Only keep: • MCU enters Standby + SRAM2 hold (2 µA); • LPTIM1 starts countdown T1 = 1 h.

[0055] Phase D: Timed wake-up (after 1 h) LPTIM1 expires -> Wake-up pin pulls high -> MCU resets and wakes up -> Repeat phases A-B-C.

[0056] Phase E: Low power strategy When power < 20 % (second threshold): • Scheduler skips image detection, only keeps noise + power sampling, reduces LoRa transmission power by 6 dB, reduces airtime by 40 %; When power < 5 % (first threshold): • Scheduler calls "power-off protection" subroutine: Write current environmental log (16B) + power value (2 B) to end of Flash; Set power-off flag; Power down all peripherals -> MCU enters Shutdown (0.1 µA), requires external reed switch or battery replacement to restart.

[0057] According to the above intelligent buoy, in the working condition: the ship passes 8 times a day, and triggers LoRa sending once each time, the power consumption is calculated as follows: • Wake-up scanning: image 120 mA x 0.15 s x 24 times / day = 0.432 mAh sound 8 mA x 1 s x 24 times / day = 0.053 mAh power meter 1 mA x 0.002 s x 24 times / day ≈ 0 mAh • Task execution (8 times): noise detection 25 mA x 10 s x 8 = 0.556 mAh LoRa sending 120 mA x 0.12 s x 8 = 0.115 mAh • Sleep: 2 µA x 23.99 h = 0.048 mAh Total daily energy consumption ≈ 1.2 mAh, 38 Ah battery theoretical endurance ≈ 38 / 1.2 ≈ 31 667 days ≈ 86 years; considering self-discharge 2% / year, actual 180 days or more.

[0058] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Even if various changes are made to the present application, if the changes fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and equivalent technologies thereof, they still fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A programmable logic controller for electrical energy management of an automation device, characterized in that, The application comprises: an environment sensing module for sampling at least one environmental parameter to obtain current environmental state information each time the device is woken up; a program storage module for pre-storing a plurality of independently callable task programs, each of which corresponds to at least one of the environmental state information; a task scheduling module in communication connection with the environment sensing module and the program storage module, for calling and executing the task program corresponding to the environmental state information from the program storage module after obtaining the current environmental state information; a sleep timing module in communication connection with the task scheduling module, for starting timing after the task program is executed, and generating a wake-up signal to activate the environment sensing module again when the timing reaches a first preset time length; a power monitoring module for detecting the remaining power of the device and outputting power information each time triggered by the wake-up signal; a power-off processing module in communication connection with the power monitoring module, for recording the current environmental state information and controlling the programmable logic controller to enter a power-off sleep state when the power information is lower than a first threshold, until external charging or replacement of the power supply.

2. The programmable logic controller of claim 1, wherein, The environment sensing module comprises: an image acquisition sub-module for acquiring visible light or infrared images; a sound acquisition sub-module for acquiring environmental sound wave signals; a power acquisition sub-module for acquiring device self-battery voltage, current or remaining capacity signals; wherein the image acquisition sub-module, the sound acquisition sub-module and the power acquisition sub-module can be individually or in combination as an input source to trigger the task program.

3. The programmable logic controller of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The task program comprises: a first task program for starting a noise detection device when a ship image signal is detected; a second task program for sending the current location information of the device to the outside when a ship noise signal is detected; a third task program for reducing the working frequency of non-critical function modules or shutting down part of peripheral devices when the power information is lower than a second threshold but higher than the first threshold.

4. The programmable logic controller of claim 1, wherein, The sleep timing module further comprises: a programmable register for dynamically adjusting the first preset time length by software instructions, so that the first preset time length ranges from 5 minutes to 24 hours.

5. The programmable logic controller of claim 1, wherein, The environment sensing module is completely powered off during the timing stage, and is powered on instantaneously to complete sampling immediately after the wake-up signal arrives, and then is powered off again.

6. The programmable logic controller of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: a data buffer module for temporarily storing the environmental parameters of the last sampling before the power-off processing module records the current environmental state information, so as to reduce the power consumption during the recording process.

7. The programmable logic controller of claim 1, wherein, The task scheduling module adopts an event-driven architecture, so that when the trigger conditions of a plurality of task programs are met at the same wake-up period, the plurality of task programs are executed in turn according to a preset priority order.

8. A programmable logic controller based method of managing electric energy in an intermittent process, characterized by, The application comprises the following steps: a) sampling at least one environmental parameter to obtain current environmental state information at each wake-up time; b) calling and executing the task program corresponding to the environmental state information from a plurality of pre-stored task programs according to the current environmental state information. c) after the task program is executed, start timing and execute step a) again when the timing reaches a first preset time length T1 ; d) detect the remaining power of the device at each wake-up time, and if the remaining power is lower than a first threshold, record the current environmental state information and enter a power-off hibernation state until external charging or replacement of the power supply.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, In step b), when the triggering conditions of multiple task programs are met at the same time in the same wake-up cycle, the multiple task programs are executed in turn according to a preset priority order, and after the highest priority task is executed, the timing stage of step c) is entered immediately, and the remaining unexecuted tasks are re-evaluated in the next wake-up cycle.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, In step d), when the remaining power is lower than a second threshold but higher than the first threshold, the working frequency of non-critical functional modules is reduced or part of the peripheral devices is turned off before the task program is executed, so as to prolong the working cycle under the remaining power.

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