Adaptive Power Management for Solar-Powered Gateways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered systems face inefficiencies due to static power management thresholds, relying on binary power modes based on battery or solar power sources, which fail to adapt to varying solar energy levels, leading to suboptimal performance and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based management server receives location data from a gateway system powered by a rechargeable battery and solar panel, determining a solar profile to calculate an optimal power usage plan based on current battery levels and expected solar energy, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its operation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static power management threshold is used to determine power modes, then the system operation is simple to implement, but the system cannot adapt to varying solar energy levels resulting in suboptimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by transitioning from static thresholds to adaptive thresholds that automatically adjust based on predicted solar energy levels. The system calculates expected solar generation using location data, historical solar profiles, and weather forecasts, then dynamically sets power thresholds accordingly. This allows the system to adapt to varying solar conditions without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by automating the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring actual solar power generation, comparing it with predicted values, and using this information to refine future predictions and threshold settings. The management server receives real-time data from the gateway system and adjusts power management parameters based on the feedback loop, enabling the system to learn from past performance and improve its adaptability over time.
2Reliability
If the system operates in low-battery mode to maintain sufficient battery levels, then battery reliability is improved, but system performance is sacrificed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future solar energy generation in advance and using these predictions to proactively adjust power thresholds before battery levels become critical. Instead of reactively switching to low-power mode when battery levels drop, the system anticipates solar availability and pre-configures optimal power settings, allowing the system to maintain high performance when solar energy is expected to be sufficient while still ensuring battery reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of power thresholds from fixed values to dynamic values that vary based on predicted solar generation and battery state. By adjusting these parameters adaptively, the system can allow higher power consumption when solar energy is abundant and reduce consumption when solar availability is limited, thereby maintaining both battery reliability and system performance under different operating conditions.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the predetermined power threshold is set conservatively to ensure sufficient battery levels, then battery longevity is improved, but the system operates suboptimally when solar energy is available
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power thresholds based on real-time and predicted solar conditions, allowing the threshold to be conservative when solar energy is unavailable and more aggressive when solar generation is expected. This dynamic approach extends battery life by being conservative only when necessary, while maximizing system performance during periods of adequate solar availability, thus resolving the contradiction between longevity and productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses binary power modes (low-power or normal-power) based on power source type, then the control logic is simple, but the system cannot optimize performance based on expected solar energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static binary power mode control into a dynamic multi-level power management system. Instead of simply switching between two fixed modes, the system calculates optimal power thresholds continuously based on predicted solar generation, creating a spectrum of power states that adapt to conditions. This dynamic control, while more complex in calculation, simplifies the overall decision-making process by automating the selection of optimal power levels based on objective criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by autonomously determining optimal power thresholds without requiring manual configuration or complex external control. The management server automatically gathers solar profile data, calculates expected generation, and configures appropriate power thresholds, enabling the system to optimize its own performance based on environmental conditions while keeping the control logic transparent and manageable.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables more efficient and adaptive power management, allowing the gateway system to operate in optimal modes regardless of battery levels, leveraging expected solar energy for extended system performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a rechargeable battery that is coupled with a solar power source
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a gateway system for enabling adaptive power management. The gateway system is powered by a rechargeable battery that is coupled with a solar power source. A location reading indicating a location of the gateway system is transmitted at a first time. A solar profile is received from a management server. The solar profile indicates a measure of power expected to be generated at the location during an interval of time that occurs after the first time by the solar power source. The gateway system determines based on a current battery level of the rechargeable battery and the solar profile an optimal power usage plan for the gateway system and operates according to the optimal power usage plan during the interval of time.