Communication Device Power Cutoff Detection and Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication devices in luminaire networks, particularly outdoor networks, face issues with maintaining reliable status updates when power is cut off, leading to incorrect status reporting and inability to perform final actions, such as storing sensor values, due to loss of connection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a power cutoff detection module and energy storage module into communication devices, allowing them to operate in a power cutoff mode, perform predetermined actions, and store energy-related data, enabling optimization of energy use and ensuring reliable status updates even after power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If communication devices rely solely on grid power without energy storage, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of status updates after power cutoff deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage module is charged in advance during normal grid operation, so that when power cutoff occurs, the device can immediately perform predetermined actions (status update, sensor value storage) without interruption. This preliminary energy accumulation ensures reliable operation during critical power loss events.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage module acts as an intermediary between the grid power and the communication device operations. It buffers the power transition, providing a bridge that allows the device to maintain functionality during the interruption caused by power cutoff, thus ensuring continuous status reporting.
2Reliability
If the communication device performs multiple predetermined actions after power cutoff, then reliability of information is improved, but energy consumption from storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor determines the amount of energy remaining in the energy storage module and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the set of predetermined actions. When energy levels are sufficient, more actions (including status updates and sensor value storage) can be performed. When energy is limited, the device prioritizes critical actions only, ensuring optimal energy utilization while maintaining information reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs a selective subset of predetermined actions based on available energy rather than attempting all possible actions. This partial action approach ensures that critical functions (status update, essential data storage) are completed while avoiding energy depletion that would prevent any meaningful action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device stores detailed energy amount data in memory, then ability to optimize energy use is improved, but memory usage and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processor autonomously monitors the energy storage module and automatically adjusts the predetermined actions based on detected energy levels. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems or sophisticated memory management, as the device independently optimizes its energy usage through simple detection and response protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to a communication device. One example communication device includes a communication module, an energy storage module, a power cutoff detection module, a processor, and a memory. The communication device is adapted to connect to a power grid for receiving power. The processor is adapted to operate the communication device in a normal mode when connected to the power grid. The power cutoff detection module is adapted to signal to the processor a cutoff from the power grid. The processor is adapted to operate the communication device in power cutoff mode using energy in the energy storage module after receipt of the signal of the power cutoff detection module. The processor is adapted, in power cutoff mode, to determine an amount of energy in the energy storage module and to store a value indicative of the amount in the memory.