Self-Powered ESL Power Manager With MPPT Solar Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) face limitations due to frequent battery replacement, low charge/discharge cycles of rechargeable power supplies, long charging times, and inefficiencies in solar power charging, which lead to malfunctions and environmental disposal issues.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered ESL with a power manager circuit that includes a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) and overcharge/overdischarge protection, utilizing photovoltaic cells to optimize energy storage and supply power efficiently, eliminating the need for battery disposal and enhancing the ESL's life cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a battery is used to power the ESL, then the ESL can operate continuously, but the battery must be frequently replaced upon depletion and disposed of properly according to regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from chemical energy storage (batteries) to renewable energy generation (solar power), fundamentally changing the energy source parameter. The power manager circuit dynamically adjusts charging parameters to maximize solar energy utilization while preventing overcharge, thereby eliminating battery disposal issues while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ESL becomes self-powered through integrated photovoltaic cells that continuously generate energy during daylight hours. The power manager enables the system to self-regulate energy storage and consumption, eliminating the need for external battery replacement and disposal operations.
2Ease of operation
If rechargeable power supplies are used, then battery replacement is reduced, but the number of charge/discharge cycles is limited and charging time is relatively long
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic charging during daylight hours using photovoltaic cells, naturally limiting charge cycles to daytime periods. This periodic action extends the overall operational life by avoiding continuous deep discharge cycles while maintaining adequate power supply through daily recharge cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The power manager circuit performs preliminary assessment of energy storage status before initiating charging, and pre-regulates voltage and current parameters to optimize charging speed and extend cycle life. This preliminary preparation prevents excessive discharge depths and accelerates charging efficiency.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If solar power source is used to charge the power supply, then battery replacement is eliminated, but the output current fluctuates with environmental conditions and charging efficiency is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The power manager implements continuous feedback monitoring of photovoltaic output, energy storage status, and environmental conditions. Based on this feedback, the circuit dynamically adjusts charging parameters including voltage, current, and power delivery timing to maximize charging efficiency under varying light conditions while preventing overcharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system transitions from static fixed-parameter charging to dynamic adaptive charging. The power manager continuously adjusts charging rates based on real-time solar output and battery status, optimizing efficiency across varying environmental conditions while extending overall system reliability.
4Device complexity
If solar power source is used without current regulation, then system complexity is reduced, but overcharge current may harm the power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The power manager circuit serves as an intermediary between the photovoltaic cells and the rechargeable battery, mediating the energy transfer. It actively regulates current and voltage to prevent overcharge damage while maximizing energy capture, thereby protecting the power supply without requiring complex external management systems.
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
The solution extends the ESL's life cycle by optimizing solar power usage, reducing the need for frequent replacements, and minimizing environmental impact through efficient energy storage and management, while maintaining optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
a power manager connected to the processing circuitry, the display, an energy storage, and a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) cells
Data Source
AI summary
A self-powered electronic shelf label (ESL), comprising: a processing circuitry; a display communicatively coupled to the processing circuitry; a communication circuit communicatively coupled to the processing circuitry, wherein the communication circuit is configured to receive and transmit data from a control device; and a power manager connected to the processing circuitry, the display, an energy storage, and a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) cells, the power manager including a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) circuit, wherein the MPPT circuit is configured to continuously determine a maximum power point of the PV cells, wherein the power manager is configured to connect, based on the determined maximum power point, at least a portion of the plurality of PV cells to a load such that the plurality of PV cells produce a voltage equal to the continuously determined maximum power point.