Two-Wire Field Device Power Buffering for Radio Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Namur field devices, designed to operate with limited power via a two-wire line, face challenges in supporting additional functionalities like radio communication and software updates due to energy constraints, as existing designs struggle to provide sufficient power for these demanding processes.
Innovation Solution
The automated field device incorporates a capacitor and battery system that provides auxiliary energy to electronics modules, specifically a radio module, when the main power and initial auxiliary energy are insufficient, ensuring continuous operation by coordinating the capacitor and battery to supply energy only when needed, thereby supporting radio functionality and other high-energy tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional functionalities like radio communication are added to the field device, then the versatility and functionality of the device is improved, but the energy consumption increases beyond what the two-wire line can provide
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is charged in advance during periods when the radio module is not actively transmitting, storing energy beforehand. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the radio module to operate during high-power demands without exceeding the average power limit from the two-wire line.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles where the capacitor is charged during low-power intervals and discharged during high-power transmission intervals. This periodic charging and discharging pattern enables the radio module to function intermittently while maintaining compliance with the two-wire line's power constraints.
2Reliability
If high-power components like radio modules are integrated into the field device, then the device's communication capability is improved, but the power supply capacity of the two-wire line becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the two-wire line and the radio module. It buffers the power mismatch by absorbing excess energy during low-demand periods and releasing it during high-demand periods, enabling the radio module to receive sufficient power without requiring the two-wire line to exceed its power capacity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the field device operates continuously with maximum power from the two-wire line, then the operational duration is extended, but additional functionalities cannot be supported due to power limits
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is pre-charged during normal operation to accumulate sufficient energy reserves. This preliminary energy storage enables the device to temporarily support high-power additional functionalities without compromising the overall operational duration, as the capacitor discharges only during these intermittent high-power events.
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 configuration allows Namur field devices to efficiently manage energy demands, enabling reliable radio communication and software updates without depleting the battery, ensuring consistent operation within the power limitations of a two-wire line.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor (8) associated with the electronics module (6) and configured such that the capacitor (8) is charged via the internal interface (5) and, in the event that the at least one component (7) of the electronics module (6) has an energy demand exceeding the main power, the at least one component (7) provides additional first auxiliary energy
Implementation Method 2
a battery (9) associated with the electronics module (6), designed such that the battery (9), in the event that the at least one component (7) of the electronics module (6) has an energy demand exceeding the main power and the first auxiliary energy, provides second auxiliary energy to the at least one component (7)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a field device comprising: a connection terminal; field device electronics; an internal interface for connecting an electronic module; the electronic module having at least one electronic component for realizing an additional functionality; a capacitor, which is designed to provide an additional first auxiliary energy amount to the component if the component of the electronic module has an energy demand exceeding the main power; a battery, which is designed to provide a second auxiliary energy amount to the at least one component if the at least one component of the electronic module has an energy demand exceeding the main power and the first auxiliary energy amount, wherein the battery provides the second auxiliary energy amount to the component only if the main power and the first auxiliary energy amount are not sufficient for the energy supply of the component.