Light-Harvesting Sensor Assembly With Adaptive Power Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building control systems face challenges with the cost and mobility of hard-wired sensors, as well as the initial uncertainty in optimal sensor placement and reporting frequency, necessitating low-power sensors that can self-power and adjust their operation.
Innovation Solution
The development of a sensor assembly with a light harvesting element that converts incident light into electrical energy, a controller that adjusts activation schedules based on power reserves, and NFC capabilities for configuration and testing, enabling self-sustaining and adaptable sensor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard wiring sensors for power, then reliable power supply is achieved, but cost increases and mobility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly powers itself by harvesting energy from incident light through a photovoltaic element, eliminating the need for external power wiring. The harvested energy charges an on-board energy storage element that powers the sensor and transmitter, enabling the system to serve its own power needs and reducing deployment cost while maintaining operational reliability.
2Reliability
If hard wiring sensors for power, then stable power supply is achieved, but sensor mobility and repositioning become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly generates and stores its own power through light harvesting and an energy storage element, making it self-sufficient and mobile. The wireless transmitter enables remote operation without physical power connections, allowing easy repositioning and adaptation to different sensor locations while maintaining stable power supply through the stored energy.
3Measurement precision
If sensor operates continuously with high reporting frequency, then data quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the sensor activation schedule and reporting frequency based on the charge level of the energy storage element. When power reserves are high, the sensor operates more frequently with higher reporting rates to maintain data quality. When power reserves are low, the controller reduces activation frequency and reporting rates to conserve power, creating a dynamic balance between data quality and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by monitoring the energy storage element's charge level and using this information to adjust the sensor activation schedule. The controller receives feedback about available power and modifies operational parameters accordingly, ensuring optimal data collection while preventing power depletion and maintaining reliable operation.
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 solution allows for cost-effective, mobile, and energy-efficient sensor deployment, with adaptive power management and configuration, ensuring continuous operation and data integrity in building management systems.
Implementation Method 1
A light harvesting element is disposed relative to the housing. The light harvesting element is configured to convert incident light into electrical energy for replenishing the power stored by the power supply.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a housing, a sensor, and a transmitter. A power supply is configured to power the sensor assembly. A light harvesting element is configured to convert incident light into electrical energy for replenishing the power stored by the power supply. A controller activates and deactivates the sensor in accordance with a first activation schedule. The controller monitors a power reserve parameter of the power supply. When the power reserve parameter drops below a first power reserve threshold, the controller alters the activation schedule to a second activation schedule for the sensor that reduces power consumption from the power supply. After the light harvesting element replenishes the power stored by the power supply above a second power reserve threshold, the controller alters the activation schedule to return to the first activation schedule.