Wireless Mesh Sensor Nodes for Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless sensor networks are costly and battery-dependent, limiting their large-scale deployment, and existing energy management systems lack the ability to monitor and control energy usage at multiple points in buildings, leading to significant energy waste.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, wireless-mesh networking system integrated into existing electrical infrastructure, using miniature electronic packages to create a self-healing network that monitors and controls energy usage, allowing for real-time visualization and management of energy consumption without the need for batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless sensor networks use battery-powered nodes with monitoring and periodic replacement, then nodes can operate autonomously, but deployment cost increases and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source function from the sensor node by utilizing existing electrical infrastructure (power outlets, wiring) instead of incorporating batteries into each node. This eliminates the need for battery monitoring, replacement, and associated maintenance activities while maintaining autonomous operation through centralized power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical infrastructure serves multiple functions: it provides power to sensor nodes, enables communication between nodes, and allows for easy deployment and reconfiguration. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by leveraging existing infrastructure for multiple purposes.
2Area of stationary object
If wireless sensor networks are deployed at large scale, then coverage area increases, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor nodes automatically discover and join the wireless mesh network without manual configuration. The system self-configures routing paths and network topology, eliminating the need for expensive professional installation services and reducing deployment costs while enabling large-scale coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless mesh network dynamically adapts its topology as nodes are added or removed from the network. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the system to scale flexibly without requiring complete redeployment or expensive reconfiguration services, enabling cost-effective expansion to large areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If energy monitoring is implemented at multiple points in buildings, then energy management capability improves, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless mesh network nodes as intermediaries between the electrical infrastructure and the energy management system. These nodes monitor power consumption at multiple points and relay data to a central management system, enabling detailed energy management capability without requiring expensive direct wiring to each monitoring point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional wired monitoring systems with wireless mesh network technology. This substitution eliminates the need for complex wiring infrastructure at each monitoring point, reducing installation and system costs while maintaining the ability to monitor energy consumption at multiple locations throughout the building.
Data Source
AI summary
A mesh-networked sensor platform has a mesh network of nodes that connect with existing electrical infrastructure or are powered through other means such as batteries or energy scavenging. The mesh network forms a self-healing and self-configuring network robust against individual node failures. Wireless mesh networking integrated circuits (ICs), energy monitoring ICs and solid state relays are used to create a low-cost, easy-to-install energy visualization and management system. The system can intelligently control energy usage at the sockets to stop energy from being wasted. Software for a central base station uses energy usage data from each node to create an energy usage profile to automatically detect anomalies in energy usage and take steps to correct them. Other sensors can be easily added for a multitude of applications. Power usage and control of each appliance can be viewed via an internet connected PC or smart phone via a social networking website.