Solar-Battery Radio Transceiver Power Circuit With Supercapacitor Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Radio Transceivers in devices for measurement, sensing, and control often require long-term power sources, such as batteries, which are costly and have limited lifespan, limiting their deployment and maintenance in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A system combining a solar panel, battery, advanced power management circuit, and supercapacitor to efficiently manage power flow, extending the operational life of Radio Transceivers by using solar energy and battery power based on voltage thresholds, with a design that includes a cylindrical housing, screw threads, and overmolded materials for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is used to power the Radio Transceiver, then the device can operate independently, but the battery has limited lifespan and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a battery with a solar panel to create a hybrid power system. The solar panel charges the battery during daylight hours, extending the operational lifespan beyond what a battery alone could provide, while maintaining reliable power supply through the complementary nature of the two power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel performs preliminary charging of the battery during the day, so that the battery is recharged before it would be depleted. This proactive energy accumulation ensures continuous operation and eliminates the need for frequent battery replacements.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a solar panel and battery system is used, then operational lifespan is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management circuit automatically manages the charging and discharging processes between the solar panel and battery without external intervention. The system self-regulates power flow, voltage levels, and charge states, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management circuit performs multiple functions: charging the battery from the solar panel, powering the Radio Transceiver, regulating voltage, and monitoring charge states. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single integrated circuit, the overall device complexity is reduced despite the multi-component power system.
3Quantity of substance
If frequent battery replacement is required, then cost is reduced initially, but maintenance time and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel continuously charges the battery during operational periods, ensuring the power supply never interrupts the Radio Transceiver's function. This continuous energy replenishment eliminates downtime associated with battery replacement and maintains uninterrupted service.
4Device complexity
If the power management circuit uses multiple circuit boards, then functional separation is achieved, but thermal insulation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A thermoplastic insulation layer is introduced as an intermediary between the two circuit boards. This insulation layer acts as a thermal barrier, preventing heat transfer between the boards while maintaining their functional separation. The thermoplastic material provides both electrical insulation and thermal management in a single component.
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 system provides extended operational life of up to 20 years, enhances deployment flexibility, and improves safety and security by allowing Radio Transceivers to be deployed in more locations without frequent maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel positioned on the outer surface of the housing
Implementation Method 2
a battery positioned inside the housing
Implementation Method 3
a supercapacitor positioned inside the housing and operably connected to the advanced power management circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A Radio Transceiver is described herein, which according to one embodiment, includes a solar panel, a battery and an advanced power management circuit operably connected to the solar panel and the battery. The advanced power management circuit is configured to receive electrical energy from the solar panel and the battery. A supercapacitor is operably connected to the advanced power management circuit and configured to receive electrical energy from the advanced power management circuit. A communications module is coupled to the supercapacitor. The Radio Transceiver can be powered by measuring a supercapacitor voltage using the advanced power management circuit; determining whether the supercapacitor voltage is above a first threshold voltage and below a second threshold voltage; and charging the supercapacitor using at least one of the solar panel and the battery based on whether the supercapacitor voltage is above the first threshold voltage and below the second threshold voltage.