Reserve Battery Switching for Autonomous Remote Machinery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remotely located machinery, such as water pumps, face challenges in operating autonomously with minimal or no remote monitoring and control, due to the need for efficient power supply and management.
Innovation Solution
A reserve power supply system that includes a reserve battery and a control unit, which can be coupled to the machinery via existing nodes, allowing for parallel operation with the main battery and direct coupling to the starter motor, enabling autonomous operation and efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If machinery is located remotely to improve operational efficiency and reduce noise impact, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but reliability and ease of monitoring deteriorate due to distance from control centers
Solution Approach 1:
The remote machinery is equipped with an autonomous power management system that includes a control unit, reserve battery, and monitoring capabilities. The system can detect its own power status, automatically switch between main and reserve power sources, and transmit operational data without requiring constant remote intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving remote operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
A communication interface and control unit act as intermediaries between the remote machinery and distant monitoring systems. This intermediary layer enables reliable data transmission and control functions over long distances, bridging the gap between remote location and centralized monitoring requirements
2Reliability
If a reserve battery is added to ensure continuous operation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reserve battery system is integrated with the main battery through a control unit that manages both power sources. The control unit combines charging, discharging, and switching functions into a single coordinated system, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from managing separate independent power systems
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs multiple functions including monitoring battery charge levels, managing power distribution, controlling the switching between main and reserve batteries, and communicating system status. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
3Ease of operation
If autonomous operation is implemented to reduce remote monitoring needs, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and control accuracy worsen without remote supervision
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous power management system incorporates continuous monitoring of power consumption, battery charge levels, and system operational status. This feedback is transmitted to remote monitoring centers and used to maintain measurement precision and control accuracy without requiring constant remote intervention, thereby achieving autonomous operation while preserving monitoring quality
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 ensures reliable and autonomous operation of remotely located machinery by providing a reserve power source and advanced control mechanisms, reducing the need for frequent remote monitoring and control.
Implementation Method 1
A reserve power supply system includes a reserve battery and a control unit
Data Source
AI summary
A reserve power supply system for providing a supplemental source of electrical power to a main power source. The system includes a backup battery and a switch that can be controlled to couple the backup battery to the main power source when reserve power is needed. The system also includes a sensor to detect when the backup battery should be engaged and a system control unit.