RFID Tag Power Harvesting for Process Control Data Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless transceivers in process control systems face limitations such as limited communication speed, power constraints, and the need for physical connection to field devices, which hinder efficient maintenance and data access for plant personnel, especially in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology with passive, semi-passive, and active tags that utilize control system power and electromagnetic fields for communication, enabling high-speed, long-range data transmission and storage of technical information locally on field devices without relying on remote power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If wireless transceivers are used in process control systems, then data communication capability is improved, but power consumption increases and communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag uses self-service by harvesting power from the electromagnetic field generated by the reader antenna itself, eliminating the need for an external power source or battery. The tag's circuitry is powered inductively through the antenna coupling, allowing it to operate autonomously without consuming additional system power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical power connection system with an electromagnetic field-based power transfer system. Instead of using wires or batteries to supply power to the wireless transceiver, the system uses electromagnetic induction to transfer both power and data through the antenna coupling between reader and tag.
2Reliability
If physical connection to field devices is required, then reliable power and data transmission is achieved, but maintenance efficiency decreases and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical connection (wires, connectors) with an electromagnetic field-based wireless connection. The RFID tag communicates with the reader antenna through electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the need for physical contact while maintaining reliable data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic field acts as an intermediary between the reader and the field device. The RFID tag serves as a mediator that couples the field device to the wireless communication system, enabling data transfer without direct physical connection between the reader and the process control device.
3Length of stationary object
If RFID tags are powered from control system power, then communication range and speed are improved, but dependence on system power increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag practices self-service by generating its own operating power from the reader's electromagnetic field rather than depending on control system power. This eliminates the need for additional power wiring or power management circuits connected to the process control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID antenna serves multiple functions: it acts as both the data communication interface and the power reception antenna. The same electromagnetic field that carries data modulation also provides the energy needed to power the tag's circuitry, combining two functions into one system.
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 reliable, high-speed local communication with field devices, enabling efficient maintenance and data access without disrupting plant operations, even when devices are out of service or in hard-to-reach locations, and reduces the need for physical connections, thus improving maintenance efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
wireless data transmission using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for long range RFID communications in a process control system are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a radio-frequency identification tag (300, 306) communicatively coupled to a field device (122) of a process control system. The radio-frequency identification tag has a processor (308), an onboard memory (310), and an antenna (312). The onboard memory stores data received from the field device to be communicated to a radio frequency identification reader. Power is to be provided to the processor and the onboard memory from control system power associated with the field device.