Self-Powered Sensor Network Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-organizing wireless signal transmission networks face challenges in providing a reliable power supply, especially in locations where conventional electrical grid connections are difficult or costly, and on-board energy storage requires frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of self-powered network devices that harvest energy from adjacent sources, such as steam systems, compressed gas, or thermal energy, eliminating the need for wiring and battery replacement, and integrating energy harvesting subassemblies with existing facility components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical grid connection is used to power network devices, then reliable power supply is achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase due to labor-intensive wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The network device powers itself by harvesting energy from the process stream (thermal energy from hot fluids, kinetic energy from flowing liquids/gases) without requiring external power connections or wiring infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wiring system with an energy harvesting system that converts process energy (thermal, kinetic) directly into electrical power for the device
2Ease of operation
If on-board energy storage (batteries) is used to power network devices, then installation flexibility is improved, but maintenance requirements increase due to battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The device continuously harvests energy from the process stream to recharge its power source, eliminating the need for manual battery replacement and reducing maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers energy from the process stream that would otherwise be wasted, converting it into usable electrical power to sustain device operation indefinitely
3Productivity
If wireless relay capabilities are implemented to eliminate wiring, then installation time and cost are reduced, but power supply difficulty increases in locations without electrical grid access
Solution Approach 1:
The device generates its own power from the process stream, enabling wireless deployment in locations without electrical grid access while maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the source of power from external electrical grid to internal energy harvesting from process parameters (temperature, flow rate)
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 reduces installation and maintenance costs, enhances network reliability by providing a continuous power supply, and utilizes waste energy, making the system more energy-efficient and flexible.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the SON devices is self-powered by harvesting energy from an adjacent energy source
Implementation Method 2
utilizing energy harvesting subassemblies like solar cells or piezoelectric generators to store power in capacitors
Implementation Method 3
utilizing energy harvesting subassemblies like solar cells or piezoelectric generators
Implementation Method 4
utilizing energy harvesting subassemblies like solar cells or piezoelectric generators to store power in capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
A network includes a plurality of wirelessly interconnected self-organizing network (SON) devices for relaying signals in a self-organizing network and a field device for originating output signals. The sensor is configured to transmit the output signals to at least one of the SON devices, and the SON devices do not originate signals but only relay signals originated externally. At least one of the SON devices is self-powered by harvesting energy from an adjacent energy source.