Sensor Node Power Control via Weather-Based Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor networks using self-power acquisition methods, such as solar cells, face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption due to variations in renewable energy sources like sunlight, which are affected by weather and climate, leading to inefficient power control across all components of sensor nodes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that includes a self-power acquisition unit, internal sensing unit, power cut-off unit, and microprocessor to estimate power acquisition and consumption, using meteorological statistics and weather forecast data to control power distribution across sensor components in multiple steps, optimizing communication and sensing periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power consumption is reduced by simple low power implementation in communication module only, then power consumption of communication module is reduced, but power consumption of other components is not optimized and overall power management is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system segments the sensor node into multiple components (communication module, sensing module, processing module, power acquisition module) and applies independent power control to each segment. The microprocessor controls power supply to each component separately based on its specific power consumption characteristics and operational requirements, enabling comprehensive power optimization across all components rather than just the communication module.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If sensor nodes operate with self power acquisition from renewable sources, then operational duration is extended, but power supply becomes unstable due to weather variations
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system performs preliminary estimation of future power acquisition based on meteorological data (sunlight intensity, temperature, weather forecasts) before actual power consumption occurs. This allows the system to proactively adjust power consumption patterns, schedule operations during periods of expected high power generation, and accumulate energy reserves in advance, thereby maintaining stable operation despite variations in renewable power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual power acquisition from renewable sources and compares it with estimated values. Based on this feedback, the microprocessor dynamically adjusts power consumption of various components to match available power supply. The system learns from historical power generation patterns and weather conditions to improve future power management decisions, ensuring stable operation despite environmental variations.
3Loss of energy
If power control is applied uniformly to all components, then power consumption is reduced, but operational reliability decreases due to insufficient power for critical functions
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system applies differentiated power control strategies to different components based on their criticality and power consumption characteristics. Critical components (such as power acquisition module and essential sensing functions) receive prioritized power supply and are maintained at higher power levels to ensure operational reliability. Non-critical components (such as communication module during idle periods) receive reduced power supply or are put into sleep mode. This local quality approach ensures that power reduction does not compromise the reliability of essential functions.
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 approach extends the operational life of sensor nodes by stabilizing power management, reducing overall power consumption, and ensuring continuous operation despite variations in renewable energy supply.
Implementation Method 1
a self power acquisition apparatus, such as a solar cell
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling power of sensor nodes based on estimation of power acquisition, includes: a self power acquisition unit acquiring self power; an internal sensing unit sensing power acquired from the self power acquisition unit and consumed power; a power cut-off unit cutting-off power for each component of the sensor nodes; and a microprocessor receiving information of acquired power and consumed power from the internal sensing unit to analyze a supply and demand of power, estimating the acquired power using annual meteorological statistics data and recent weather forecast data, controlling power for each component of the sensor nodes through the power cut-off unit according to the estimation of the acquired power, and controlling a sensing period and a communication period of the sensor nodes.