Sensor Node Energy Recovery via Threshold Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor nodes with battery-powered systems require frequent battery replacement and struggle to recover from energy imbalance, especially when using environmental power generators with low power generation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A sensor node design incorporating a power generator, power storage, and switchers to manage energy distribution efficiently, allowing the system to recover quickly from energy imbalances by adjusting power supply to the transmission controller and unit based on storage capacity thresholds, enabling a battery-less structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is provided in the sensor node, then the sensor node can store energy and operate for extended periods, but the user needs to charge or replace the battery frequently, requiring a lot of effort and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor node performs self-charging through environmental power generation (solar, wind, or other ambient energy sources). The power generator automatically converts environmental energy into electrical energy to recharge the battery, eliminating the need for user intervention in charging or battery replacement. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by extending operation duration while minimizing user effort.
2Loss of energy
If the communication interval is changed according to power generation amount to balance energy revenue and expenditure, then energy balance is improved, but in sensor nodes with environmental power generators producing little electric power, it is difficult to quickly recover from energy balance collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor node dynamically adjusts the communication interval based on real-time power generation amount and battery charge level. When power generation is sufficient, the communication interval is extended to maximize energy accumulation. When power generation is low or battery charge is critical, the communication interval is shortened to ensure timely data transmission while conserving energy. This dynamic adjustment enables quick recovery from energy balance collapse by adapting communication behavior to current energy conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication interval parameter according to power generation amount and battery charge level. By modifying this operational parameter dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between energy consumption and data transmission requirements, enabling rapid recovery from energy imbalance while maintaining functional performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sensor node uses an environmental power generator with little power generation capability, then the system can operate without wiring and installation is simplified, but the system struggles to recover quickly from energy imbalance and maintain functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor node performs preliminary energy accumulation by extending the communication interval when power generation is sufficient, allowing the battery to charge in advance during periods of high environmental energy availability. This preliminary action ensures that energy is stored before periods of low power generation occur, maintaining system functionality and reliability while preserving the installation simplicity of wireless environmental power generation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A sensor node includes a power generator (110) configured to perform environmental power generation, a power storage (120) configured to store energy generated by the power generator (110) to generate a power supply, a transmitter (200, 200A, 200B, 200C) having an environment sensor (211, 212, 213) configured to acquire information relating to a surrounding environment, a transmission controller (220, 220A, 220B, 220C), and a transmission unit (240, 240A), a first switcher (310) provided between the transmission controller (220, 220A, 220B, 220C) and the power storage (120), and a second switcher (320) provided between the transmission unit (240, 240A) and the power storage (120). In a case where the storage capacity of the power storage (120) decreases to a first threshold or less and then the storage capacity increases, when the storage capacity reaches the first threshold, the first switcher (310) is brought into an on-state and the first switcher (310) supplies electric power to the transmission controller (220, 220A, 220B, 220C). When the storage capacity reaches a second threshold higher than the first threshold, the second switcher (320) is brought into an on-state and the second switcher (320) supplies electric power to the transmission unit (240, 240A).