Solar Module Integrated Housing for Autonomous Field Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices for measuring pressure and fill levels rely on external energy supplies, which require frequent replacement or recharging and limit their application area due to the need for external connections and supply stations.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a solar module within the housing of the field device, combined with an energy store and display module, enables self-sustaining operation by generating and storing electrical energy, eliminating the need for external power connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external energy supply connections are provided on the field device, then the field device can receive power from external sources, but the application area is limited and requires external supply stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy supply function from external sources and relocates it into the field device itself through integrated solar modules. This removes the dependency on external supply stations and connections, thereby expanding the application area while reducing connection complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The field device becomes self-sufficient by incorporating solar modules that generate energy autonomously. The device serves its own energy needs without requiring external infrastructure, which eliminates connection requirements and expands where the device can be deployed.
2Extent of automation
If energy stores are provided within the field device to make it independent of external energy supply, then the field device can operate autonomously, but the energy stores have to be replaced at regular, relatively short intervals or charged externally
Solution Approach 1:
The solar modules are pre-integrated into the housing during manufacturing, creating a self-sustaining energy system before the device is deployed. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for subsequent maintenance, replacement, or external charging of energy stores.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated solar modules continuously generate energy to power the device autonomously, eliminating the need for external charging infrastructure or periodic replacement of energy stores. The system maintains itself indefinitely without maintenance intervention.
3Ease of operation
If solar modules are integrated in the housing, then the field device can be largely independent of external energy supply and no external installation is required, but the housing design must accommodate the solar module integration
Solution Approach 1:
The solar modules are merged with the housing structure to form an integrated unit. The housing is designed with cavities that accommodate the solar modules, combining the protective enclosure function with the energy generation function in a single coherent structure that requires no separate installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it protects the internal electronics and simultaneously houses the solar modules for energy generation. This multi-functionality is achieved through integrated cavity designs that accommodate both protective and energy-generating roles within a single structural element.
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 solution provides a compact, robust, and autonomous power supply that maximizes energy generation and storage, allowing continuous operation without external energy sources, enhancing the field device's performance and application flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
an energy supply unit (100), in particular a power supply unit, for a field device (1) for measuring a pressure or a fill level, with the energy supply unit (100) having a solar module (101, 102, 103, 104) for generating electrical energy for the field device (1)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to field devices used for measuring pressure or a filling level and that are connected to an external energy supply via a cable. According to one embodiment of the invention, an energy supply unit is provided for a field device and comprises a housing (102) and a solar module (103, 104) that is integrated therein. The housing (102) receives the measuring electronic system of the field device and the solar module (103,104) of the energy supply. As a result, an external energy supply is no longer required. A corresponding energy storage unit can be used for energy buffering.