Solar Hybrid Battery Sizing for Long-Life Network Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery-powered nodes in wireless networks face challenges in maintaining power for extended periods, with large batteries needing frequent replacement and high costs, while solar-powered nodes are insufficient for long-term operation due to battery life limitations.
Innovation Solution
A solar hybrid battery system comprising a solar panel, primary cell, and secondary cell, where the secondary cell is sized to power through the longest night and the solar panel recharges it during the shortest daylight, with a primary cell as a backup to prevent depletion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a large battery is designed to power a node for fourteen consecutive cloudy days, then the node can operate during extended darkness, but the battery becomes very costly and needs frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into two distinct cells: a primary power cell that provides backup power during extended darkness, and a secondary power cell that is rapidly recharged by the solar panel during daylight. This segmentation allows each cell to be optimized for its specific function, with the secondary cell being smaller and longer-lasting since it only needs to bridge overnight periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the battery system by introducing differential charging rates and functional roles for each cell. The secondary cell operates in a cycle of daily discharge during night and rapid recharge during day, extending its operational life beyond typical battery replacement cycles.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a large battery is designed to power a node for fourteen consecutive cloudy days, then the node can operate during extended darkness, but the battery cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into two distinct cells: a primary power cell that provides backup power during extended darkness, and a secondary power cell that is rapidly recharged by the solar panel during daylight. This segmentation allows each cell to be optimized for its specific function, with the secondary cell being smaller and longer-lasting since it only needs to bridge overnight periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the battery system by introducing differential charging rates and functional roles for each cell. The secondary cell operates in a cycle of daily discharge during night and rapid recharge during day, extending its operational life beyond typical battery replacement cycles.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a conventional lead-acid battery is used to power a node for fourteen days, then the node can operate during extended darkness, but the battery needs replacement every five years
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into two distinct cells: a primary power cell that provides backup power during extended darkness, and a secondary power cell that is rapidly recharged by the solar panel during daylight. This segmentation allows each cell to be optimized for its specific function, with the secondary cell being smaller and longer-lasting since it only needs to bridge overnight periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the battery system by introducing differential charging rates and functional roles for each cell. The secondary cell operates in a cycle of daily discharge during night and rapid recharge during day, extending its operational life beyond typical battery replacement cycles.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If a solar panel is designed to charge a large battery over several sunny days, then the battery can be recharged during daylight, but the battery size must be very large
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into two distinct cells: a primary power cell that provides backup power during extended darkness, and a secondary power cell that is rapidly recharged by the solar panel during daylight. This segmentation allows each cell to be optimized for its specific function, with the secondary cell being smaller and longer-lasting since it only needs to bridge overnight periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel is designed to provide more than just minimal charging; it delivers excessive charging capacity during daylight hours to fully replenish the secondary cell and contribute to the primary cell, ensuring the system can handle extended darkness periods without requiring an oversized battery.
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
Enables nodes to operate for over 20 years without battery replacement, reducing costs and operational overhead by using smaller, less expensive secondary cells.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel that, when exposed to a first level of irradiance during a second time interval, generates the first portion of power for storage in the secondary power cell
Data Source
AI summary
A network device for installation at a geographic location includes a rechargeable power cell configured to store a first amount of energy sufficient to power the network device during a longest night of a year at the geographic location without the rechargeable power cell being fully depleted and a solar panel configured to generate a second amount of energy sufficient to, during any given cloudy day at the geographic location, power the network device and fully recharge the rechargeable power cell.