Solar-Powered Object Tracking Device with Predictive Power Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Object tracking devices that rely on solar power face challenges in predicting operational time due to varying solar irradiance and energy consumption, making it difficult to ensure continuous monitoring of remote objects without external power sources.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an object tracking device with a location determination module and a remote management server that estimates power generation and consumption based on environmental factors, orientation, and configuration information, providing updated configuration data and notifications to users to extend operational time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solar cells are used to generate power for object tracking devices, then the device can operate autonomously without external power sources, but the operational time becomes unpredictable due to varying solar irradiance and weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary forecasting of power generation and consumption before the operational period begins. By using historical weather data, location information, and device configuration to predict future power needs and solar generation capability, the system prepares updated configuration data in advance that optimizes operational time while maintaining monitoring accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where actual power consumption and generation data are continuously monitored and compared against predictions. This feedback enables the remote server to refine forecasting algorithms and adjust device configurations dynamically, improving both operational time prediction accuracy and autonomous operation efficiency.
2Reliability
If the object tracking device collects and transmits information continuously, then monitoring availability is maintained, but power consumption increases reducing operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the monitoring and data transmission frequency based on predicted power availability and operational priorities. The remote server analyzes device configuration and power forecasts to optimize communication intervals, ensuring critical monitoring continuity while reducing unnecessary transmissions that would deplete battery resources during periods of limited power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as sampling frequency, transmission interval, and measurement resolution based on predicted power conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to forecasted solar generation and battery status, the device maintains essential monitoring reliability while adapting power consumption to available energy resources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device is placed in remote locations for autonomous operation, then external power sources are avoided, but power generation becomes highly variable depending on environment and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
Before deploying the device to remote locations, the system performs preliminary analysis of the installation environment including geographic location, typical weather patterns, and expected orientation. This preliminary assessment enables the remote server to generate optimized configuration data that anticipates power generation variability, pre-configuring the device to maintain reliable operation throughout the deployment period.
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
Accurately determines the estimated operation time of object tracking devices, enabling improved power management and ensuring continuous monitoring of remote objects by adjusting configurations and providing timely notifications for external power sources or reorientation.
Implementation Method 1
An object tracking device can include a solar cell that can generate solar-based energy for the object tracking device, and which can be used to charge an internal battery of the object tracking device
Data Source
AI summary
A management server in communication with one or more object tracking devices is disclosed. The management server may receive location information, configuration information, and orientation information associated with the one or more object tracking devices. Based at least in part on the location information, the management server may receive weather information associated with the locations of the one or more object tracking devices. Based at least in part on the location information, the weather information, the configuration information, and the orientation information, the management server can determine power generated and power consumed by the one or more object tracking devices, which then can be used to determine estimated operation time for the one or more object tracking devices.