Solar-Powered Sensor Modules With Capacitor Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing a practical sensor system for agriculture that can effectively detect environmental and agricultural conditions in open fields has been challenging due to the need for reliable energy management and data communication without external power sources.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising hermetically sealed modules with solar cells, energy storage capacitors, and radio circuits for short-range communication, connected to a relay unit that uses longer-range communication channels like cellular networks to transmit data to a server, allowing for extended operation and remote data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If sensor modules use internal batteries for power, then they can operate autonomously in open fields, but the operational duration is limited and requires battery replacement or recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module uses a solar cell to generate electrical energy and a capacitor to store it, enabling the system to recharge itself autonomously without external intervention. This self-service energy management eliminates the need for battery replacement or external charging, directly resolving the contradiction between operational duration and energy management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from using disposable or rechargeable batteries to a solar-powered capacitor-based energy storage system. This parameter change in the energy source fundamentally extends operational duration while simplifying energy management, as the solar cell continuously recharges the capacitor during daylight hours
2Reliability
If sensor modules are hermetically sealed for outdoor use, then they are protected from environmental conditions, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into modular sensor modules, each hermetically sealed as an independent unit. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and tested separately with standardized sealing procedures, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining high reliability through consistent environmental protection across all modules
Solution Approach 2:
The hermetic sealing is achieved using a housing with a sealed structure that protects internal components from environmental conditions. This sealing approach provides reliable environmental protection while being compatible with standard manufacturing processes, thus not significantly increasing manufacturing complexity
3Use of energy by moving object
If sensor modules use short-range radio signals for communication, then power consumption is reduced, but data transmission range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A relay unit acts as an intermediary between the sensor modules and the final data destination. The relay unit receives data via low-power short-range radio from multiple sensor modules, then forwards it using longer-range communication. This intermediary approach allows sensor modules to maintain low power consumption while achieving extended communication range through the relay's longer-range transmission capability
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 continuous monitoring of agricultural conditions without external power, facilitating automated responses such as irrigation control, and providing comprehensive data summaries for farmers.
Implementation Method 1
solar cell configured to generate a current
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural sensing system includes multiple sensor and/or actuator modules configured to communicate with a relay unit. The sensor and/or actuator modules are powered using solar energy and contain no batteries. The modules feature sleep modes in which some circuits are placed in a low energy mode to conserve energy and remove the need for batteries. Communications to or from the relay unit are optionally timed to avoid interference between transmissions from different sensor and/or actuator modules. The relay units are configured to relay sensor data and send commands to the sensor and/or actuator modules.