Solar Sensor Reporting Interval Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices powered by solar energy face operational challenges during varying weather conditions, leading to potential blackouts and increased maintenance needs due to inconsistent energy availability.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically configures sensor devices by adjusting reporting intervals, operating parameters, and solar panel orientations based on current energy storage, weather conditions, and historical data to optimize energy consumption and maintain continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar-powered devices operate at full capacity during good weather, then energy generation is maximized, but device reliability deteriorates during bad weather due to insufficient energy availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation mode adjustment by transitioning the device between different operational states (first mode during good weather, second mode during bad weather). The system continuously monitors energy storage levels and weather conditions to dynamically switch between full-capacity operation and reduced-power operation, ensuring reliability across varying environmental conditions while maximizing energy utilization during favorable periods.
2Reliability
If fixed maintenance schedules are implemented for solar devices, then maintenance coverage is ensured, but operational costs increase due to unnecessary technician dispatches during periods when devices can self-adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by automatically adjusting device parameters and operation modes in response to environmental conditions and energy storage levels. This autonomous adaptation reduces the need for manual intervention and routine maintenance dispatches, as the device can independently manage its operational state during varying weather conditions, thereby reducing maintenance costs while ensuring device functionality.
3Loss of information
If sensor devices transmit data at high frequency, then data collection completeness is improved, but energy consumption increases during low solar intensity periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic data transmission rate adjustment by adapting the frequency of sensor readings and data transmissions to current energy availability and weather conditions. During high solar intensity periods, the system increases data collection frequency to ensure completeness. During low solar intensity or cloudy periods, it automatically reduces transmission frequency to conserve energy, maintaining an optimal balance between data quality and power consumption based on real-time conditions.
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
This approach reduces the need for frequent maintenance, minimizes energy consumption during low solar intensity periods, and ensures continuous data collection, thereby reducing operational costs and extending device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
devices that are powered by solar energy
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes obtaining data indicating an amount of energy stored by a battery of a sensor device; receiving data related to at least one condition in an area in which the sensor device is located; determining a reporting interval based on the data indicating the amount of energy stored by the battery of the sensor device and the data related to at least one condition in the area in which the sensor device is located; transmitting data indicating the reporting interval to the sensor device; and receiving a plurality of measurement reports transmitted from the sensor device according to the reporting interval. The energy consumed by the sensor device can be dynamically modified by dynamically modifying the reporting interval.