Solar Sign Controller Predictive Battery Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light-emitting sign devices face issues with battery overdischarge due to insufficient solar power generation, leading to reduced battery lifetime and lack of effective predictive failure diagnosis and remote management solutions.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting sign device with a controller that determines driving modes based on solar cell and battery voltage measurements, transmitting predictive diagnosis signals to a remote device, including notifications for battery overdischarge, insufficient sunshine, and solar cell failure, using a transceiver and analog-to-digital converter to manage power supply and diagnose potential failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the solar cell charges the battery during the day, then the battery stores power for nighttime LED operation, but when solar power generation is insufficient, battery overdischarge occurs reducing battery lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary diagnosis of the battery's charge/discharge characteristics before nighttime operation begins. By measuring voltage at multiple state-of-charge levels during daytime charging and calculating internal resistance, the system predicts potential overdischarge risks in advance and adjusts nighttime power consumption accordingly, preventing battery damage before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery voltage during charge and discharge cycles, compares actual values with predicted values based on measured internal resistance, and adjusts the power management strategy in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to detect deviations from expected behavior and prevent overdischarge conditions that would reduce battery lifetime
2Ease of operation
If 3G or 4G communication modules are used for remote management, then device management capability is improved, but power consumption and costs increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs low-cost, short-range wireless communication modules (such as WiFi or Bluetooth) instead of expensive 3G/4G modules. These cheaper communication solutions provide sufficient remote management capability for the sign device while consuming significantly less power and reducing system costs, making the solution economically viable for widespread deployment
3Illumination intensity
If LED power consumption is increased to improve visibility at night, then illumination intensity improves, but battery discharge increases risking overdischarge when solar charging is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts LED power consumption based on real-time battery state-of-charge measurements and predicted internal resistance values. When battery charge levels are sufficient, the system operates LEDs at full brightness for optimal visibility. When charge levels drop below thresholds or overdischarge risk is detected, the controller automatically reduces LED power consumption to maintain safe battery operation, creating a dynamic balance between visibility and battery protection
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 system effectively predicts and manages battery failures, extends battery lifetime, and reduces costs by accurately transmitting diagnostic information to a remote device, ensuring efficient power management and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a solar cell; a battery module including at least one battery for storing power generated from the solar cell
Implementation Method 2
a light-emitting module configured to emit light from power supplied from the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting sign device according to the present invention comprises: a solar cell; a battery module comprising at least one battery in which power generated by the solar cell is stored; a light-emitting module for emitting light by the power supplied from the battery; a front panel optically coupled to the light-emitting module; and a controller for applying, to the light-emitting module, a target mode determined, from among driving modes, on the basis of an average value of solar cell voltages measured for a certain period with respect to the solar cell and a voltage value of a battery voltage measured at a certain time with respect to the battery module.