Weather Sensor Vertical Solar Power and Air Gap Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic wind sensors face signal turbulence and power consumption issues, leading to inaccurate measurements and the need for efficient power generation and storage.
Innovation Solution
A weather sensor assembly with an unobstructed air gap design and power-optimized electronics using solar cells positioned vertically for efficient energy harvesting, allowing for accurate wind measurements and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic transducers transmit high-power signals to ensure accurate wind measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducers transmit signals in periodic pulses rather than continuous waves. The controller activates transducers at specific intervals to send ultrasonic pulses through the air gap, then listens for returning pulses. This periodic operation maintains measurement accuracy while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell panel provides self-sufficient power generation for the entire sensor assembly. The generated electrical energy is stored in the rechargeable battery, which then powers the ultrasonic transducers and controller. This self-service power system eliminates external power requirements and sustains operation in remote locations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar cells are positioned horizontally to maximize surface area, then energy harvesting capacity is improved, but wind flow obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell panel is positioned vertically on the outer surface of the housing rather than horizontally on top. This vertical orientation exposes the solar cells to sunlight from the sides while maintaining the horizontal air gap configuration for optimal wind flow. The solution transitions the solar cell arrangement to a different spatial dimension that eliminates the conflict between energy harvesting area and wind flow requirements.
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 solution provides accurate wind speed and direction measurements while optimizing power usage, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of ultrasonic wind sensors through improved signal transmission and energy harvesting.
Implementation Method 1
power-optimized electronics using solar cells positioned vertically for efficient energy harvesting
Implementation Method 2
ultrasonic wind sensors typically utilize two or more ultrasonic transducers to generate and transmit the ultrasonic signals
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly and method for using ultrasonic wind sensors and their assembly with solar cell technology is disclosed. The weather sensor assembly may include a sensor module with a top sensor and a bottom sensor, where the top sensor and the bottom sensor are separated by a gap to allow air to flow through unobstructed. Additionally, one or more power modules may be included that provide power storage and power generation capabilities, which are then placed beneath the sensor module. By doing so, the power modules are stacked vertically on top of one another.