Wireless Power and Communication Unit for Field Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial process control systems face challenges in powering and communicating with field devices, particularly in wireless setups, where internal batteries are not scalable to meet varying energy demands and require frequent replacement, and internal wireless communication modules can be damaged, necessitating device replacement.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power and communication unit that connects to field devices, using solar power cells to generate electricity and RF circuitry for radio frequency communication, allowing for external power supply and communication, compatible with standard industry protocols, and featuring a local user interface for convenience and modularity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If internal batteries are used to power wireless field devices, then wireless operation is enabled, but energy scalability is poor and frequent replacement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the field device itself and places it in a separate external power supply unit. This allows the field device to remain wireless while the power management functionality resides externally, enabling scalable energy solutions without constraining the field device with limited internal batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The external power supply unit is designed to serve multiple field devices simultaneously and can adapt to varying energy demands. It provides universal power delivery capabilities that can scale from single-device to multi-device configurations, eliminating the need for each device to have its own internal power source.
2Reliability
If internal wireless communication modules are integrated into field devices, then wireless communication is achieved, but the modules can be damaged requiring device replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication functionality is extracted from the field device and relocated to an external communication unit. This separation protects the field device from damage to communication components, as any damage occurs in the external unit which can be replaced independently without replacing the entire field device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional units: the field device, external power supply unit, and external communication unit. This modular segmentation allows independent replacement of damaged components, improving ease of repair while maintaining communication reliability.
3Reliability
If wired connections are used for power and communication, then reliable power delivery is achieved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with wireless electromagnetic field-based power and communication transmission. The external units communicate with and power field devices wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical wire connections while maintaining reliable power delivery and communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The external power supply and communication units act as intermediaries between the power source/communication network and the field devices. These intermediary units handle the complexity of power management and communication protocols, simplifying the overall system installation by eliminating direct wiring requirements between field devices and the control system.
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 wireless operation of legacy field devices, reducing the need for wired connections, allowing for scalable energy management, and providing reliable communication and power without the limitations of internal batteries, while enhancing interaction and diagnostics through digital communication protocols.
Implementation Method 1
power supply circuitry in the unit includes one or more solar power cells that convert solar energy into electricity to power both the unit and the field device
Implementation Method 2
RF circuitry configured to provide radio frequency communication
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power and communication unit for field devices is configured to connect to a field device and provide operating power and wired digital communication between the unit and the field device. RF circuitry in the unit is configured for radio frequency communication. In one embodiment, power supply circuitry in the unit includes one or more solar power cells that convert solar energy into electricity to power both the unit and the field device. The unit interacts with the field device in accordance with a standard industry communication protocol. The unit communicates wirelessly with an external device, such as a control room, based upon the interaction with the field device.