ENERGY-HARVESTING COMMUNICATION MODULES FOR IOT DEVICES

Abstract

In modem applications, loT devices are everywhere, with their functionality frequently constrained by battery power requirements. This dependence on batteries not only enlarges device dimensions and restricts deployment alternatives but also complicates environmental waste. To tackle these difficulties, we deliver a novel low-power communication module engineered to utilize ambient energy sources, including RF energy, vibrations, and solar radiation. This system autonomously generates electricity by merging RF energy harvesting, piezoelectric chips, and vibration energy capture techniques, thereby providing loT devices with a sustainable power supply. The proposed module would allow loT devices to function perpetually without requiring battery changes, thereby substantially prolonging their operational lifespan, particularly in remote or hard-to-reach areas. This technology has the potential to significantly diminish the environmental effect linked to battery disposal and enhance the sustainability of loT solutions. The technology prolongs the operating lifespan of loT devices, improves deployment flexibility, and significantly reduces environmental consequences from battery waste, rendering it especially beneficial for applications in detached or inaccessible regions.

Specification

TECHNICAL FIELDS
This patent relates to energy-harvesting communication modules for loT devices,
encompassing numerous relevant technical fields. The primary domains where this
technology is expected to converge are as follows:
Technologies for Energy Harvesting
~ Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting: Extracting energy from mechanical stress or
vibrations.
~ RF Energy Harvesting: Harnessing radio frequency emissions for power generation.
~ Vibration Energy Harvesting: Transforming mechanical vibrations into electrical
energy.
~ Sun Energy Harvesting: Employing photovoltaic cells to transform sun radiation into
electrical energy.
Telecommunication Engineering
~ Design and optimization of modules that function with minimal power derived from
gathered energy.
~ Establishing effective communication protocols designed for low-energy loT devices.
Energy Regulation and Storage
~ Advancements in the storage of energy via supercapacitors or micro-batteries.
~ Engineering circuits that optimize the delivery and storage of gathered energy
effectively.
Eco-friendly and Sustainable Technologies
~ Creation of components that reduce environmental impact.
~ Creating gadgets that prioritize durability and require minimal upkeep.
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Embedded Systems
)> Developing systems that necessitate minimal power usage.
)> Software designed to enhance power efficiency according to the available energy
resources.
Sensor Technology
)> Advancement oflow-power sensors capable of integration with loT networks.
)> Devices specifically engineered for remote or inaccessible places.
Materials Science
)> Investigation of materials that enhance the efficiency of energy harvesters.
·Mechanical and Structural Engineering
)> Innovations in structural design aimed at reducing device dimensions while
preserving or improving functionality.
)> These domains encompass the interdisciplinary expertise necessary to design,
execute, and enhance energy-harvesting communication modules for loT devices.
FIELDS OF INVENTION
This invention has applications m a variety of technical and engineering domains. It
specifically applies to:
)> Technology for catching and transforming ambient energy from sources such as radio
frequencies, mechanical vibrations, and solar radiation into usable electrical power.
)> Create low-power, efficient communication modules for Internet of Things (JoT)
applications.
)> Techniques and systems for distributing and storing the energy generated by loT
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~ Using green technology in the design and implementation of loT devices to reduce
environmental effect.
~ The design and optimization of embedded systems that can run on very little power
for long durations.
~ The integration of smart sensor technology that runs on energy harvested from the
environment, allowing for remote monitoring and data collecting.
~ Materials science is the application of innovative materials to tmprove energy
harvesting efficiency and efficacy, as well as gadget longevity.
This idea aims to increase the operational efficiency and environmental sustainability of
loT devices, particularly in remote or difficult-to-access locations where traditional power
sources are unfeasible.
BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY
The rapid expansion of Internet of Things (loT) devices in a variety of industries has
highlighted the crucial need for sustainable power solutions. Traditional loT devices mostly
rely on batteries for power, posing many challenges:
~ Regular battery maintenance and replacement presents logistical issues, particularly
for devices placed in distant or difficult-to-access places. The effort and costs
associated wiih these activities can be prohibitive.
~ Batteries, particularly those containing lithium, lead, and other toxic elements, have a
substantial negative impact on the environment. Batteries must be disposed of and
recycled meticulously, which is not always feasible or effective.
~ The reliance on batteries restricts miniaturization and reduces the scalability of loT
applications due to increasing device size and weight.
Current energy collecting methods have sought to overcome these concerns, but each has its
own set of restrictions.
~ While radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting is a promising method for wirelessly
powering devices, it typically produces power in the microwatt to milliwatt range,
which may not be sufficient for all types ofloT devices.
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:» Piezoelectric and vibration energy harvesting systems are useful in environments with
consistent mechanical action, but less efficient in static or low-activity settings.
:» Solar energy harvesting is dependent on environmental conditions and frequently
requires backup power sources during periods of low light.
Given these constraints, there is an obvious need for a comprehensive energy-harvesting
system that can integrate numerous ambient energy sources to offer a dependable,
continuous, and autonomous power supply for loT devices. This approach would not only
improve the operational efficiency of loT devices, but would also greatly reduce iheir
environmental effect and reliance on traditional power sources.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention describes an integrated energy-harvesting communication module that
powers Internet of Things (loT) devices by combining ambient energy sources such as RF
energy, piezoelectric vibrations, and solar radiation. The suggested module is intended to run
independently, eliminating the requirement for traditional battery power and solving the
significant restrictions associated with battery use in loT technologies.
KEY FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
:» The module combines several energy-harvesting technologies to take advantage of
available environmental energy. This multimodal technique ensures a consistent
power supply by adjusting to changing ambient energy conditions.
:» Advanced power management circuits are used to enhance the conversion and storage
of gathered energy; hence increasing the power supply's efficiency and lifetime .
:» Allows loT devices to function without external power sources, increasing their
usability in remote or inaccessible areas.
:» The module's design is both scalable and modular, allowing for easy integration into a
variety of loT devices without requiring significant changes to their existing
architecture .
:» By minimizing the need for batteries, the module reduces hazardous waste and the
environmental footprint of electronic gadgets.
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Potential Applications for the Invention
)> Ideal for environmental monitoring, wildlife tracking, and infrastructure maintenance
where electricity is limited.
)> Can be integrated with sensors for urban planning and management, such as traffic
control, trash management, and public safety monitoring.
)> Improves the viability of constantly powered wearable devices for health monitoring
by eliminating the requirement for regular charge or battery replacement.
Advantages over Existing Technology
The suggested energy-harvesting communication module outperforms existing
technologies by providing a dependable and sustainable power supply, extending the
operational capabilities of loT devices while lowering maintenance costs and environmental
impact.
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TITLE: ENERGY-HARVESTING COMMUNICATION MODULES FOR lOT
DEVICES
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
System Components of the Energy Harvesting Communication Module
Energy harvesters
~ Converts ambient radio frequency energy into useful electrical power.
~ Uses piezoelectric materials to generate electricity from mechanical vibrations.
~ Contains photovoltaic cells that convert sun radiation into electrical energy.
PO\ver Management Units (PMU)
~ Convert gathered energy from multiple sources into a reliable electrical output that
__ may.powerloT_devices. __
~ An energy storage system is made up of microbatteries or supercapacitors that store
electrical energy during periods of low energy harvesting.
~ Maintains consistent output while protecting loT devices from power fluctuations.
Communication Interface
~ Enables wireless connection between the loT device and the network, with low power
consumption and great efficiency.
~ Software and hardware designed to use energy-efficient communication protocols that
reduce energy consumption while preserving reliable data delivery.
Sensory Integration
~ Smart Sensors: Integrated sensors that can adjust their operation based on available
power, providing ongoing functionality.
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)l> Sensor Control Logic: Manages sensor operations to maximize energy efficiency,
switching between active and sleep modes based on power availability.
Control Units
)l> The microcontroller manages the module's energy harvesting, power storage, and
communication activities.
)l> These algorithms, which are optimized for energy management, dynamically modify
system parameters in response to real-time energy harvesting inputs and power
requirements.
Structural components
)l> Housing protects internal components from ambient elements and IS intended to
improve the efficiency of energy harvesters.
)l> Enables simple integration into a wide range of loT devices without requiring
significant changes to the device design.
User interface
)l> Diagnostic tools are embedded software tools that offer users or system administrators
with feedback on system performance and energy levels.
)l> Through a user-friendly interface, users can modify operational factors such as energy
thresholds and communication settings .
OPERATION
Operation of the Energy-Harvesting Communication Module
Energy Harvesting
The module starts its function by constantly monitoring the environment for potential
energy sources. Depending on the presence of sunshine, vibrations, or ambient RF signals,
the appropriate harvester (solar, piezoelectric, or RF) activates to capture energy.
Each energy harvester transforms a specific sort of ambient energy into electricity. Solar
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harvesters, for example, use pbotovoltaic cells to turn sunlight into electricity, whereas
piezoelectric harvesters generate power from mechanical vibrations and RF harvesters catch
energy from electromagnetic waves.
Energy Conversion and Storage
)» The electrical energy harvested is initially in a raw form and may not meet the voltage
and current requirements of the loT device. It is routed to the power management unit
(PMU), where it is converted to an appropriate format.
)» The PMU manages energy to produce a constant and consistent output while also
charging energy storage systems such as micro-batteries or supercapacitors, ensuring
that excess energy is retained for later use.
Power Management.
)» The microcontroller in the control unit constantly analyzes energy levels and adjusts
distribution according to the device's requirements. It predicts energy requirements
using software algorithms and regulates power flow as needed.
)» The control unit dynamically shifts between energy sources and storage, maximizing
energy efficiency and reducing waste.
Communication and Sensor Operations
)» With power provided, the communication interface allows the loT device to transmit
and receive data. The transceiver module, which is tuned for low energy consumption,
supports a variety of communication protocols to provide network connectivity.
)» Smart sensors incorporated into the module collect environmental and operating data.
The sensor control logic modulates the sampling rate and data transmission based on
power availability, switching between active and low-power sleep modes .
User Interaction and Feedback
)» Users can interact with the module via the built-in user interface, which displays realtime
information about system performance, energy levels, and operational status .
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~ Diagnostic tools built into the module enable troubleshooting and performance
optimization, which users can utilize to ensure the module runs efficiently under
various situations.
Continuous Monitoring and Adjustment
~ The system has self-monitoring and self-adjustment capabilities to respond to
changing environmental conditions and energy availability. This ensures that the loT
device operates without interruption, regardless of fluctuations in available ambient
energy.
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TITLE: ENERGY-HARVESTING COMMUNICATION MODULES FORIOT
DEVICES
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Claims 1: A communication module for JoT devices that includes a number of energy
harvesters designed to transform ambient energy !Tom various source·s, such as RF energy,
piezoelectric vibrations, and solar radiation, into electrical energy.
Claim 2: The module of claim I, wherein the power management unit is configured to:
regulate the converted energy to provide a stable electrical output suitable for powering the
loT devices, and store excess energy in an energy storage system that includes one or more
micro-batteries or supercapacitors.
Claim 3: The module of claim I further includes a transceiver module that is optimized for
low power consumption and can communicate with a network utilizing energy-efficient
protocols.
Claim 4: The module of claim I also includes integrated smart sensors that are designed to
work variably dependent on available power and to switch between active and sleep modes to
optimize energy consumption.
Claim 5: The module of claim I also includes a microcontroller programmed with software
algorithms for managing energy harvesting, power storage, and power distribution based on
real-time assessments of energy harvesting efficiency and device power requirements.
Claim 6: The module of claim I, wherein the module is equipped to dynamically switch
energy sources and manage power distribution autonomously to ensure that the linked loT
device operates continuously in a variety of environments.
Claim 7: A method for decreasing environmental impact in loT deployments that involves
the use of the communication module of claim I, whereby the module reduces reliance on
traditional battery power and reduces hazardous waste production.
Claim 8: The module of claim I is characterized by a scalable and modular design that
allows for integration into a wide range of JoT device architectures without requiring
significant changes to existing device designs.
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Claim 9: The module of claim I also includes a user interface with diagnostic tools that
provide feedback on system performance, energy levels, and operational status, allowing
users or system administrators to set operational parameters and diagnose issues.
Claim 10: A multi-modal energy harvesting system designed to capture and convert energy
from at least three separate ambient energy sources before combining the energies to power
loT devices, as claimed in claim I.

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