Solar IoT: Testing Energy Harvesting Technologies for IoT Devices
Developers of IoT products spend a considerable amount of time pondering power sources: where to derive it from, how to optimize efficiency, and what to do when it depletes.
The power dilemma becomes more pronounced in extensive IoT deployments – who would install devices across vast distances if they required battery replacements every few months?
One of the elegant solutions to this challenge lies in energy harvesting technologies. For outdoor IoT setups like agricultural IoT, smart utilities, and environmental sensing, solar power emerges as a prevalent option. This mature technology is well-established with a thriving market for solar panels.
But how can you ensure that your IoT device operates seamlessly on solar power? And how do you choose the most suitable panels for your application? The key lies in testing your solar panels. Keep reading to discover how to assess solar technologies for your IoT project’s development.
Energy Harvesting Technologies Beyond Solar Power
While solar power remains the dominant energy harvesting method for IoT devices, other sources are gaining traction:
- Kinetic energy harvesting (e.g., from a smart button press)
- Thermal energy harvesting (e.g., from heat in a water meter)
- Radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting (e.g., wirelessly from ambient RF waves)
Although these technologies are evolving, discussions around energy harvesting in IoT predominantly revolve around solar panels.
Evaluating Solar Panels in IoT Product Development
The initial step in creating a solar-powered IoT device is understanding the solar panel’s electrical characteristics. You need to gauge the power output (current) and voltage based on light intensity to generate a current-voltage characteristic curve, commonly known as an IV curve.
To conduct this evaluation, you will require:
- A portable power profiler for voltage and current readings
- Compatible software with scripting capabilities
- A laptop, solar intensity meter, and multimeter leads
With this setup, you can create multiple IV curves under varying sunlight conditions to evaluate your solar panel effectively.
IV Curves
IV curves elucidate the solar panel’s energy absorption across different light conditions. Pair this data with your device’s power requirements to determine the time needed to harvest sunlight for a single operation cycle (wakeup, operation, data transmission, sleep).
Continuous testing over different periods will provide average performance metrics. Based on these results, you can decide if the solar panel aligns with your device’s energy needs. If adjustments are necessary, consider opting for a larger solar panel or redesigning for improved energy efficiency.
Energy Harvesting Tests for Continuous IoT Deployment
End the evaluation at launch; continue testing solar power compatibility through each deployment phase. Ensure your device remains functional post-updates and with varying solar panel batches.
IV curves play a pivotal role in bolstering reliable solar-powered IoT systems. Continuous testing is imperative to ensure the technology’s credibility, especially in the context of sustainable energy future.