Method of characterizing and monitoring energy usage of battery powered wirelessly linked devices

• Main Author: REED Stewart D
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; Hebrew
• Published: 01.03.2024
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; ELECTRICITY; PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSIONOF CHEMICAL INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY

A method of managing a battery of a wireless sensor or other battery-powered remote wireless device includes pre-characterizing the device's energy usage during its various activities and modes, placing the device in operation, opportunistically gathering device operational data obtained for purposes other than battery management, and estimating a status of the battery according to an analysis of the operational data in light of the pre-characterized information. The method further includes taking a battery management action according to the estimated battery status, such as recharging or replacing the battery when it is nearly exhausted, and/or modifying the operation of the device so as to extend the battery lifetime, for example by reducing or increasing the frequency of data transmissions, measurements, calculations, and/or other dynamic current events. The status estimate can further be in light of measurements provided by a simple current measuring circuit included in the device.