Oktogrid
Intelligent power supply for ten years of operation without battery replacement
For Oktogrid's Data Collector, Move has developed a power supply module with very low self-consumption and an intelligent charging circuit for the backup battery. Together with a compact solar panel, the solution is dimensioned for ten years of operation without battery replacement – even with the low winter sunlight at northern latitudes. Move developed the enclosure, electronics and embedded firmware as one integrated solution.
- Customer
- Oktogrid
- Product
- Solar-powered power supply module for the Data Collector
- Move's role
- Enclosure development, PCB design, power controller, intelligent charging circuit, embedded firmware and Modbus communication, plus a separate feasibility study with FFT analysis
They are professionally competent, pleasant to work with and solution-oriented. Move are honest and accountable, taking responsibility for mistakes and solving them on their own initiative.
I would definitely recommend Move Innovation to others. My advice is to agree on the scope, timeline and expectations of the task from the start, so the solution does not become more complex than necessary. Make sure there is plenty of time for planning and that roles and responsibilities are clearly divided between the parties.
Vedant Hemant Kamlaskar
Engineer, Oktogrid
Data on the condition of transformers
Oktogrid's Data Collector gathers data on the condition and operation of transformers. Sensors measure magnetic fields, vibrations, acoustic signals and temperature, among other things, so that developments can be followed over time and support maintenance planning.
Move's task was to develop the power supply so that the Data Collector could run for many years without needing a battery replacement.
Limited space and long periods of low sunlight
The solution had to meet both technical and visual requirements. The solar panel had to be completely black and take up as little space as possible. At the same time, the battery pack had to keep the unit running through the winter periods of low sunlight, also at northern latitudes.
That made the energy consumption of the power supply itself a crucial focus area. The available energy had to be used efficiently, and charging of the backup battery had to be managed with the long operating period in mind.
A power controller with very low self-consumption
We developed a power controller in which very low self-consumption was a key design requirement. The less energy the power supply uses itself, the more is available to the Data Collector.
Together with the dimensioning of the solar cell and battery pack, the low self-consumption was crucial to creating a compact solution with enough energy reserve for winter operation.
An intelligent charging circuit controls the charging of the backup battery. The power controller and the charging circuit thus form the core of the solution, which has to balance the varying energy supply from the solar cell with the unit's ongoing needs.
Enclosure, PCB and firmware developed together
Move developed the module's enclosure, PCB and embedded firmware. This made it possible to adapt the electronics, the physical design and the control to the same requirements for size, energy consumption and long-term operation.
The firmware supports the module's control and its communication with the Data Collector. Via Modbus, the unit can retrieve the current supply status, so that the energy situation can be monitored continuously and action can be taken when needed.
Feasibility study with FFT analysis
In addition to the power supply module, we carried out a separate feasibility study for a product that is to detect problems in the power supply by means of FFT analysis.
The study examined the technical possibilities and provided a basis for assessing subsequent product development.
The result: long operating life with insight into the supply
Oktogrid now has a complete power supply module with a custom enclosure, PCB and firmware, dimensioned for ten years of operation without battery replacement.
The power controller's low self-consumption, the intelligent charging and the battery's energy reserve support the long operating period. At the same time, Modbus communication makes it possible to follow the status of the supply as part of ongoing monitoring.
Technologies and skills
Hardware
- Power controller with very low self-consumption
- Intelligent charging circuit for the backup battery
- Dimensioning of solar cell and battery pack
- Electronics development and PCB design
Software
- Embedded firmware and Modbus communication
- Technical feasibility study with FFT analysis
Mechanics
- Enclosure development and mechanical integration
Does your product need to run for many years without a battery replacement?
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