DESC:CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Application IN 202421029244, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a refrigerator, and more particularly related to an Internet of Things (IoT) based refrigerator.
BACKGROUND
[002] Refrigerators commonly operate on alternate current (AC) power, but some models are designed to run on direct current (DC). However, DC refrigerators face unique challenges, particularly in monitoring their performance. In DC systems, the direct and constant nature of the current makes a load current rating critical for selecting appropriate current sensor components. This specificity means that each DC appliance requires a tailored monitoring approach to ensure proper functionality in the DC refrigerators.
[003] Despite this need, effective monitoring of the DC refrigerators is often lacking in existing technologies. Even when monitoring systems are integrated, they may not be adequately designed to address the unique characteristics of a DC operation of the DC refrigerators, limiting their effectiveness. This gap highlights the importance of developing specialized and efficient monitoring solutions for the DC refrigerators.
[004] Hence, there is a need in the art for solutions which will overcome the above mentioned drawback(s), among others.
OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of embodiments herein is to disclose an Internet of Things (IoT) based refrigerator, wherein the IoT based refrigerator operates on direct current (DC), and uses at least one green energy source (such as, but not limited to, solar energy, wind energy, and so on).
[006] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose an IoT based refrigerator to maintain a state of charge of at least one battery, and enable uninterrupted operation of the DC refrigerator even in the absence of the green energy.
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose an IoT based refrigerator to enable real-time monitoring of energy consumption of DC refrigerator using a plurality of sensors.
[008] An object of embodiments herein is to disclose an IoT based refrigerator to facilitate energy consumption data collection and processing through a dedicated control module.
[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose an IoT based refrigerator to enable seamless two-way communication among a control module, a plurality of sensors, and at least one external system for efficient energy management and monitoring.
[0010] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose an IoT based refrigerator to enable smart predictive maintenance by remotely monitoring each parameter in real-time and ensuring timely and faster resolution by evaluating the root cause of the problem.
[0011] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose an IoT based refrigerator to enable monitoring each parameter remotely on a real-time basis.
[0012] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose an IoT based refrigerator to enable detailed data analytics providing insights on a systems’ health and analyzing root cause of the problem.
[0013] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating at least one embodiment and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0014] Embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the following illustratory drawings. Embodiments herein are illustrated by way of examples in the accompanying drawings, and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1A depicts an Internet of Things (IoT) based refrigerator, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 1B depicts the IoT based refrigerator depicting current sensor connections, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 2 depicts an example arrangement of one or more components of the IoT based refrigerator, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0018] FIG. 3 depicts an example of a solar powered IoT based refrigerator, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0019] FIG. 4 depicts an example arrangement of the solar powered IoT based refrigerator, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0020] FIG. 5A-FIG. 5D depict an example of the smart solar powered IoT based refrigerator with energy consumption pattern, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0021] FIG. 6 depicts a method for monitoring the IoT based refrigerator, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0023] For the purposes of interpreting this specification, the definitions (as defined herein) will apply and whenever appropriate the terms used in singular will also include the plural and vice versa. It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purposes of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “comprising,” “having” and “including” are to be construed as open-ended terms unless otherwise noted.
[0024] The words/phrases "exemplary", “example,” “illustration”, “in an instance”, “and the like”, “and so on”, “etc.”, “etcetera”, “e.g.,” , “i.e.,” are merely used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein using the words/phrases "exemplary", “example”, “illustration”, “in an instance”, “and the like”, “and so on”, “etc.”, “etcetera”, “e.g.,” , “i.e.,” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0025] Embodiments herein may be described and illustrated in terms of blocks which carry out a described function or functions. These blocks, which may be referred to herein as managers, units, modules, hardware components or the like, are physically implemented by analog and/or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally be driven by a firmware. The circuits may, for example, be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and the like. The circuits constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions of the block and a processor to perform other functions of the block. Each block of the embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, the blocks of the embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0026] It should be noted that elements in the drawings are illustrated for the purposes of this description and ease of understanding and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flowcharts/sequence diagrams illustrate the method in terms of the steps required for understanding of aspects of the embodiments as disclosed herein. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Furthermore, in terms of the system, one or more components/modules which comprise the system may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
[0027] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any modifications, equivalents, and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings and the corresponding description. Usage of words such as first, second, third etc., to describe components/elements/steps is for the purposes of this description and should not be construed as sequential ordering/placement/occurrence unless specified otherwise.
[0028] The embodiments herein achieve an IoT based refrigerator, wherein the IoT based refrigerator operates on DC, and uses at least one green energy source (such as, but not limited to, solar energy, wind energy, and so on).
[0029] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1A through 6, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0030] FIG. 1A depicts the IoT based refrigerator system (1000). The IoT based refrigerator system (1000) includes the refrigerator that comprises a control module (101), a charge controller (102), at least one door sensor (103), an ambient temperature sensor (104), an internal temperature sensor (105), at least one current sensor (106), and a compressor controller (107).
[0031] In an embodiment, a refrigerator housing includes the charge controller (102) that operatively regulates power of green energy source (300), wherein the charge controller (102) maintain at least one battery (400) state of charge enabling battery-powered operation of the DC refrigerator in the absence of the green energy. The plurality of sensors communicatively monitors the DC refrigerator energy consumption. A control module (101) is connected to the charge controller (102), and the plurality of sensors. The control module (101) is configured for DC refrigerator energy consumption data collection, processing, and two-way communication.
[0032] In an embodiment, the system (1000) is connected to at least one green energy source (300) including but not restricted to solar energy, wind energy, wherein the green energy source 300 generates energy, compatible with the DC refrigerator. In an embodiment, the system (1000) is connected to at least one battery (400) for energy storage and utilization, compatible with the DC refrigerator. In an embodiment, the battery (400) is used to store excess green energy and utilize the green energy when the green energy is unavailable.
[0033] In an embodiment, the charge controller (102) maintains the battery state of charge and discharge and prevents overcharging or over-discharging.
[0034] In an embodiment, the system (1000) includes at least one removable storage card (not shown) for temporary data storage to prevent loss during poor network connectivity. In an embodiment, the system (1000) comprises an internal battery for powering the control module (101) during power interruptions.
[0035] In an embodiment, the plurality of temperature sensors includes at least one internal temperature sensor (105) and at least one ambient temperature sensor (104), wherein the temperature sensor(s) (104 and 105) are used to measure refrigerator internal and ambient temperature. In an embodiment, the internal temperature sensor (104) is a 3-pin bus and placed inside the refrigerator compartment, wherein a data pin is connected to the control module (101). In an embodiment, the internal temperature sensor can be made of but not limited to stainless steel.
[0036] In an embodiment, the at least one door sensor (103) comprises of at least one door reed sensor, wherein the at least one door reed sensor monitors an open status or a close status of the door.
[0037] In an embodiment, the system (1000) comprises three current sensors (106), wherein a first current sensor (106A) is used for sensing a DC refrigerator current/voltage, a second current sensor (106B) is used for sensing a solar panel current/voltage, and a third current sensor (106C) is used for sensing battery current/voltage.
[0038] In an embodiment, the control module (101) comprises a communication module (101A) that communicates DC refrigerator energy consumption data to at least one external entity. In an embodiment, the communication module comprises a machine to machine subscriber identity module (M2M SIM) to transmit DC refrigerator energy consumption data to at least one external entity, such as, but not limited to a control server, a user of the refrigerator, an owner of the refrigerator, a service personnel.
[0039] In an embodiment, the control module (101) comprises an application module (101C) configured to provide real-time analysis, wherein the application module (101C) is used to provide real-time monitoring, control, analysis and reporting functionalities specific to DC application data.
[0040] In an embodiment, the system (1000) comprises an internal real-time clock (RTC) (101C) for accurate date and time stamping of data. In an embodiment, the system (1000) comprises a cloud-based control server (not shown) for storing and analyzing collected data.
[0041] Additionally, a plurality of current sensor (106) tracks electrical current, helps to collect and monitor refrigerator running power and daily basis energy consumption which helps to maintain refrigerator efficiency, while a compressor controller (107) regulates the refrigeration cycle. The DC refrigerator, operable at 12V/24V and supporting up to 30A DC current for charging and discharging, can connect to the one or more energy sources (300) and the at least one battery (400). The integration of these components enables efficient energy management, precise monitoring, and seamless connectivity, showcasing the refrigerator’s potential in sustainable and smart appliance ecosystems.
[0042] FIG. 1B depicts the IoT based refrigerator system depicting current sensor connections. In an example herein, the refrigerator housing (100) can comprise three current sensors (106), wherein the first current sensor (106A) can be used for sensing the DC Refrigerator/Appliance current/voltage, the second current sensor (106B) can be used for sensing the solar panel current/voltage, and a third current sensor (106C) can be used for sending the battery current/voltage.
[0043] In an embodiment herein, the first current sensor (106A) can be connected in series with a negative terminal of a power supply of load (102) with the control module (101A). The second current sensor (106B) can be connected in series with a positive terminal of the energy source 102 and the control module 101. Additionally, the third current sensor 106C can be connected in series with a positive terminal of the battery 400 with the control module 101.
[0044] In an embodiment, the IoT-based refrigerator system comprises a comprehensive arrangement of sensors and controllers to monitor and optimize functionality. The refrigerator includes the control module (101), the charge controller (102), the door sensor (103), the ambient temperature sensor (104), the internal temperature sensor (105), the compressor controller (107), and the plurality of current sensors (106). These components work together to enhance the refrigerator’s operational efficiency and provide real-time monitoring. Specifically, three current sensors (106A, 106B, and 106C) serve distinct purposes: first current sensor (106A) monitors the DC refrigerator or appliance current/voltage by being connected in series with the negative terminal of the power supply and the control module (101A). The second current sensor (106B) monitors the solar panel current/voltage by connecting in series with the positive terminal of the energy source (102) and the control module (101). The third current sensor (106C) monitors battery current/voltage by being connected in series with the positive terminal of the battery (400) and the control module (101). This configuration enables precise control of energy flow, ensuring optimal performance and integration of renewable energy sources, while the sensors provide critical data for real-time adjustments and maintenance.
[0045] FIG. 2 depicts an example arrangement of one or more components (101-107) of the refrigerator. The control module (101) can further comprise at least one communication module (101A), a memory (101B), and one or more application module (real-time clocks) (RTCs) (101C). The communication module (101A) can enable the refrigerator to exchange communications/data with at least one external entity (such as, but not limited to, a control server, a user of the refrigerator, an owner of the refrigerator, service personnel, and so on). The control module (101) can use clock data (as provided by the RTC (101C)) for date and time stamping data, thereby avoiding date, and time mismatches.
[0046] In an embodiment herein, the energy source (300) can be a green energy source. In an example herein (as depicted in FIG. 3), the energy source (300) can be solar energy.
[0047] The charge controller (102) can regulate the current and voltage (as provided by the energy source 300) that is used for operating the refrigerator. If there is any excess power, the charge controller (102) can be delivered to the battery (400), such that the battery (400) maintains its state of charge without getting overcharged or over-discharged. When the energy source (300) is unable to supply power, the charge controller (102) can use power from the battery (400) to run the load (i.e., operate the refrigerator). The excess power can be the difference between the current and voltage supplied by the energy source and the current and voltage required for operating the refrigerator at present. The current and voltage supplied by the energy source is greater than the current and voltage required for operating the refrigerator.
[0048] In an example herein, the DC refrigerator housing (100) can be 12V/24V operated DC refrigerator. The DC refrigerator can operate up to a maximum of 30A DC current (charging/discharging current). The refrigerator can be connected to the energy source (300), and the battery (400).
[0049] In an embodiment herein, the first current sensor (106A) can be connected in series with a negative terminal of a power supply of load (102) with the control module (101A). In an embodiment herein, the second current sensor (106B) can be connected in series with a positive terminal of the energy source (102) and the control module (101). In an embodiment herein, the third current sensor (106C) can be connected in series with a positive terminal of the battery (400) with the control module (101).
[0050] In an embodiment herein, the door sensor (103) can be a reed sensor. The first part of the reed sensor can be fixed to a door of the refrigerator, a second part of the reed sensor (i.e., the portion with a bus signal) is fixed to the body of the refrigerator, and a wire from the reed sensor is connected to the control module (101).
[0051] In an embodiment herein, the temperature sensors (104, 105) can be digital temperature sensors. In an example herein, the temperature sensors (104, 105) can be installed inside a compartment of the refrigerator with a 22 gauge 3-colour flat servo wire, thereby avoiding cooling losses. In an example herein, the internal temperature sensor (105) can be a stainless steel probe head (suitable for any wet or harsh environment), which can fit inside a refrigerator compartment and a 3-pin bus, wherein the data pin is connected to the control module (101). In an example herein, the external temperature sensor (104) can be a stainless steel probe head attached to an external surface of the refrigerator or any other suitable location and a 3-pin bus, wherein the data pin is connected to the control module (101). The refrigerator incorporates digital temperature sensors (104) and (105), which are essential for monitoring and regulating internal and external temperatures. Specifically, the internal temperature sensor (105) is a stainless steel probe head designed to function in wet or harsh environments, making it ideal for use inside the refrigerator's compartment. This sensor is fitted with a 3-pin bus, where the data pin connects directly to the control module (101), enabling precise temperature readings. The external temperature sensor (104), similarly, is a stainless-steel probe head mounted on the refrigerator's exterior or any suitable location, also using a 3-pin bus to transmit temperature data to the control module (101). This setup allows for accurate, real-time temperature monitoring both inside and outside the refrigerator, which is crucial for maintaining optimal storage conditions and energy efficiency.
[0052] In an embodiment herein, there can be more than one internal temperature sensor (105), wherein each cabin (main cabin, freezer, vegetable compartment) has one internal temperature sensor (105) (if applicable).
[0053] The compressor controller (107) can control at least one compressor present in the refrigerator, based on instructions received from the control module (101), and using energy as received from the at least one battery (400), and/or the energy source (300).
[0054] In an embodiment herein, the control module (101) can comprise a kill switch, wherein the control module (101) can stop providing power to one or more components in the refrigerator on receiving a kill command from an authorized external entity. The kill switch is basically a master control/ switch which can be remotely turned OFF or ON. The kill switch is a customized function which is added as per customer requirements. Main purpose is to shut down the whole IoT refrigerator functioning in case any misuse or misconduct of the refrigerator.
[0055] The refrigerator can be connected to at least one external entity, such as, the control server. The refrigerator can communicate with the control server, via the communication module (101A). The control module (101) can communicate data from one or more of the other components in the refrigerator to the control server. The control server can make the data and/or related analysis available to at least one external authorized entity, such as, but not limited to, a user of the refrigerator, an owner of the refrigerator, service personnel, and so on, using a front end (accessible via at least one of a dedicated application, a web application, and so on). In an embodiment herein, the control server can communicate the data and/or related analysis to the at least one external authorized entity using IMs, SMSs, emails, and so on.
[0056] In an embodiment herein, one or more components (101-107) can be retrofitted to an existing refrigerator, wherein the retrofitted refrigerator can then include the functions and features, as disclosed herein. The proposed system allows us to add the needed modules and make a normal DC Refrigerator to the IoT based DC Refrigerator.
[0057] In an embodiment herein, the one or more components (101-107) can be selected based on one or more parameters such as, but not limited to, a desired maximum current limit, ambient temperature range (where the refrigerator is to be used), and type of cooling unit(s) present in the refrigerator (freezer, refrigeration unit, and so on).
[0058] FIG. 4 depicts an example of a smart solar powered IoT based refrigerator, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. As illustrated, IoT based decentralized renewable energy (DRE) powered smart productive use of renewable energy (PURE) appliance solar refrigerator is used for monitoring, evaluating, and augmenting, efficiency, affordability, and service issues. The IoT based smart solar DC refrigerator involves integration of sensors, communication modules, and a cloud based platform for remote analysis on web and mobile applications. The IoT based smart DC refrigerator integrates microcontrollers (IoT board), sensors, communication module, cloud platform, web and mobile application retrofit to a solar DC refrigerator to make it smart, with optimized power consumption to ensure that the device can operate efficiently using the solar panel and battery. Additionally, the solar integration and microcontroller programing to read proper data communication set up with cloud integration, data logging and analysis, user friendly mobile or web application for users to monitor and control the refrigerator remotely. The figure illustrates a smart, solar-powered IoT-based refrigerator designed for efficient and affordable operation using decentralized renewable energy (DRE), integrating sensors, communication modules, and a cloud platform, enabling remote monitoring and control via web and mobile applications. Equipped with an IoT board, microcontrollers, and a solar panel with battery support, the IoT based refrigerator optimizes power consumption for reliable operation. The setup includes cloud integration for data logging and analysis, along with user-friendly applications for monitoring and managing performance and service issues remotely.
[0059] FIG. 5A- FIG 5B depict an example of a smart solar powered IoT based refrigerator, for graphical representation for compressor ON/OFF data, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The smart solar-powered IoT-based refrigerator is designed for use across diverse climates in India and overseas (for example). The refrigerator maintains an internal temperature between -20°C and +11°C despite significant ambient temperature variations, ranging from 5-6°C in winter to 53-56°C in summer, emphasizing the need for accurate temperature sensors. Temperature sensor with a proper range and accuracy is necessary for the IoT based solar refrigerator. FIG 5A depicts changes of ambient and internal temperature over the time and FIG 5B depicts change of voltage, current, and power over the time of the day.
[0060] FIG. 5C- FIG. 5D depict an example of the smart solar powered IoT based refrigerator, for energy consumption pattern, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The IoT based smart refrigerator retrofits to an IoT board to efficiently monitor and analyze the data, design, and services. The plurality of current sensors helps to collects and monitor refrigerator running power and daily basis energy consumption to help maintain the refrigerator efficiency. FIG. 5C depicts refrigerator energy consumption patterns over the time, including variations in voltage, current, power, and internal/ambient temperatures FIG. 5D depicts solar power generation data, highlighting how excess solar energy is stored in a battery for use during low solar availability. This data also helps assess the solar panel's performance and identify maintenance needs, ensuring consistent operation. Moreover, the example illustrates a smart solar-powered IoT-based refrigerator designed to monitor and optimize energy consumption, equipped with an IoT board and multiple current sensors, where the refrigerator tracks power usage and daily energy consumption, identify maintenance needs, ensuring consistent operation, and enhancing efficiency
[0061] FIG. 6 depicts a method for monitoring the IoT based refrigerator, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. At step 602, the method includes monitoring the energy consumption of a DC refrigerator, by a plurality of current sensors, wherein the energy consumption of a DC refrigerator is regulated by a charge controller (102) to maintain the state of charge of the battery (400) enabling battery-powered operation of the DC refrigerator in the absence of green energy.
[0062] In another embodiment, the refrigerator current source helps to collect and monitor the refrigerator running power and daily basis energy consumption to maintain the refrigerator efficiency, energy generation (for example solar generation) required to run the refrigerator uninterruptedly, without any grid source, and battery state of charge, whether at any point the battery is in charging or discharging mode.
[0063] The embodiments disclosed herein describe an Internet of Things (IoT) based DC refrigerator system and method for monitoring the energy consumption of a DC refrigerator, offering a significant advantage using a charge controller to efficiently regulate power from green energy source, maintaining battery state ensuring uninterrupted operation of the refrigerator in absence of green energy. Additionally, selection of crucial components of DC refrigerator on the respective current rating is very important. Even though the components are of accurate rating, when the components works at its highest rating continuously for a longer time, they start heating and damaging the components over a shorter period than expected. For such cases, proper selection of components (for example, ventilation, or cooling fan, and heat sink) has to be made. Moreover, when the temperature difference is too high, (for example, internal temperature ranges from -20 degree C to +11 degree C, or ambient temperature ranges 5-6 degree C in winter to 53-54 degree C in summer), temperature sensor with a proper range has to be selected. The integration of plurality of sensors enables real-time monitoring of DC refrigerators energy consumption, while control module connected to the plurality of sensors configured for DC refrigerator energy consumption data collection, processing, and two-way communication. Further, the IoT based refrigerator enables smart predictive maintenance ensuring timely and faster resolution, integrated IoT board helps to monitor each parameter remotely on a real time basis, detailed data analytics provide insights on a systems health, and root cause to narrow down the problem. For example, the proposed system have the energy consumption graphical analysis on the UI, which shows the compressor working cycle, i.e. number of times the compressor turns ON in a day to maintain the temperature. Now, if on a particular day the energy consumption is comparatively higher with more compressor ON count, it can mean that customer has kept the refrigerator door open for long time or the refrigerator is over-loaded. The alert can be sent to the customer to control and maintain the usage. Also, it is useful for us to do a predictive analysis and attend to complaints knowing the cause for fault of the system.
[0064] The various actions in method 600 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 6 may be omitted.
[0065] The embodiment disclosed herein describes the IoT based refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator operates on DC, and uses at least one green energy source (such as, but not limited to, solar energy, wind energy, and so on). Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the protection is extended to such a program and in addition to a computer readable means having a message therein, such computer readable storage means contain program code means for implementation of one or more steps of the method, when the program runs on a server or mobile device or any suitable programmable device. The method is implemented in at least one embodiment through or together with a software program written in e.g., Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) another programming language, or implemented by one or more VHDL or several software modules being executed on at least one hardware device. The hardware device can be any kind of portable device that can be programmed. The device may also include means which could be e.g., hardware means like e.g., an ASIC, or a combination of hardware and software means, e.g., an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. The method embodiments described herein could be implemented partly in hardware and partly in software. Alternatively, the invention may be implemented on different hardware devices, e.g., using a plurality of CPUs.
[0066] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the network elements. The elements include blocks which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module.
[0067] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments and examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments and examples disclosed herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
We claim:
1. An Internet of Things (IoT) based DC refrigerator system (1000), comprising:
a refrigerator housing (100), comprising:
at least one charge controller (102), regulating power of a green energy source (300) for the IoT based DC refrigerator system (1000), wherein the at least one charge controller (102) maintains at least one battery (400) to enable a battery-powered operation of the DC refrigerator in the absence of the green energy source (300);
a plurality of sensors, monitoring energy consumption of the DC refrigerator system (1000); and
a control module (101), connected to the charge controller (102), and the plurality of sensors, wherein the control module (101) is configured for data collection, data processing, and two-way communication of energy consumption information of the DC refrigerator.
2. The system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is connected to at least one battery (400) for energy storage and utilization, compatible with the DC refrigerator system.
3. The system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one battery (400) is used to store excess green energy and utilize the green energy later when the green energy is unavailable.
4. The system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charge controller (102) maintains a battery state of charge and prevents overcharging of the battery or over-discharging of the battery.
5. The system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (1000) comprises at least one removable storage card for temporary data storage to prevent data loss during poor network connectivity.
6. The system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises an internal battery (101C) for powering the control module (101) during power interruptions.
7. The system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of temperature sensors (103-106) comprises:
at least one internal temperature sensor (105) to measure the internal temperature of the DC refrigerator system; and
at least one ambient temperature sensor (104) to measure the ambient temperature of the DC refrigerator system.
8. The system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal temperature sensor (105) fits inside the refrigerator housing (100), wherein a data pin is connected to the control module (101), and wherein the ambient temperature sensor probe head fits to a wall.
9. The system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one door sensor (103) comprises of at least one door reed sensor, wherein the at least one door reed sensor monitors a status of a door of the refrigerator housing (100).
10. The system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises three current sensors (106), wherein a first current sensor (106A) is used for DC refrigerator current/voltage sensing, a second current sensor (106B) is used for solar panel current/voltage sensing, and a third current sensor (106C) is used for battery current/voltage sensing.
11. The system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control module (101) comprises a communication module (101A) that communicates DC refrigerator energy consumption data to at least one external entity, and wherein the communication module comprises a machine to machine subscriber identity module (M2M SIM) to transmit DC refrigerator energy consumption data to at least one external entity(200).
12. The system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control module (101) comprises an application module (101C) to provide real-time monitoring, control, analysis and reporting functionalities specific to DC application data.
13. The system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises an internal real-time clock (RTC) (101C) for accurate date and time stamping of DC application data.
14. The system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises a cloud-based control server for storing and analyzing collected data.
15. A method for monitoring an Internet of Things (IoT) based direct current (DC) refrigerator, comprising:
monitoring, by a plurality of current sensors, the energy consumption of a DC refrigerator, wherein the energy consumption information of the DC refrigerator is regulated by control module (101) connected to a charge controller (102) to maintain the state of charge of a battery (400) enabling a battery-powered operation of the DC refrigerator in the absence of green energy.