1. A hybrid energy harvesting system (100) for powering an IoT sensor node, the system (100) comprising: a solar energy harvesting unit (102) adapted to receive solar energy; a radio frequency energy harvesting unit (104) adapted to receive radio frequency energy; a piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit (106) adapted to receive vibration energy; a source detection unit (108) adapted to monitor electrical parameters including voltage and current corresponding to the solar energy harvesting unit (102), the radio frequency energy harvesting unit (104), and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit (106); a controller (110), characterized in that the controller (110) is configured to: determine availability and strength of each energy source based on the monitored electrical parameters; and dynamically select an optimal energy source or a combination of energy sources based on the determined availability and strength; and a point tracking unit (112) adapted to perform adaptive maximum power point tracking by adjusting control parameters including input impedance and duty cycle corresponding to the selected energy source or the combination of energy sources.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a power converter (114) adapted to convert harvested energy into a regulated output.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an energy storage unit (116) comprising a supercapacitor (118) and a rechargeable battery (120) adapted to store the regulated output.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a power management unit (122) adapted to manage charging and discharging of the supercapacitor (118) and the rechargeable battery (120) based on load requirements.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an output interface (124) adapted to supply power to the IoT sensor node for sensing and data transmission.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the source detection unit (108) is adapted for continuous real-time monitoring of environmental energy conditions corresponding to each energy source.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (110) is configured to prioritize the solar energy harvesting unit (102) during daylight conditions and prioritize the radio frequency energy harvesting unit (104) and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit (106) during low-light conditions.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (110) is configured to enable simultaneous utilization of the solar energy harvesting unit (102), the radio frequency energy harvesting unit (104), and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit (106) when combined energy output exceeds a predefined threshold.

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the point tracking unit (112) is adapted to modify control parameters specific to characteristics of each energy source using the controller (110).

10. A method (300) for hybrid energy harvesting for powering an IoT sensor node, the method (300) is characterized by steps of: receiving, energy inputs from a solar energy harvesting unit (102), a radio frequency energy harvesting unit (104), and a piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit (106); monitoring electrical parameters including voltage and current corresponding to each of the solar energy harvesting unit (102), the radio frequency energy harvesting unit (104), and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit (106); determining availability and strength of each energy source based on the monitored electrical parameters; dynamically selecting an optimal energy source or a combination of energy sources based on the determined availability and strength; performing adaptive maximum power point tracking by adjusting control parameters including input impedance and duty cycle corresponding to the selected energy source or the combination of energy sources; converting harvested energy into a regulated output; storing the regulated output in a supercapacitor (118) and a rechargeable battery (120); managing charging and discharging of the supercapacitor (118) and the rechargeable battery (120) based on load requirements; and supplying power to the IoT sensor node for sensing and data transmission. Date: May 13, 2026 Place: Noida Nainsi Rastogi Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372) Agent for the Applicant

Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to energy management and particularly to a hybrid energy harvesting system and method for powering an IoT sensor node.
Description of Related Art
[002] Remote sensor nodes face a critical power supply challenge in off-grid and hard-to-access environments. These nodes depend on continuous electrical energy for tasks such as environmental monitoring, agricultural assessment, and industrial supervision. Conventional battery-based operation leads to limited lifespan, frequent depletion, and high maintenance effort. Replacement or recharging of batteries in remote locations incurs significant cost, labor demand, and operational delay. Environmental variability further affects energy availability, that results in unreliable sensor performance and interruption of data acquisition.
[003] Existing approaches rely on several energy supply techniques that attempt to address these constraints. Solar-powered systems utilize photovoltaic panels coupled with rechargeable batteries to provide energy in outdoor conditions. Battery-operated standalone devices offer ease of deployment and low initial cost. Single-source energy harvesting modules utilize radio frequency signals or mechanical vibration to generate power in specific environments. Certain research-level systems combine multiple energy sources, while dedicated Maximum Power Point Tracking controllers optimize energy extraction, primarily for solar applications. Commercial products adopt these methods in agriculture, industrial monitoring, and environmental sensing domains.
[004] However, these existing solutions exhibit notable limitations that restrict reliable long-term operation. Dependence on a single energy source results in inconsistent performance when environmental conditions change or energy availability declines. Solar systems show reduced efficiency under shading, dust accumulation, or adverse weather, while radio frequency and vibration sources provide insufficient or location-dependent power. Present systems lack dynamic selection or prioritization among multiple energy sources, that leads to inefficient energy use. Available power optimization techniques remain limited to individual sources and do not support multi-source adaptation. Battery reliance continues to impose maintenance burden, and absence of integrated, scalable solutions prevents consistent deployment in diverse real-world conditions.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced hybrid energy harvesting system and method for powering an IoT sensor node that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a hybrid energy harvesting system for powering an IoT sensor node. The system comprising a solar energy harvesting unit adapted to receive solar energy. The system further comprising a radio frequency energy harvesting unit adapted to receive radio frequency energy. The system further comprising a piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit adapted to receive vibration energy. The system further comprising a source detection unit adapted to monitor electrical parameters including voltage and current corresponding to the solar energy harvesting unit, the radio frequency energy harvesting unit, and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit. The system further comprising a controller. The controller is configured to determine availability and strength of each energy source based on the monitored electrical parameters, dynamically select an optimal energy source or a combination of energy sources based on the determined availability and strength, and a point tracking unit adapted to perform adaptive maximum power point tracking by adjusting control parameters including input impedance and duty cycle corresponding to the selected energy source or the combination of energy sources.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for hybrid energy harvesting for powering an IoT sensor node. The method comprising steps of: receiving, energy inputs from a solar energy harvesting unit, a radio frequency energy harvesting unit, and a piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit; monitoring, by a source detection unit, electrical parameters including voltage and current corresponding to each of the solar energy harvesting unit, the radio frequency energy harvesting unit, and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit; determining, by a controller, availability and strength of each energy source based on the monitored electrical parameters; dynamically selecting, by the controller, an optimal energy source or a combination of energy sources based on the determined availability and strength; performing, by a point tracking unit, adaptive maximum power point tracking by adjusting control parameters including input impedance and duty cycle corresponding to the selected energy source or the combination of energy sources; converting, by a power converter, harvested energy into a regulated output; storing, by an energy storage unit, the regulated output in a supercapacitor and a rechargeable battery; managing, by a power management unit, charging and discharging of the supercapacitor and the rechargeable battery based on load requirements; and supplying, by the energy storage unit, power to the IoT sensor node for sensing and data transmission.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide hybrid energy harvesting system for powering an IoT sensor node.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a hybrid energy harvesting system for powering an IoT sensor node that ensures continuous power availability for remote sensor nodes through utilization of multiple ambient energy sources, thereby reducing dependence on conventional battery replacement.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a hybrid energy harvesting system for powering an IoT sensor node that improves overall energy utilization efficiency by enabling optimal extraction of power under varying environmental conditions.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a hybrid energy harvesting system for powering an IoT sensor node that reduces maintenance cost and operational effort associated with manual battery servicing in remote or inaccessible locations.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a hybrid energy harvesting system for powering an IoT sensor node that enhances reliability and operational stability of sensor networks in agricultural and industrial environments with fluctuating energy conditions.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a hybrid energy harvesting system for powering an IoT sensor node that supports long-term deployment of Internet of Things sensor systems by enabling sustained and self-sufficient power generation.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a hybrid energy harvesting system for powering an IoT sensor node, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates components of a processing unit of the hybrid energy harvesting system for powering the IoT sensor node, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for hybrid energy harvesting for powering the IoT sensor node, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a hybrid energy harvesting system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100) for powering an IoT sensor node, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may be adapted to operate under ultra-low power conditions. The system 100 may be configured to function under sub-milliwatt power levels. The system 100 may be adapted such that internal power consumption remains lower than harvested energy under low-energy environmental conditions. The system 100 may be adapted to sustain operation during reduced solar exposure, weak radio frequency signals, and intermittent vibration inputs.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may be adapted as a modular unit suitable for deployment in agricultural environments, industrial monitoring environments, and enclosed structures. The system 100 may be adapted to operate under varying environmental conditions without modification of hardware configuration. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may be a robust, adaptive, and energy-efficient architecture that may intelligently utilize multiple ambient energy sources, dynamically manage energy selection and conversion, and provide a reliable power output suitable for continuous sensor operation and data transmission.
[0026] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the system 100 may incorporate non-limiting hardware components to enhance the processing speed and efficiency such as the system 100 may comprise a solar energy harvesting unit 102, a radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104, a piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106, a source detection unit 108, a controller 110, a point tracking unit 112, a power converter 114, an energy storage unit 116, a power management unit 122, and an output interface 124. In an embodiment of the present invention, the hardware components of the system 100 may be integrated with computer-executable instructions for overcoming the challenges and the limitations of the existing systems.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the solar energy harvesting unit 102 may be adapted to receive solar energy. The solar energy harvesting unit 102 may be adapted to convert the received solar energy into electrical energy. The solar energy harvesting unit 102 may be, but not limited to, a photovoltaic panel, a thin-film solar element, a crystalline solar cell, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the solar energy harvesting unit 102, including known, related art, and later developed technologies.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104 may be adapted to receive radio frequency energy from ambient electromagnetic sources. The radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104 may comprise an antenna, an impedance matching circuitry, a rectification component, and so forth, for converting radio frequency signals into electrical energy. Embodiments of the present application are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of radio frequency harvesting techniques, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104 may be, but not limited to, a rectenna system, an antenna, an impedance matching network, an RF-to-DC conversion circuit, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104, including known, related art, and later developed technologies.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106 may be adapted to receive vibration energy. The piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106 may be adapted to convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy. The piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106 may comprise a piezoelectric transducer or equivalent structure responsive to mechanical motion. Embodiments of the present application are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of vibration-based energy harvesting technologies, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106 may be, but not limited to, a piezoelectric transducer, a cantilever-based generator, a mechanical strain-based element, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106, including known, related art, and later developed technologies.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the source detection unit 108 may be operatively coupled to the solar energy harvesting unit 102, the radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104, and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106. The source detection unit 108 may be adapted to monitor electrical parameters including voltage and current corresponding to each energy source. In an embodiment of the present invention, the source detection unit 108 may be adapted to continuously acquire voltage and current signals from the solar energy harvesting unit 102, the radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104, and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106 for real-time evaluation of energy availability. The source detection unit 108 may comprise sensing circuits, measurement modules, signal conditioning components, and so forth that enable accurate evaluation of energy availability under varying environmental conditions. The source detection unit 108 may support continuous real-time monitoring of the energy sources.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the monitored electrical parameters may be indicative of environmental conditions associated with each energy source. The controller 110 may be adapted to interpret variation in the monitored parameters to identify daylight conditions, reduced light conditions, presence of ambient radio frequency signals, and occurrence of mechanical vibration. The controller 110 may be adapted to utilize such interpreted conditions for energy source selection and prioritization. The source detection unit 108 may be, but not limited to, a sensing circuit, an analog front-end circuit, a signal conditioning component, a measurement module, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the source detection unit 108, including known, related art, and later developed technologies.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the monitored electrical parameters may be transmitted to the controller 110 operatively coupled to the source detection unit 108. The controller 110 may be configured to determine availability and strength of each energy source based on the monitored parameters. The controller 110 may dynamically select an optimal energy source or a combination of energy sources based on the determined availability and strength. The controller 110 may prioritize the solar energy harvesting unit 102 during daylight conditions and may prioritize the radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104 and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106 during low-light conditions.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 110 may be adapted to assign operational priority to the solar energy harvesting unit 102 under daylight conditions and to the radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104 and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106 under reduced light conditions based on monitored parameters. The controller 110 may further enable simultaneous utilization of multiple energy sources when combined energy output exceeds a predefined threshold. In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 110 may be adapted to coordinate combined operation of the solar energy harvesting unit 102, the radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104, and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106 upon detection of sufficient aggregated energy.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 110 may be adapted to combine energy inputs from the solar energy harvesting unit 102, the radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104, and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106 when aggregated energy exceeds a predefined operational requirement. The controller 110 may be adapted to maintain coordinated operation among the energy sources to improve total energy output.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 110 may be adapted to initiate operation from minimal energy input derived from the solar energy harvesting unit 102 or the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106. The controller 110 may be adapted to resume operation following depletion of stored energy without external intervention. The system 100 may be adapted to restore functional operation upon availability of sufficient ambient energy.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 110 may be adapted to govern energy extraction across the solar energy harvesting unit 102, the radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104, and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106 using a unified control architecture. The controller 110 may be operatively coupled with the point tracking unit 112 to regulate control parameters corresponding to each energy source without requirement of separate tracking circuits.
[0037] The controller 110 may be, but not limited to, a microcontroller, an embedded processing unit, a digital control circuit, a programmable logic device, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the controller 110, including known, related art, and later developed technologies. The controller 110 may be further be explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the point tracking unit 112 may be operatively coupled to the controller 110 and energy harvesting units. In an embodiment of the present invention, the point tracking unit 112 may be adapted to modify input impedance and duty cycle under control of the controller 110 in accordance with electrical characteristics of the selected energy source. The point tracking unit 112 may be adapted to perform adaptive maximum power point tracking by adjusting control parameters including input impedance and duty cycle corresponding to the selected energy source or the combination of energy sources. The point tracking unit 112 may modify control parameters specific to characteristics of each energy source under control of the controller 110 to enhance energy extraction efficiency.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the point tracking unit 112 may be adapted to dynamically adjust input impedance, duty cycle, and switching characteristics corresponding to electrical behavior of the selected energy source. The control parameters may be updated in response to variation in voltage levels, current levels, and stability conditions associated with the solar energy harvesting unit 102, the radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104, and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106. The point tracking unit 112 may be, but not limited to, a DC-DC control circuit, a switching regulator-based tracking circuit, an adaptive impedance matching circuit, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) unit, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the point tracking unit 112, including known, related art, and later developed technologies.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power converter 114 may be operatively coupled to the point tracking unit 112. In an embodiment of the present invention, the power converter 114 may be adapted to regulate variable input energy received from the point tracking unit 112 into a stable output suitable for storage in the energy storage unit 116. The power converter 114 may be adapted to convert harvested energy into a regulated output suitable for storage and load requirements. The power converter 114 may comprise step-up, step-down, or buck-boost conversion configurations depending on input and output voltage conditions. The power converter 114 may be, but not limited to, a buck converter, a boost converter, a buck-boost converter, a switched-mode power converter, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the power converter 114, including known, related art, and later developed technologies.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the energy storage unit 116 may be operatively coupled to the power converter 114. The energy storage unit 116 may comprise a supercapacitor 118 and a rechargeable battery 120. In an embodiment of the present invention, the energy storage unit 116 may be adapted to store regulated output by distributing transient energy to the supercapacitor 118 and continuous energy to the rechargeable battery 120. The supercapacitor 118 may be adapted to store short-duration energy, while the rechargeable battery 120 may be adapted to store energy for long-term supply. Embodiments of the present application are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of hybrid energy storage configurations, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0042] The energy storage unit 116 may be, but not limited to, a hybrid storage arrangement comprising a battery-based storage element and a capacitor-based storage element, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the energy storage unit 116, including known, related art, and later developed technologies.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the supercapacitor 118 may be adapted to store transient energy generated from the radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104 and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106. The rechargeable battery 120 may be adapted to store continuous energy generated from the solar energy harvesting unit 102. The power management unit 122 may be adapted to route energy to the supercapacitor 118 or the rechargeable battery 120 based on temporal characteristics of the harvested energy.
[0044] The supercapacitor 118 may be, but not limited to, an electric double-layer capacitor, a hybrid capacitor, a high-capacitance storage device, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the supercapacitor 118, including known, related art, and later developed technologies. The rechargeable battery 120 may be, but not limited to, a lithium-ion battery, a lithium-polymer battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a solid-state battery, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the rechargeable battery 120, including known, related art, and later developed technologies.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power management unit 122 may be operatively coupled to the energy storage unit 116. In an embodiment of the present invention, the power management unit 122 may be adapted to control charging and discharging cycles of the supercapacitor 118 and the rechargeable battery 120 based on dynamic load demand. The power management unit 122 may comprise switching circuits, control elements, protection mechanisms, and so forth, that ensure efficient energy utilization and safe operation.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power management unit 122 may be adapted to direct burst energy to the supercapacitor 118 and steady-state energy to the rechargeable battery 120. The power management unit 122 may be adapted to regulate discharge from the supercapacitor 118 during peak load conditions and discharge from the rechargeable battery 120 during sustained operation. The power management unit 122 may be, but not limited to, a switching control circuit, a power routing circuit, a protection circuit, a regulation circuit, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the power management unit 122, including known, related art, and later developed technologies.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, the output interface 124 may be operatively coupled to the power management unit 122. The output interface 124 may be adapted to supply regulated power to the IoT sensor node for sensing and data transmission. In an embodiment of the present invention, the output interface 124 may be adapted to deliver regulated electrical output from the power management unit 122 to enable sensing and data transmission of the IoT sensor node. The output interface 124 may comprise voltage regulation elements, connectors, and communication interfaces suitable for integration with the IoT sensor node. The output interface 124 may be, but not limited to, a voltage regulation circuit, an output connector, a communication interface circuit, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the output interface 124, including known, related art, and later developed technologies.
[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates components of the controller 110 of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The controller 110 may comprise an evaluation module 200, a prioritization module 202, a source management module 204, and a control parameter module 206. The modules may collectively enable evaluation of energy sources, prioritization, coordinated utilization, and adaptive control for efficient energy harvesting and management.
[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the evaluation module 200 may be configured to receive electrical parameters from the source detection unit 108. The electrical parameters may comprise voltage, current, and stability characteristics corresponding to the solar energy harvesting unit 102, the radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104, and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106. The evaluation module 200 may be further configured to analyze the received electrical parameters to determine availability and strength of each energy source.
[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention, the evaluation module 200 may be adapted to process electrical parameters received from the source detection unit 108 to determine availability and strength of each energy source. The prioritization module 202 may be adapted to assign priority levels based on evaluated conditions. The source management module 204 may be adapted to determine selection or combined utilization of the energy sources. The control parameter module 206 may be adapted to generate control signals corresponding to input impedance and duty cycle for the point tracking unit 112.The evaluation module 200 may generate evaluation data indicative of suitability of each energy source for energy extraction.
[0051] In an embodiment of the present invention, the prioritization module 202 may be configured to receive the evaluation data from the evaluation module 200. The prioritization module 202 may be further configured to assign priority levels to each energy source based on predefined criteria. The predefined criteria may include, but not limited to, magnitude of available energy, environmental conditions, and load requirements of the system 100. The prioritization module 202 may assign higher priority to the solar energy harvesting unit 102 during daylight conditions. The prioritization module 202 may assign higher priority to the radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104 and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106 during low-light conditions. The prioritization module 202 may generate priority data corresponding to each energy source.
[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the source management module 204 may be configured to receive the priority data from the prioritization module 202. The source management module 204 may be further configured to determine utilization of energy sources based on the priority data and total available energy. The source management module 204 may select a single energy source when one source satisfies energy requirements. The source management module 204 may enable simultaneous utilization of multiple energy sources when combined energy output exceeds a predefined threshold. The source management module 204 may be further configured to ensure seamless transition between energy sources.
[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control parameter module 206 may be configured to receive source selection information from the source management module 204. The control parameter module 206 may be further configured to generate control signals for the point tracking unit 112. The control parameter module 206 may determine control parameters including input impedance and duty cycle corresponding to characteristics of the selected energy source or the combination of energy sources. The control parameter module 206 may dynamically update the control parameters based on variation in energy source characteristics to enhance efficiency of energy extraction.
[0054] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for hybrid energy harvesting for powering the IoT sensor node, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] At step 302, the system 100 may receive, energy inputs from the solar energy harvesting unit 102, the radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104, and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106.
[0056] At step 304, the system 100 may monitor, by the source detection unit 108, electrical parameters including voltage and current corresponding to each of the solar energy harvesting unit 102, the radio frequency energy harvesting unit 104, and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit 106.
[0057] At step 306, the system 100 may determine, by the controller 110, availability and strength of each energy source based on the monitored electrical parameters.
[0058] At step 308, the system 100 may dynamically select, by the controller 110, the optimal energy source or the combination of the energy sources based on the determined availability and strength.
[0059] At step 310, the system 100 may perform, by the point tracking unit 112, adaptive maximum power point tracking by adjusting control parameters including the input impedance and the duty cycle corresponding to the selected energy source or the combination of the energy sources.
[0060] At step 312, the system 100 may convert, by the power converter 114, harvested energy into the regulated output.
[0061] At step 314, the system 100 may store, by the energy storage unit 116, the regulated output in the supercapacitor 118 and the rechargeable battery 120.
[0062] At step 316, the system 100 may manage, by the power management unit 122, the charging and discharging of the supercapacitor 118 and the rechargeable battery 120 based on load requirements.
[0063] At step 318, the system 100 may supply, by the energy storage unit 116, power to the IoT sensor node for sensing and data transmission.
[0064] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0065] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A hybrid energy harvesting system (100) for powering an IoT sensor node, the system (100) comprising:
a solar energy harvesting unit (102) adapted to receive solar energy;
a radio frequency energy harvesting unit (104) adapted to receive radio frequency energy;
a piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit (106) adapted to receive vibration energy;
a source detection unit (108) adapted to monitor electrical parameters including voltage and current corresponding to the solar energy harvesting unit (102), the radio frequency energy harvesting unit (104), and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit (106);
a controller (110), characterized in that the controller (110) is configured to:
determine availability and strength of each energy source based on the monitored electrical parameters; and
dynamically select an optimal energy source or a combination of energy sources based on the determined availability and strength; and
a point tracking unit (112) adapted to perform adaptive maximum power point tracking by adjusting control parameters including input impedance and duty cycle corresponding to the selected energy source or the combination of energy sources.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a power converter (114) adapted to convert harvested energy into a regulated output.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an energy storage unit (116) comprising a supercapacitor (118) and a rechargeable battery (120) adapted to store the regulated output.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a power management unit (122) adapted to manage charging and discharging of the supercapacitor (118) and the rechargeable battery (120) based on load requirements.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an output interface (124) adapted to supply power to the IoT sensor node for sensing and data transmission.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the source detection unit (108) is adapted for continuous real-time monitoring of environmental energy conditions corresponding to each energy source.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (110) is configured to prioritize the solar energy harvesting unit (102) during daylight conditions and prioritize the radio frequency energy harvesting unit (104) and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit (106) during low-light conditions.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (110) is configured to enable simultaneous utilization of the solar energy harvesting unit (102), the radio frequency energy harvesting unit (104), and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit (106) when combined energy output exceeds a predefined threshold.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the point tracking unit (112) is adapted to modify control parameters specific to characteristics of each energy source using the controller (110).
10. A method (300) for hybrid energy harvesting for powering an IoT sensor node, the method (300) is characterized by steps of:
receiving, energy inputs from a solar energy harvesting unit (102), a radio frequency energy harvesting unit (104), and a piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit (106);
monitoring electrical parameters including voltage and current corresponding to each of the solar energy harvesting unit (102), the radio frequency energy harvesting unit (104), and the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting unit (106);
determining availability and strength of each energy source based on the monitored electrical parameters;
dynamically selecting an optimal energy source or a combination of energy sources based on the determined availability and strength;
performing adaptive maximum power point tracking by adjusting control parameters including input impedance and duty cycle corresponding to the selected energy source or the combination of energy sources;
converting harvested energy into a regulated output;
storing the regulated output in a supercapacitor (118) and a rechargeable battery (120);
managing charging and discharging of the supercapacitor (118) and the rechargeable battery (120) based on load requirements; and
supplying power to the IoT sensor node for sensing and data transmission.

Date: May 13, 2026
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant