People often talk about the features offered by Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices. But, they don’t get as excited about the power and power management aspects of those things. Here, we’ll look at how they impact whether internet-connected devices offer peak performance and meet user expectations.
Understand the Charge Cycle of Batteries
Some IoT gadgets run on electricity after getting plugged into a wall outlet. However, most IoT devices have batteries. Those power sources make the gadgets more portable and easy to use wherever a client requires them. No matter if you’re choosing a battery for an IoT device in development or you own a battery-powered IoT device, make sure to refer to the documentation that came with it to learn about the expected charge cycle.
This is sometimes called the battery life cycle. One cycle consists of a complete discharge and recharge of the battery. Once you know the cycle count that a battery can withstand, compare that with your charging habits. You can also go further and figure out how many times you typically charge an IoT battery in a year. Knowing that will help you understand when a battery is close to the end of its lifecycle and may require replacement.
Investigate Ways to Check the Health of the Power Source Remotely
If you’re working with dozens of IoT devices or more simultaneously, it could become exceptionally difficult to notice if something’s wrong with the power supply. Keep in mind that the ideal IoT power supply should at least offer high capacity packed into a small unit.
After all, some of the most popular IoT devices are small enough for people to wear. What’s more, the ones used to support the IIoT in factories often fit onto pieces of machinery as sensors, so they can’t be bulky.
But beyond the size and capacity, it’s also useful if an IoT device has metrics that show a user if the power supply inside is working as it should. When possible, an excellent way to keep IoT devices running well is to regularly check the power supply health through any interface that allows remote access through an app. Then, it’ll be easier to maintain awareness and notice if there’s something amiss.
Ensure You Use the Right Kind of Power Supply
There are two kinds of power supplies: unregulated and regulated. They differ depending on their output. A significant difference between a regulated power supply and an unregulated one is that the regulated supply contains a voltage regulator. Regulated power supplies ensure that a consistent amount of voltage gets delivered to the device regardless of the draw or input.
The delicate nature of some gadgets may require them to have regulated power supplies. In this case, the power supply relates to things that plug into the wall. If a plug-in IoT device uses the wrong kind of power supply, one of the possible outcomes is ruining the item. So, checking to see that the IoT device uses the power supply intended for it is a practical way to avoid unforeseen consequences that could break the gadget.
Be Mindful of the Effects of Harsh Environments
Another thing to be aware of concerning the power requirements of IoT devices is that they must have power sources appropriate for their intended uses. For example, IoT sensors used in areas characterized by temperature extremes, excessive moisture and dust need batteries that can withstand those things and continue functioning as expected.
Knowing what the battery inside an IoT device can handle is essential for helping it operate reliably. Researchers are also looking into power options that defy the current expectations for IoT power. Case in point: a team at MIT recently developed a battery-free IoT sensor that can transfer data with a method that uses virtually no power.
They envision the sensor one day getting used for underwater exploration. It’s not difficult to see why powering submerged IoT devices poses some challenges. Making a battery unnecessary for power could be a way around those obstacles.
Keep the Firmware Updated
Regularly checking for the latest firmware for your IoT devices is another good option. That’s because some firmware updates directly address power issues such as battery drain.
In 2018, Monnit, a brand that manufacturers IoT sensors, announced that a firmware update allowed its IoT sensors to function for more than 12 years. That amount of time is impressive in itself, but it’s also notable that the battery life is that long despite the sensors transmitting data every 10 minutes and using two AA alkaline batteries for power.
If your IoT gadgets have a settings interface or a control panel interface, you can most likely look for firmware updates there. It may also be possible to automatically get firmware updates over an active Wi-Fi connection.
A Dependable Energy Source Gives Trustworthy Performance
It should now be evident that various factors come into play for IoT power design and management. As innovation continues to happen, other options will become apparent. However, the matters covered here provide a solid introduction to broaden your understanding of energy and power supply concerns whether you build IoT devices or are a curious consumer.
