By Joe Rodolico, Comcast
Addressing Internet of Things (IoT) energy consumption has a number of potential benefits, from the obvious environmental value of reducing the number of disposed batteries, to the customer experience benefits and resource savings that can be associated with fewer service calls. The concurrent migration to smaller devices requires action to extend the sensor battery life; chief among these is to improve battery selection techniques.
On the surface, choosing a battery for an IoT sensor may seem like a simple task, but in reality it involves a complex process of discovery, selection, and testing as outlined in this paper. Typically, replaceable lithium coin cell, cylindrical alkaline, and lithium batteries are utilized, as are other flat battery designs.
While some IoT sensors use special high-cost chemical or rechargeable batteries, this paper is focused on maximizing battery life for low-cost wireless IoT sensors with replaceable batteries, deployed by the cable industry.
Simulated implementation for both performance and economic aspects are evaluated. Among important factors are assessing subscriber and system operator experiences from time, cost-savings, safety, and disposal perspectives. Recommendations are proposed to identify product design and deployment opportunities for Multiple System Operators (MSOs).