Power self harvesting control system and method

A method of low power remote control and sensing, the method comprising:

• self-harvesting and storing energy by a device wherein the device is a remote in-field installed device;
• controlling supply and consumption of the energy by the device;
• interacting with other external devices, wherein the interacting comprises:
• receiving information regarding external environmental conditions from an external sensor;
• and directing control of an external component based upon the external environmental conditions;
• wirelessly communicating with a remote gateway device on a periodic basis to report information and receive commands and data;
• coordinating activities associated with the self-harvesting, the controlling supply and consumption of the energy, and the interacting with other external devices, wherein the coordinating comprises directing:
• collection and storage of the self harvested energy in a non removable storage component;
• and
• ensuring sufficient energy is available before performing internal tasks and external activities.

A self-contained controller device, said device comprising:

• an enclosure defining an interior space and comprising a first opening;
• a second opening and a third opening, wherein the enclosure is sealed to restrict water entry to the interior space;
• an energy harvesting device sealed with respect to the first opening to restrict water entry to the interior space, the energy harvesting device operable to generate and provide power;
• a plurality of super capacitors disposed within the interior space and operable to receive and store power generated from the energy harvesting device;
• control electronics disposed within the interior space and comprising a processor and re-programmable memory, the control electronics coupled to receive power from the plurality of super capacitors and operable for capturing sensor data, operable for generating valve control information and further operable to communicate with a remote control station;
• a wireless communication device disposed within the interior space and coupled to the control electronics and operable to provide wireless communication for the control electronics;
• and
• input/output circuitry operable for generating signals responsive to the control electronics to control exterior valves and further operable for receiving sensor data from exterior sensors, wherein the input/output circuitry is disposed within the interior space and coupled to ports disposed at the second and third openings.