Lifetime Energy Approximation for BLE Based Battery Powered Freight Car Communication System

This paper presents an optimization of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) parameters for a communication-based digital systems for freight trains. The system utilizes battery powered Communication Modules (CMs) equipped with BLE to establish a virtual train bus, enabling seamless communication between freight cars to ensure efficient train preparation and compliance with railway specific process requirements. The paper analyzes BLE energy consumption in detail, covering not only the BLE advertiser but also the BLE scanner role. Both roles are required for neighbor discovery and in our application both are energy critical. The analysis is based on an analytical model which is verified using a more elaborate simulation and experiments. It identifies BLE parameters that minimize the system's energy consumption to ensure a lifespan of 10 years while respecting additional application specific constraints. The findings provide insights for the implementation of BLE-based digital systems where BLE energy usage, including neighbor discovery, is critical.