Sustainable communication system

Abstract

A communication system is provided that includes a base station (BS) for providing a connection with a plurality of user equipments (UEs), and a rechargeable BS power source configured to supply electrical energy to the BS. The rechargeable BS power source may be recharged by an on-board power source of an electric vehicle. The BS is configured to communicate with at least one UE of the plurality of UEs in at least one of charging the BS power source by a rechargeable on-board power source of an electric vehicle and charging the on-board power source of the electric vehicle by the BS power source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sustainable communication system, which includes a base station powered by a rechargeable power source. Background Art

[0002] Communication networks such as cellular phone systems include multiple (wireless) base stations (BSs) or cell towers that provide connections to user equipment (UE) such as mobile phones. The operation of BSs requires an electrical power supply. The vast majority of BS sites have convenient grid connections. It has been proposed to use wind energy and / or photovoltaic power generation and energy storage systems for more rural and remote area applications, especially those without an electrical power supply or where an electrical power supply is not practical. In addition, in the context of efforts to reduce carbon emissions, the use of clean, efficient, and reliable renewable energy is the key to the sustainable operation of mobile sites. However, the operation of wind energy and photovoltaic power sources depends to a large extent on weather conditions. This dependence poses serious problems for the continuous operation of BSs powered by such green energy. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above situation, a basic object of the present application is to provide a sustainable communication system, which includes a BS powered by a rechargeable power source different from the commercial power grid, and the rechargeable power source can reliably keep the BS running continuously.

[0004] The above and other objects are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Other implementations are apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided a communication system, including a base station (BS) configured to provide connections to a plurality of user equipments (UEs) and a rechargeable BS power source configured to supply electrical power to the BS. The BS is configured to communicate with at least one of the plurality of UEs on at least one of the following operations: charging the BS power source through a rechargeable in-vehicle power source of an electric vehicle, and charging the in-vehicle power source of the electric vehicle through the BS power source.

[0006] The BS can be a wireless BS in a wireless network such as a mobile cellular network or a Wi-Fi network. The at least one UE can be any electronic device configured to communicate with the BS. For example, the at least one UE can be a mobile phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, a portable computer device, etc. The electric vehicle can be any electrically movable device and can be equipped with the at least one UE, that is, the at least one UE can be installed in the electric vehicle or carried by the user of the electric vehicle. For example, the electric vehicle is an electric car, an electric autonomous guided vehicle (AGV), or an electric drone, etc.

[0007] The BS in the sustainable communication system according to the first aspect is powered by a rechargeable BS power source (e.g., a rechargeable battery / battery pack), and the rechargeable BS power source can be recharged by the on-vehicle power source of the electric vehicle, that is, green energy is supplied. Therefore, the operation of the BS can be unaffected by weather conditions and does not need to be connected to the commercial power grid. In addition, the rechargeable BS power source can be used to charge the on-vehicle power source of the electric vehicle. The operator of the BS and the user of the at least one UE can communicate with each other regarding the electricity transaction, for example, negotiate. According to the communication, the driver of the electric vehicle (as the user of the UE) can drive to the BS site for electricity exchange. The communication can be performed partially or fully automatically to ensure that there is sufficient power at the BS site for the operation of the BS.

[0008] According to one implementation, the communication system according to the first aspect further includes a (fixed) charging station, which is electrically connected to the BS power source and is configured to perform at least one of the following operations: charging the BS power source through the on-vehicle power source, charging the on-vehicle power source through the BS power source. The charging station can also be configured to perform at least one of the following operations: charging the on-vehicle power source through the other rechargeable on-vehicle power sources of other electric vehicles; charging the other on-vehicle power sources of other electric vehicles through the on-vehicle power source; charging the other on-vehicle power sources of other electric vehicles through the BS power source; charging the BS power source through the other on-vehicle power sources of other electric vehicles.

[0009] The charging station can conveniently exchange electric energy between the BS power source and the on-vehicle power source of the electric vehicle. For example, multiple charging stations are provided for multiple parking spaces set at the BS site. Electric vehicles can drive to these parking spaces to supply or receive electric energy through these charging stations.

[0010] According to another implementation, the communication system further includes a mobile robot, which includes a mobile robot power supply and is configured to perform autonomous navigation, for example, in a parking area designated for the BS. The mobile robot is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations: charge the mobile robot power supply through the on-vehicle power supply and supply electrical energy to the BS power supply or other on-vehicle power supplies of other electric vehicles; charge the mobile robot power supply through the BS power supply and supply electrical energy to the on-vehicle power supply or the other on-vehicle power supplies of the other electric vehicles. The mobile robot may be configured to communicate with at least one of the BS and the at least one UE.

[0011] The mobile robot power supply may include a first mobile robot power supply for powering the mobile robot and a second mobile robot power supply reserved for storing electrical energy to be supplied to the BS power supply, the on-vehicle power supply, and / or the other on-vehicle power supplies. Providing the mobile robot can even further improve the comfort and timeliness of the charging process compared to a fixed charging station.

[0012] When relying on the on-vehicle power supply of an electric vehicle for recharging, medium-range and / or long-range reliable communication between the BS and the at least one UE is crucial for the long-term operation of the BS. According to one implementation, the BS is configured to communicate with at least one of the plurality of UEs through a wireless technology. For example, the BS is configured to communicate with at least one of the plurality of UEs through the wireless technology of a roadside site unit (RSU) passed by the electric vehicle. The wireless technology may be one of a cellular technology and a Wi-Fi technology.

[0013] The communication between the BS and the at least one UE includes information related to the electrical energy transaction. According to one implementation, the BS is configured to communicate with the at least one UE by sending information about at least one of the following to at least one of the plurality of UEs: (A) the charging status of the rechargeable BS power supply, (B) the ability and (C) the willingness to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) purchase electrical energy, (b) obtain electrical energy, (c) sell electrical energy, and (d) provide electrical energy. Therefore, the at least one UE learns about the electrical energy / transaction status of the BS and can respond appropriately to the received information.

[0014] According to a suitable protocol, the (cellular) BS can be configured to send the information, for example, in a Master Information Block (MIB) on a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) or in a System Information Block (SIB) on a Physical Data Shared Channel (PDSCH) at regular time intervals. In a wireless communication system, these channels are allocated and indicated in a standardized manner and can be conveniently used to send information related to electricity trading.

[0015] The UE can be configured to send a response to the information sent by the BS and received by the UE, where the response includes information on at least one of the following: (A) the charging state of the on-vehicle power supply, (B) the ability and (C) the willingness to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) purchase electricity, (b) obtain electricity, (c) sell electricity, and (d) provide electricity. All relevant information related to electricity trading can be exchanged between the BS and the at least one UE. For example, the at least one UE is configured to send the response regularly or irregularly on a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), where the PUSCH is another channel allocated in a standard manner. Optionally, after receiving the information sent by the BS, the BS configures the at least one UE to send the response through a new energy paging channel.

[0016] According to another implementation, the UE does not need to wait for any information automatically sent by the BS but can initiate communication regarding electricity trading. According to this implementation, the communication system further includes the at least one UE, which is configured to poll (query) or check the BS according to at least one of the following operations: (a) charge the BS power supply through the on-vehicle power supply of an electric vehicle, (b) charge the on-vehicle power supply of the electric vehicle through the BS power supply (for example, through an application running on the UE). The BS can respond to the polling, and after exchanging the relevant information, the driver of the electric vehicle can drive to the BS site for electricity exchange. According to an optional solution, the UE checks whether the BS (and / or any other BS) is willing / able to trade electricity through an application and a database running on the UE, where the data can include a map of BS sites.

[0017] According to a second aspect, a user equipment (UE) is provided. The UE is configured to communicate with a BS powered by a rechargeable BS power source regarding at least one of the following operations: charging the BS power source through a rechargeable in-vehicle power source of an electric vehicle, and charging the in-vehicle power source of the vehicle through the BS power source. The UE can be one of a mobile phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, a portable computer device, etc.

[0018] The UE can be configured to communicate with the BS through a wireless technology (e.g., a wireless technology using a roadside site unit (RSU)).

[0019] According to one implementation, the UE is configured to receive information regarding at least one of the following: (A) the charging state of the rechargeable BS power source, (B) the ability and (C) the willingness to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) purchase electric energy, (b) obtain electric energy, (c) sell electric energy, and (d) provide electric energy.

[0020] The UE can be configured to receive the information (e.g.) in a master information block (MIB) on a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) or a system information block (SIB) on a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) at regular time intervals.

[0021] According to another implementation, the UE is configured to send a response to the information received from the BS, where the response includes information regarding at least one of the following: (A) the charging state of the in-vehicle power source, (B) the ability and (C) the willingness to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) purchase electric energy, (b) obtain electric energy, (c) sell electric energy, and (d) provide electric energy.

[0022] The UE can be configured to send the response regularly or irregularly on a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0023] According to another implementation, the UE is configured to receive the information when polling the BS.

[0024] The UE according to the second aspect has the same or similar advantages as the communication system according to the first aspect and its implementations.

[0025] According to a third aspect, a method for exchanging charging information between a user equipment (UE) and a base station (BS) powered by a rechargeable BS power supply is provided. The method includes the steps of: sending, from the BS to the UE, information on at least one of the following: (A) the charging state of the rechargeable BS power supply, (B) the capabilities and (C) the willingness to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) purchasing electric energy, (b) obtaining electric energy, (c) selling electric energy, and (d) providing electric energy; sending, from the UE to the BS, a response to the information received from the BS, where the response includes information on at least one of the following: (A) the charging state of the rechargeable in-vehicle power supply of an electric vehicle, (B) the capabilities and (C) the willingness to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) purchasing electric energy, (b) obtaining electric energy, (c) selling electric energy, and (d) providing electric energy.

[0026] The information may be sent by the BS, for example, in a master information block (MIB) on a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) or in a system information block (SIB) on a physical data sharing channel (PDSCH) at regular time intervals. The response may be sent by the UE regularly or irregularly on a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0027] According to one implementation, the information is sent by the BS through one of a wireless technology and a wireless technology using a roadside site unit (RSU), and the response is sent by the UE through the wireless technology.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect, a method for exchanging charging information between a user equipment (UE) and a base station (BS) powered by a rechargeable BS power supply is provided, including: the UE polling or checking the BS according to information on at least one of the following: (A) the charging state of the rechargeable BS power supply, (B) the capabilities and (C) the willingness to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) purchasing electric energy, (b) obtaining electric energy, (c) selling electric energy, and (d) providing electric energy.

[0029] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method for transferring electrical energy between a rechargeable BS power supply that supplies electrical energy to a base station (BS) and a rechargeable in-vehicle power supply of an electric vehicle equipped with a user equipment (UE). The method includes the steps of: transmitting information about at least one of the following operations between the BS and the UE: charging the BS power supply by the in-vehicle power supply of the electric vehicle equipped with the UE; charging the in-vehicle power supply of the electric vehicle equipped with the UE by the BS power supply; driving the electric vehicle to a site of the BS; performing one of the following operations: charging the BS power supply by the in-vehicle power supply of the electric vehicle equipped with the UE; charging the in-vehicle power supply of the electric vehicle equipped with the UE by the BS power supply according to the transmitted information.

[0030] The method according to the third aspect, the fourth aspect, and the fifth aspect and their implementations has the same or similar advantages as the above communication system according to the first aspect and its implementation, and can be implemented at least partially in the above communication system according to the first aspect and its implementation and / or the UE according to the second aspect and its implementation. On the other hand, the communication system according to the first aspect and its implementation and the UE according to the second aspect and its implementation can be used to execute the method according to any one of the third aspect, the fourth aspect, and the fifth aspect and their implementations.

[0031] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a method for trading electrical energy. The method includes: signing a contract between an operator or equipment supplier of the BS and an owner of an electric vehicle, where the contract is about buying and selling electrical energy stored in the BS power supply that supplies electrical energy to the BS and electrical energy stored in the in-vehicle power supply that supplies electrical energy to the electric vehicle. In addition, this method for trading electrical energy includes the steps of any one of the above methods according to the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or the fifth aspect or any of their implementations. The result of negotiating the trading cost of the energy can be included in the contract, and thus there is no need to explicitly communicate between the BS and the UE (for example, carried by the owner of the electric vehicle or installed in the electric vehicle).

[0032] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a computer program product including computer-readable instructions that, when run on a computer, are used to execute the steps of the method according to any one of the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, and the sixth aspect and their implementations.

[0033] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the specification, the drawings, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 A communication system including a BS and a rechargeable BS power supply provided by one embodiment is shown.

[0036] Figure 2 A sports ground including a parking lot and a communication system provided by one embodiment is shown.

[0037] Figure 3 An electric vehicle powered by a rechargeable in-vehicle power supply and equipped with a UE provided by one embodiment is shown.

[0038] Figure 4 A method for exchanging charging information between a UE and a BS powered by a rechargeable BS power supply provided by one embodiment is shown.

[0039] Figure 5 A method for exchanging charging information between a UE and a BS powered by a rechargeable BS power supply provided by another embodiment is shown.

[0040] Figure 6 A method for exchanging electrical energy between a rechargeable BS power supply that supplies electrical energy to a BS and a rechargeable in-vehicle power supply of an electric vehicle equipped with a UE provided by one embodiment is shown.

[0041] Figure 7 A communication method provided by one embodiment is shown.

[0042] Figure 8 A part of a BCCH-BCH-Message including information on electrical energy trading that can be used in the Figure 7 method shown is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] A sustainable communication system is provided herein. The sustainable communication system includes a BS that provides connections to a plurality of UEs, where the BS is powered by a rechargeable BS power supply. The rechargeable BS power supply can be recharged by a rechargeable in-vehicle power supply installed in an electric vehicle. On the other hand, the rechargeable BS power supply can be used to recharge the rechargeable in-vehicle power supply. Thus, green energy management can be provided for a system including one or more BSs and electric vehicles.

[0044] Figure 1An embodiment of the communication system 100 provided by the present invention is shown. The communication system 100 includes a rechargeable BS power source (e.g., a rechargeable battery) for supplying electrical energy to a base station (BS) 120. The BS 120 provides connections with a plurality of user equipments (UEs). The communication system 100 may include more than one BS 120. For example, the BS 120 is a cellular BS that provides a connection with a mobile phone, or the BS 120 is a Wi-Fi access point (AP) for providing a connection with a Wi-Fi device. According to one embodiment, the BS 120 is a cellular 5G 3GPP new radio (NR) BS.

[0045] The BS 120 is configured to communicate (e.g., negotiate) with at least one of the plurality of UEs regarding at least one of the following operations: (a) charging the BS power source 110 through a rechargeable in-vehicle power source of an electric vehicle (e.g., equipped with at least one UE), (b) charging the rechargeable in-vehicle power source of an electric vehicle (e.g., equipped with at least one UE) through the BS power source 110. Electrical energy can be transferred between the BS power source 110 and the in-vehicle power source. The electric vehicle can be any movable electric device. For example, the electric vehicle is an electric car, an electric automated guided vehicle, or an electric drone. The UE can be installed in the electric vehicle or placed movably in the electric vehicle, e.g., carried by a user of the electric vehicle.

[0046] Specifically, the operator of the BS 120 may send information about at least one of the following to the user of the UE: the charging status of the rechargeable BS power source 110, the ability and / or willingness of the user to purchase, obtain, sell, and / or provide electrical energy. The UE receives this information and then makes an appropriate response, such as in response to the received information. According to the communication between the BS 120a and the UE, the driver of the electric vehicle may drive to the BS site to perform an electrical energy exchange between the in-vehicle power source and the BS power source 110.

[0047] The BS and the UE may communicate with each other through wireless technologies such as a wireless cell or Wi-Fi technology. The UE may receive this information at least in part through a roadside unit (RSU). For example, the RSU sends the above information through a new field of the NR C-V2X sidelink operating in a broadcast manner or a reliable multicast manner.

[0048] Optionally, the UE polls or checks the BS 120 according to the ability and / or willingness to purchase, obtain, sell, and / or provide electrical energy, and the driver of the electric vehicle may make an appropriate response to the response received from the BS 120 by driving to the BS site to perform an electrical energy exchange with the BS power source 110, etc.

[0049] The on-vehicle power supply and the BS power supply 110 can transfer electric energy from one party to the other through a fixed charging station electrically connected to the BS power station 110. Optionally or additionally, a mobile robot can be provided for electric energy exchange.

[0050] Figure 2 The main sports ground 200 including a stadium 210 such as a football field is shown. The sports ground includes a parking lot, and the parking lot includes a number of parking spaces 220 for vehicles (specifically, electric vehicles) to park. In addition, a BS site is located in the sports ground 200, and the BS site includes a communication system having a BS 230 and a rechargeable BS power supply 240. In addition, the BS site includes a mobile robot 250, and the mobile robot 250 includes a mobile robot power supply and is configured to perform autonomous navigation in the parking lot and the BS site. The mobile robot 250 can include a charging connection for exchanging electric energy with the BS 230 and a charging station on the electric vehicle or the parking space 220.

[0051] Consider a situation where one of the electric vehicles is equipped with a UE that communicates with the BS 230 for the following operations: charging the BS power supply 240 through the on-vehicle power supply of the electric vehicle and / or charging the on-vehicle power supply of the vehicle through the BS power supply 240. Assume that the operator of the BS 230 is able and willing to acquire / purchase electric energy. In this case, the mobile robot 250 approaches the electric vehicle and performs a charging operation on the mobile robot power supply. After the charging operation is completed, the mobile robot 250 approaches the BS power supply 240 and charges the BS power supply 240 using the electric energy received from the on-vehicle power supply before. Assume that the operator of the BS 230 is able and willing to provide / sell electric energy. In this case, the mobile robot 250 approaches the electric vehicle, performs a charging operation, and supplies electric energy to the on-vehicle power supply using the electric energy received from the BS power supply 240 before.

[0052] It should be noted that the mobile robot 250 can also be used to exchange electric energy between the on-vehicle power supply of an electric vehicle equipped with a UE and parked on the parking space 220 in the parking lot and the other on-vehicle power supplies of other electric vehicles equipped with other UEs and parked on other parking spaces 220 in the parking lot.

[0053] According to an optional embodiment, the mobile robot 250 is replaced or supplemented by a fixed charging station parked on the parking space.

[0054] Figure 3 An electric vehicle 300 powered by a rechargeable on-vehicle power supply 310 and equipped with a UE 320 provided by an embodiment is shown. The UE 320 according to this embodiment is configured to communicate with a BS (for example, Figure 1 the BS 120 shown orFigure 3 The BS 230 shown communicates regarding the following operations: charging the BS power supply through the in-vehicle power supply 310 of the electric vehicle 300 equipped with the UE 320 and / or charging the in-vehicle power supply 310 of the vehicle 300 equipped with the UE 320 through the BS power supply. The UE may be included in Figure 1 the communication system 100 shown.

[0055] Figure 4 A method 400 for exchanging charging information between a UE and a BS powered by a rechargeable BS power supply provided by an embodiment is shown. The method 400 includes: the BS sending S410 to the UE information regarding at least one of the following: (A) the charging state of the rechargeable BS power supply, (B) the capabilities and (C) the willingness for performing at least one of the following operations: (a) purchasing electric energy, (b) acquiring electric energy, (c) selling electric energy, and (d) providing electric energy. The BS may send the above information in a new dedicated field in the master information block (MBI) in the physical broadcast channel (PBCH). Optionally, for example, within a time-domain window that occurs periodically, the BS may send the above information in a new dedicated field in other system information blocks carried by the physical data sharing channel (PDSCH).

[0056] In response to receiving the information sent S410 by the BS, the UE sends S420 a response to the BS, where the response includes information regarding at least one of the following: (A) the charging state of the rechargeable in-vehicle power supply of the electric vehicle, (B) the capabilities and (C) the willingness for performing at least one of the following operations: (a) purchasing electric energy, (b) acquiring electric energy, (c) selling electric energy, and (d) providing electric energy. According to this embodiment, the communication between the BS and the UE is initiated by the BS, and the power transfer between the rechargeable BS power supply and the rechargeable in-vehicle power supply can be managed in one direction or the other.

[0057] The network operator may configure the UE (for example) to regularly use information regarding the charging level of the in-vehicle power supply to respond on the (semi-statically allocated) physical uplink shared channel (PUSH) through a new radio resource control (RRC) configuration, etc. Optionally, the UE may be configured by the BS on a new energy paging channel to respond to the information sent by the BS. According to another embodiment, the UE uses a dedicated response message sent on the PUSCH to respond to the BS broadcast irregularly.

[0058] Figure 5A method 500 for exchanging charging information between a UE and a BS powered by a rechargeable BS power supply provided by another embodiment is shown. The method 500 includes: the UE polls (inquires) the BS based on information about at least one of the following contents S510: (A) the charging state of the rechargeable BS power supply, (B) the ability and (C) willingness to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) purchasing power, (b) obtaining power, (c) selling power, and (d) providing power. According to this embodiment, the communication between the BS and the UE is initiated by the UE, and the BS responds to the above-mentioned polling, so that the power transfer between the rechargeable BS power supply and the rechargeable vehicle power supply can be managed in one direction or the other.

[0059] Optionally, method 500 includes: the UE checks the BS based on information about at least one of: (A) a charging state of a rechargeable BS power source, (B) capability and (C) willingness to perform at least one of: (a) purchase power, (b) acquire power, (c) sell power, and (d) provide power. According to this optional embodiment, the UE can check whether the BS is willing to trade power based on an application running on the UE and a database including a map with multiple BS locations, etc. If the result of the checking process is positive, the power trading process can be initiated and performed.

[0060] Figure 6 A method 600 for transferring power between a rechargeable BS power supply for supplying power to a BS and a rechargeable onboard power supply of an electric vehicle equipped with a UE is shown in an embodiment. The method includes: transmitting S610 information about at least one of the following operations between the BS and the UE: charging the BS power supply through the onboard power supply of the electric vehicle equipped with the UE, and charging the onboard power supply of the electric vehicle equipped with the UE through the BS power supply.

[0061] According to the above transmission (result), the electric vehicle (driver) drives S620 to the BS site. After the electric vehicle arrives at the BS site, any of the following operations is performed according to the transmitted information: charging the BS power supply through the vehicle power supply of the electric vehicle equipped with the UE S620, charging the vehicle power supply of the electric vehicle equipped with the UE through the BS power supply S620.

[0062] Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The methods 400, 500, and 600 shown respectively may all be implemented at least in part in Figure 1 The BS 120 in the communication system 100 is shown. Figure 2 The base station 230 or Figure 3Implemented in the UE 320 shown, these entities can be used to at least partially execute at least one of Method 400, Method 500, and Method 600.

[0063] Figure 7 A communication method provided by an embodiment is shown. Communication occurs between the BS and the UE. In Figure 7 In the shown embodiment, communication in the 5G context is shown, where the BS is a gNodeB (gNodeB, gNB) using New Radio (NR) technology. However, Figure 7 The process shown is not limited to 5G and can also be applied to other wireless technologies / cellular technologies. The gNB transmits the Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), the Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), and the established / allocated Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) in the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB), and the PBCH includes an enhanced (compared to existing standards) Master Information Block (MIB). By detecting the signals and channels, the UE can synchronize with the gNB in the initial network access phase.

[0064] For example, Figure 8 An example of a suitably enhanced MIB is shown, which is part of the BCCH-BCH-Message transmitted on the PBCH and includes information about possible electricity trading that can be used in the Figure 7 shown method. The information about possible electricity trading is represented by 3 new fields (see the bold entries in Figure 8 ), namely: BS electricity availability (80% in the Figure 8 shown example), the willingness of the BS (gNB) to purchase electricity ( = TRUE in the Figure 8 shown example), and the willingness to sell electricity ( = FALSE in the Figure 8 shown example).

[0065] The UE can respond on the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) to the information about possible electricity trading sent by the gNB according to the 3GPPP R16 two-step RACH (2SR) protocol (see Msg1 to Msg4 in Figure 7 ). Figure 7 MsgA in

[0066] After receiving the response message from the UE, the gNB provides a protocol for exchanging data related to the electricity transaction. The data can be exchanged through messages sent on the Physical Data Sharing Channel (PDSCH) and PUSH. The protocol for exchanging data related to the electricity transaction may include information about the following: the locations of the gNB and the UE, the location and time of the electricity transaction, and any agreement on the transaction cost. For example, the location of the electricity transaction can be Figure 2 the parking space 220 shown. The gNB or the UE can provide the mobile robot Figure 2 250 shown with information about the location of the electricity transaction. The gNB or the UE can instruct the mobile robot to perform the electricity transaction, or the mobile robot can automatically perform the electricity transaction immediately when the UE (the electric vehicle equipped with the UE) arrives at the designated location (e.g., the parking space 220).

[0067] Figure 7 The method shown may be included in Figure 4 the method 400 shown or Figure 6 the method 600 shown.

[0068] All of the embodiments discussed above are not intended to limit, but rather to illustrate the features and advantages of the present invention. It should be understood that the above-mentioned features, in part or in whole, can also be combined in different ways.

Claims

1. A communication system (100), comprising: Base stations BS (120, 230) for providing connections to a plurality of user equipments UE; Rechargeable BS power supplies (110, 240) configured to supply electrical energy to the BS (120, 230); Wherein, the BS (120, 230) is configured to communicate with at least one UE (320) among the plurality of UEs regarding at least one of the following operations: Charging the BS power supply (110, 240) through a rechargeable in-vehicle power supply (310) of an electric vehicle (300); Charging the in-vehicle power supply (310) of the electric vehicle (300) through the BS power supply (110, 240).

2. The communication system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: A charging station electrically connected to the BS power supply (110, 240) and configured to perform at least one of the following operations: charging the BS power supply (110, 240) through the in-vehicle power supply (310), charging the in-vehicle power supply (310) through the BS power supply (110, 240).

3. The communication system (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The charging station is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations: Charging the in-vehicle power supply (310) through other rechargeable in-vehicle power supplies of other electric vehicles; Charging the other in-vehicle power supply of the other electric vehicle through the in-vehicle power supply (310); Charging the other in-vehicle power supply of the other electric vehicle through the BS power supply (110, 240); Charging the BS power supply (110, 240) through the other in-vehicle power supply of the other electric vehicle.

4. The communication system (100) according to any one of the above claims, further comprising a mobile robot (250), the mobile robot (250) including a mobile robot power supply and configured to perform autonomous navigation in a parking area designated for the BS (120, 230), and further configured to perform at least one of the following operations: Charging the mobile robot power supply through the in-vehicle power supply (310) and supplying electrical energy to the BS power supply (110, 240) or the other in-vehicle power supplies of other electric vehicles; Charging the mobile robot power supply through the BS power supply (110, 240) and supplying electrical energy to the in-vehicle power supply (310) or the other in-vehicle power supplies of the other electric vehicles.

5. The communication system (100) according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that, The BS (120, 230) is configured to communicate with the at least one UE (320) among the plurality of UEs through one of a wireless technology and a wireless technology using a roadside station unit RSU.

6. The communication system (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The wireless technology and the wireless technology using the RSU are one of a cellular technology and a Wi-Fi technology.

7. The communication system (100) according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that The electric vehicle (300) is equipped with the at least one UE (320) among the plurality of UEs.

8. The communication system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The BSs (120, 230) are configured to communicate with at least one of the plurality of UEs (320) by sending information about at least one of the following: (A) the charging status of the rechargeable BS power supplies (110, 240), (B) the capabilities, and (C) the willingness to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) purchase electric energy, (b) obtain electric energy, (c) sell electric energy, and (d) provide electric energy.

9. The communication system (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The BSs (120, 230) are configured to send the information in (a) the master information block MIB on the physical broadcast channel PBCH or (b) the system information block SIB on the physical data sharing channel PDSCH.

10. The communication system (100) according to any one of claims 8 and 9 further comprises the at least one UE (320), the at least one UE (320) being configured to send a response to the information sent by the BS (120, 230), wherein, The response includes information about at least one of the following: (A) the charging status of the on-vehicle power supply (310), (B) the capabilities, and (C) the willingness to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) purchase electric energy, (b) obtain electric energy, (c) sell electric energy, and (d) provide electric energy.

11. The communication system (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The at least one UE (320) is configured to send the response regularly or irregularly on the physical uplink shared channel PUSCH.

12. The communication system (100) according to any one of claims 8 and 9, further comprising the at least one UE (320), the at least one UE (320) being configured to poll or check the BSs (120, 230) according to at least one of the following operations: (a) charging the BS power supplies (110, 240) by the on-vehicle power supply (310) of the electric vehicle (300), (b) charging the on-vehicle power supply (310) of the electric vehicle (300) by the BS power supplies (110, 240).

13. A user equipment UE (320) configured to communicate with a BS (120, 230) powered by a rechargeable BS power supply (110, 240) regarding at least one of the following operations: Charging the BS power supply (110, 240) by the rechargeable on-vehicle power supply (310) of the electric vehicle (300); Charging the on-vehicle power supply (310) of the vehicle by the BS power supply (110, 240).

14. The UE (320) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The UE (320) is configured to communicate with the BS (120, 230) by one of a wireless technology and a wireless technology using a roadside site unit RSU.

15. The UE (320) according to any one of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that, The UE (320) is configured to receive information about at least one of the following: (A) the charging status of the rechargeable BS power supply (110, 240), (B) the capabilities, and (C) the willingness to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) purchase electric energy, (b) obtain electric energy, (c) sell electric energy, and (d) provide electric energy.

16. The UE (320) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The UE (320) is configured to receive the information in (a) the master information block MIB on the physical broadcast channel PBCH or (b) the system information block SIB on the physical data sharing channel PDSCH.

17. The UE (320) according to any one of claims 15 and 16, characterized in that, The UE (320) is configured to send a response to the information received from the BS (120, 230), where the response includes information on at least one of the following: (A) the charging state of the on-vehicle power supply (310), (B) the capabilities and (C) the willingness to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) purchase electric energy, (b) obtain electric energy, (c) sell electric energy, and (d) provide electric energy.

18. The UE (320) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The UE (320) is configured to send the response periodically or aperiodically on a Physical Uplink Shared Channel PUSCH.

19. The UE (320) according to any one of claims 15 and 16, characterized in that, The UE (320) is configured to receive the information when polling the BS (120, 230).

20. A method (400) for exchanging charging information between a user equipment UE (320) and a BS (120, 230) powered by a rechargeable BS power supply (110, 240) includes the following steps: Sending (S410) from the BS (120, 230) to the UE (320) information on at least one of the following: (A) the charging state of the rechargeable BS power supply (110, 240), (B) the capabilities and (C) the willingness to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) purchase electric energy, (b) obtain electric energy, (c) sell electric energy, and (d) provide electric energy; Sending (S420) from the UE (320) to the BS (120, 230) a response to the information received from the BS (120, 230), where the response includes information on at least one of the following: (A) the charging state of the rechargeable on-vehicle power supply (310) of the electric vehicle (300), (B) the capabilities and (C) the willingness to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) purchase electric energy, (b) obtain electric energy, (c) sell electric energy, and (d) provide electric energy.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein The information is sent by the BS (120, 230) in (a) the Master Information Block MIB on the Physical Broadcast Channel PBCH or (b) the System Information Block SIB on the Physical Data Shared Channel PDSCH.

22. The method according to any one of claims 20 and 21, characterized in that The response is sent by the UE (320) periodically or aperiodically on a Physical Uplink Shared Channel PUSCH.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that, The information is sent by the BS (120, 230) by one of a wireless technology and a wireless technology using a roadside site unit RSU, and the response is sent by the UE (320) by the wireless technology.

24. A method (500) for exchanging charging information between a user equipment UE (320) and a BS (120, 230) powered by a rechargeable BS power supply (110, 240), comprising: The UE (320) polls or checks (S510) the BS (120, 230) based on information on at least one of the following: (A) the charging state of the rechargeable BS power supply (110, 240), (B) the capabilities and (C) the willingness to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) purchase electric energy, (b) obtain electric energy, (c) sell electric energy, and (d) provide electric energy.

25. A method (600) for transferring electrical energy between a rechargeable BS power supply (110, 240) supplying electrical energy to a base station BS (120, 230) and a rechargeable in-vehicle power supply (310) of an electric vehicle (300) equipped with a user equipment UE (320), comprising the steps of: Transmitting (S610) information regarding at least one of the following operations between the BS (120, 230) and the UE (320): Charging the BS power supply (110, 240) by the in-vehicle power supply (310) of the electric vehicle (300) equipped with the UE (320); Charging the in-vehicle power supply (310) of the electric vehicle (300) equipped with the UE (320) by the BS power supply (110, 240); Driving (S620) the electric vehicle (300) to a site of the BS (120, 230); Performing one of the following operations: Charging the BS power supply (110, 240) by the in-vehicle power supply (310) of the electric vehicle (300) equipped with the UE (320) (S630); Charging the in-vehicle power supply (310) of the electric vehicle (300) equipped with the UE (320) by the BS (120, 230) power supply according to the transmitted information (S630).

26. A computer program product comprising computer-readable instructions which, when run on a computer, are for performing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 20 to 25.

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