Method and apparatus for measuring, auditing and monetizing energy savings for carbon credits

Abstract

A system and method for measuring, auditing and monetizing energy efficiency gains in a RAN, where a baseline energy consumption is established and an energy usage of the RAN is measured and compared to the baseline energy consumption to generate an energy efficiency value that is compared to a set of standards to generate a verified energy usage value, which is in turn, transmitted to a cryptocurrency entity that provides a cryptocurrency amount related to the verified energy usage value to be traded for carbon credits.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING, AUDITING AND MONETIZING ENERGY SAVINGS FOR CARBON CREDITSBACKGROUND1. Field of the Disclosure

[0001] The present disclosure is related to energy efficiency in Radio Access Networks (RAN). More particularly, the present disclosure is related to improving energy efficiency and monetization of energy savings.2. Description of Related Art

[0002] Energy consumption costs are a major expense for the telecom industry. Operators must closely monitor their network power consumption to maintain a cap on expenses. It is understood that 5G technology is more energy efficient than prior generations in terms of the Joules of energy required to transmit each megabyte of data across a network. However, the new spectrum bands used for 5G, as well as the use of massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (mMIMO) technology has led to many more megabytes of data being transmitted across networks. This results in higher energy consumption.

[0003] To counteract rising energy consumption, operators are exploring various optimization techniques available for their 5G networks. Energy efficiency approaches include muting radio antennas during off-peak periods and using Al and machine learning to make networks more efficient. For example, Al can be used for predictive analytics and forecasting of energy consumption. It’s also important to balance emissions reductions with the power usage that Al can require. More efficient hardware and a greater reliance on renewable energy sources can help companies take advantage of these innovative technologies without sacrificing performance or innovation.

[0004] Reducing energy consumption not only helps telecom service providers to meet their sustainability goals, but also is closely tied with cost savings. Facing the pressures of increasing energy demands and the urgent need for environmental stewardship, more mobile operators arecommitting to net zero targets. Many telecom service providers worldwide are aiming to become carbon neutral by 2050 by lowering or even eliminating their carbon footprint by decreasing energy consumption through more efficient operations.

[0005] It has been known to measure energy consumption in RANs. However, there are multiple challenges in realizing energy efficiency in RAN. For example, there is no single established industry method to measure energy efficiency, which includes specifying the entities, the loading conditions, and the duration of testing.

[0006] Additionally, there is no established methodology for rewarding energy efficiency gains via a carbon savings metric. The carbon savings method is a widely accepted methodology for measuring energy efficiency gains. However, the Telecom industry does not have any sort of system or process for auditing and monetizing energy savings for carbon credits.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for system and method that overcome, alleviate, and / or mitigate one or more of the aforementioned and other deleterious effects of prior art relating to measuring, auditing and monetizing energy efficiency gains.SUMMARY

[0008] Accordingly, what is needed is a system and method for automatically measuring and translating RAN energy efficiency gains to carbon credits.

[0009] It is also desired to provide a system and method for automatically converting the carbon credits received due to the energy efficiency gain measurements obtained in a RAN to a cryptocurrency.

[0010] It is further desired to provide a system and method for automatically auditing measured energy efficiency gains obtained in a RAN to determine if the measurements are accurate and repeatable to ensure a proper amount of carbon credits are assigned based on the energy efficiency gains.

[0011] It is still further desired to provide a system and method that standardizes quantification and auditing of energy efficiency gains obtained in a RAN specifying the entities, the loadingconditions, and the duration of testing.

[0012] This disclosure provides a framework and mechanisms to measure and translate RAN (both Open RAN (0-RAN) and traditional RAN) energy savings directly to carbon credits via a cryptocurrency. Currently, while energy savings can be measured, that measured reduction is not audited via a widely accepted method nor is it translated into a form for exchange with carbon credits.

[0013] A system and method are provided to monitor baseline energy efficiency consumption and monetize energy savings with a cryptocurrency that can be traded in the carbon credits market. With the proposed framework, a cryptocurrency is generated periodically when there is measured and audited energy savings value based on a baseline that has been established previously. This architecture and procedures to measure and baseline energy savings techniques, audit it, and create crypto coins is discussed below.

[0014] In one example configuration, a process for measuring, auditing and monetizing energy efficiency gains can include the following steps:

[0015] 1. Establish the baseline energy efficiency numbers (KWh) in a third party OTIC lab for a certain configuration. Improvement of energy consumption above that baseline number translates to energy savings.

[0016] 2 In the field, the RAN periodically reports Performance Management (PM) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to an xAPP hosted on a near Real Time Radio Intelligence Controller (near-RT RIC). It could also be an rAPP on the non-RT RIC. The xAPP will then measure the energy consumption at various loads. These measurements include throughput and power consumption for a Radio Unit (RU), a Distributed Unit (DU), a Central Unit Control Plane (CU-CP), a Central Unit User Plane (CU-UP) and a Backhaul separately, which are then combined with different weights that sum to 100%.

[0017] 3. The xAPP converts these KPIs and PM to an energy value. The energy value is then compared to the baseline, which can then translate to an energy savings value. Furthermore, it audits the energy value to ensure that no inaccurate or fake data is reported.

[0018] 4 This energy savings value is sent from the xAPP to a new entity to mine cryptocurrency, which could be a crypto exchange (Mint). The crypto exchange can then issue the correct amount of cryptocurrency. This cryptocurrency is tradeable for carbon credits.

[0019] 5. Carbon credits already have a mapping to energy savings and therefore can be traded or offset.

[0020] Rewarding energy efficiency gains via carbon savings metric can be accomplished via standardized methods, which could include: 1) Leverage existing carbon credit mechanisms inclusive of existing crypto developed for this purpose; and / or 2) Establish a new cryptocurrency that could be utilized for the purpose of valuation, trade and redemption of the energy savings credit.

[0021] For this application the following terms and definitions shall apply:

[0022] The term “data” as used herein means any indicia, signals, marks, symbols, domains, symbol sets, representations, and any other physical form or forms representing information, whether permanent or temporary, whether visible, audible, acoustic, electric, magnetic, electromagnetic or otherwise manifested. The term “data” as used to represent predetermined information in one physical form shall be deemed to encompass any and all representations of the same predetermined information in a different physical form or forms.

[0023] The term “network” as used herein includes both networks and internetworks of all kinds, including the Internet, and is not limited to any particular type of network or inter-network.

[0024] The terms “first” and “second” are used to distinguish one element, set, data, object or thing from another, and are not used to designate relative position or arrangement in time.

[0025] The terms “coupled”, “coupled to”, “coupled with”, “connected”, “connected to”, and “connected with” as used herein each mean a relationship between or among two or more devices, apparatus, files, programs, applications, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, and / or means, constituting any one or more of (a) a connection, whether direct or through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, programs, applications, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, (b) a communications relationship, whether direct orthrough one or more other devices, apparatus, files, programs, applications, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, and / or (c) a functional relationship in which the operation of any one or more devices, apparatus, files, programs, applications, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in part, on the operation of any one or more others thereof.

[0026] The term "automatic" and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any process or operation done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input is received before performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be "material."

[0027] In one example configuration, a method for monitoring and converting energy efficiency savings in a Radio Access Network (RAN) is provided, comprising the steps of: measuring energy consumption of at least one piece of equipment in the RAN, generating a baseline energy usage value, and transmitting the baseline energy usage to an xAPP or rAPP. The method further comprises the steps of: measuring energy usage of the at least one piece of equipment for a time period to generate a first energy usage value, comparing the first energy usage with the baseline energy usage value, and generating an energy efficiency value based on the difference between the first energy usage value and the baseline energy usage value. The method still further comprises the steps of: comparing the first energy usage value to a set of standards to determine if the first energy usage value complies with the set of standards to generate a first verified energy usage value, and transmitting the first verified energy usage value to a cryptocurrency entity. Finally, the method comprises the steps of: generating a first cryptocurrency amount corresponding to the first verified energy usage value, and transmitting the first cryptocurrency amount to a crypto wallet associated with an entity associated with the RAN.

[0028] The above-described and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a generic Open RAN architecture for generation of cryptocurrency, with xAPP or rAPP generating a voucher according to one configuration of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 2 shows a detailed Open RAN architecture for generation of cryptocurrency, with rAPP generating a voucher according to FIG. 1;

[0031] FIG. 3 shows the flow chart for the generation of cryptocurrency according to FIG. 1; and

[0032] FIG. 4 shows a method for auditing energy savings KPIs based on AVML trained models according to FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1 & 2, system 100 is provided for measuring, auditing and monetizing energy efficiency gains in RAN 102. The RAN 102 may, in one configuration, comprise User Equipment (UE) 104 coupled to a Radio Unit (RU) 106 via wireless connection 108. The RAN 102 further comprises a Distributed Unit (DU) 110 coupled to RU 106 via Fronthaul 114. A Control Unit (CU) 112 is coupled to DU 110 via Midhaul 116. The CU 112 is in turn coupled to Packet Core 118 via Backhaul 120. The CU 110 may comprise a Control Unit User Plane (CU-UP) 122 and a Control Unit Control Plane (CU-CP) 124 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the RAN 102 may encompass various equipment including, but not limited to, Common Off The Shelf Server Hardware (COTS H / W) 126, RAN Platform Container as a Service / Platform as a Service (CaaS / PaaS) 128, Deployment Management System (DMS) 130, and Infrastructure Management System (IMS) 132. Some components could be CNFs.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 1, system 100 may include a measurement and auditing software module 140 that executes on a computer comprising either xAPP (on near-RT RIC) or rAPP (on non-RT RIC). The measurement and auditing software module 140 gathers energy usage data, which is compared to a previous energy usage measurement to determine if there is an energyefficiency gain, and if so, calculates the gain. The measurement and auditing software module 140 further audits the data to ensure that no false or inaccurate information is provided. The energy efficiency gain is then used to by a crypto exchange to generate cryptocurrency 142 that is then passed to a crypto wallet 144 associated with an organization.

[0036] The same framework and principles discussed in connection with FIG. 1 may be applied where an rAPP generates the voucher, as shown in FIG. 2, instead of the xAPP shown in FIG. 1. The rAPP operates with the non-RT RIC, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the system 100 may include Elementary Management System / Network Management System (EMS / NMS) 150, Network Function Orchestrator / Federated O- Cloud Manager (NFO / FOCOM) 152, and Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) 154.

[0038] Other components, not shown, include TE&IV (Topology Exposure and Inventory )services, DME (Data management and exposure), SME (Service management and exposure ), Service and Subnet Slice Assurance), Service and Subnet Slice Orchestration, Software package Onboarding, Policy Management and Information.

[0039] All other aspects of the system of FIG. 2 remain the same with the difference being that instead of the xAPP generating the voucher, the rAPP will generate the voucher.

[0040] Accordingly, the system 100 provides for calculating, authenticating and rewarding energy savings, which may in one configuration be in real time, for commercially operating RAN systems. The system and method will include architecture and procedures, as it relates to RAN with a RAN Intelligent Controller 156 that supports xAPPs and rAPPs (FIGS 1 & 2). The architecture and procedures will monitor, measure, audit and baseline energy consumption and monetize energy savings by generating cryptocurrency that can be traded in the carbon credits market. The method contemplates auditing the energy savings through Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) techniques. The cryptocurrency is backed up by measurable and auditable energy savings values.

[0041] It should be noted that, while various functions and methods will be described and presented in a sequence of steps, the sequence has been provided merely as an illustration of one advantageous configuration, and that it is not necessary to perform these functions in the specificorder illustrated. It is further contemplated that any of these steps may be moved and / or combined relative to any of the other steps. In addition, it is still further contemplated that it may be advantageous, depending upon the application, to utilize all or any portion of the functions described herein.

[0042] Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a process flow diagram is provided for system 100 in FIG. 3 and a block diagram is provided in FIG. 4.

[0043] Step 1 is Baseline Energy Consumption with measurements 160.

[0044] An energy consumption baseline is established that measures a specified energy efficiency metric such as the bits / Watts per square km of coverage. This energy efficiency metric is measured at different traffic loads and a number is derived based on weighted average across the low / medium / high loads.

[0045] Measurements are made for RU 106, DU 110 and CU 112, and summed together, with a specified weighting between the various equipment.

[0046] For RU 106 testing, the ETSI ES 202 706 specifications include measuring power consumption under different load conditions — low, medium, busy, and full load. Measuring RU 106 at different loads enables the test engineer to calculate the total energy consumed.

[0047] These measurements must be repeatable and verifiable and hence are run in a third party lab. The baseline energy usage may be established in a third-party lab such as an OTIC lab that runs various test cases across different loading conditions to determine a measure of the energy efficiency metric.

[0048] ETSI ES 202 706-1 VI.7. 1 (2022-08) describes the Environmental Engineering (EE); Metrics and Measurement method for energy efficiency of wireless access network equipment; Part 1 : Power consumption - static measurement method.

[0049] ETSI TS 102 706-2 VI.6.1 (2024-02) describes the Environmental Engineering (EE); Metrics and Measurement Method for Energy Efficiency of Wireless Access Network Equipment; Part 2: Energy Efficiency - dynamic measurement method.

[0050] The following are 3GPP References for measurement of energy savings.

[0051] a) TS 28.310 Energy Efficiency of 5G: SA5 work and results where Energy Efficiency is defined by their performance divided by their Energy Consumption (EC).

[0052] b) TS 28.541 5G Network Resource Model (NRM)

[0053] c) TS 28.552 5G Performance Measurements defines the best metrics on each type of network entity and their measurement method.

[0054] d) TS 28.554 5G End to end Key Performance Indicators (KPI).

[0055] e) TS 28.622 Generic Network Resource Model (NRM).

[0056] f) TR 28.813 Study on new aspects of Energy Efficiency for 5G investigating new use cases for Energy saving applied to NG-RAN and network slicing. AI / ML assisted energy saving scenarios will be studied including those based on analytics provided by the Management Data Analytics Function (MDAF) or NWDAF.

[0057] g) TS 38.864 Study on Network Energy Savings for NR.

[0058] Once the system has an established baseline energy usage, the RAN system is then deployed in the field.

[0059] Step 2 is Apply Energy Savings techniques in Open RAN 162.

[0060] The RAN equipment may apply any one or more of the RAN energy savings techniques such as those listed below. Other energy savings techniques may be considered, including those not listed below.1) Shutting down cell in multi-carrier sites,2) Shutting down cell in multi-carrier sites,3) Hibernate mode in which the radio’s power amplifiers remain with minimum current draw and4) Complete switch off.5) Deep Sleep Hibernate mode6) RU transmit power (from normal mode to standby mode)7) RF channel reconfiguration (Tx / Rx Carrier ON / OFF)8) Adaptation of DTX / DRX9) Modify SU / mMIMO layers spatial streams or data layers,10) Reduce Workloads in O-Cloud during low traffic periods11) CU-CP: Release UEs, Measurement based handover / redirection, Blind HO / Redirection.12) Scale in / out mechanism, RU rehoming to scaled in DU.13) Control C-states and P-states using more energy efficient amplifiers14) Optimize the TDP Power frequency based on the processing needs.15) Neighbor cells Electric Down tilt and SSB power adjustment16) Neighbor cells NRT update (removal / addition)17) Any number of techniques maybe applied at various times during the day to reduce energy consumption and improve Energy Savings.

[0061] Step 3 is Measure energy consumption and audit Energy Savings 164.

[0062] The network (RAN and core) in operation will generate Performance Management (PM) counters that can be used to compute the energy consumption within the RU, DU and CU.

[0063] Examples of these PM counters include: O-CU and O-DU provide Container Network Function (CNF) level energy efficiency counters / KPIs (e.g. power consumption / Traffic load / data volume / throughput), which are reported through the 01 interface to the (Service Management and Orchestration) SMO 154 or through a North Bound Interface (NBI) to external tooling.

[0064] The 02 related counters in terms of Capacity, Network and Storage statistics are sent to NFO / FOCOM 152 entities of DMS 130 and IMS 132 respectively. 02 related Fault, Performance (KPIs) and Provisioning data are sent over NFO / FOCOM 152 entities respectively.

[0065] In Open RAN, the PM counters are collected across the fronthaul 1 14 and midhaul interfaces 118.

[0066] These Performance Management (PM) counters are sent to the xAPP 170 that will compute the energy consumption and energy savings. The xAPP 170 will collect the KPIs, authenticate them and compute the energy savings. xAPPs 170 are the AI / ML inferencing engine associated with the near-RT RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) 156.

[0067] As mentioned previously, these same functions may be carried out by a rAPP but for simplicity implementation is detailed with an xAPP 170.

[0068] xApp shall have the capability to configure the cell configuration and energy saving policies and to enable or disable the function for a RAN network to enter an energy saving mode.

[0069] The method to audit energy savings uses AI / ML 172. A newly trained AI / ML 172 model, that in one configuration is a classification model, will determine if all the input PM and KPIs, including those that are not associated with energy savings, are likely to result in improved energy savings. This will capture the correlations between the other PMs and KPIs with those associated with energy savings. If the correlations are positive, then it indicates that the variations in the other variables are also showing increased energy savings. If not, the audit fails, and no further actions are taken.

[0070] After auditing, the xAPP 170 declares that the energy savings values are valid. The xAPP 170 issues a voucher with the validated KPI information for energy savings. This voucher is sent to a crypto mint to create cryptocurrency.

[0071] It is contemplated that the voucher may have the following information:• ID• Energy savings information (e.g., Energy saved over a period such as, 24 hours)• Information (IP@) on where to deposit the cryptocurrency

[0072] Step 4 is Monetize energy savings with the generation of a crypto coin 166.

[0073] Upon receiving the voucher, the Mint will generate cryptocurrency. The cryptocurrencyis backed up by a measured and valid energy savings value. The Mint will then record the transaction in a Blockchain Ledger. The Mint may be centralized or distributed and may reside inside the SMO 154 or outside.

[0074] Earning cryptocurrency requires energy savings producers file a claim to register their energy efficiency framework via the monitoring system. Claimants download an Ethereum- compatible wallet to create a receiving address that acts like a bank account.

[0075] The cryptocurrency is sent to accounts / addresses in digital wallets and used as currency. Cryptocurrency can be traded for government currencies on crypto exchanges or spent at businesses that accept them.

[0076] Step 5 is Exchange crypto coins to get carbon credits 168.

[0077] The cryptocurrency is then sent to the crypto wallet. The cryptocurrency may be exchanged for carbon credits. Those who emit carbon pay a price for that carbon. A carbon price is a climate policy approach that works by charging emitters for the tons of carbon dioxide for which they are responsible. Carbon credits are tradable permits that allow the owner to emit certain amounts of greenhouse gases. Each credit permits the emission of one metric ton of carbon dioxide or the equivalent in other greenhouse gases.

[0078] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.What is claimed is:1. A method for monitoring and converting energy efficiency savings in a Radio Access Network (RAN) comprising the steps of: measuring energy consumption of at least one piece of equipment in the RAN; generating a baseline energy usage value; transmitting the baseline energy usage to an xAPP or rAPP; measuring energy usage of the at least one piece of equipment for a time period to generate a first energy usage value; comparing the first energy usage with the baseline energy usage value; generating an energy efficiency value based on the difference between the first energy usage value and the baseline energy usage value; comparing the first energy usage value to a set of standards to determine if the first energy usage value complies with the set of standards to generate a first verified energy usage value; transmitting the first verified energy usage value to a cryptocurrency entity; generating a first cryptocurrency amount corresponding to the first verified energy usage value; and transmitting the first cryptocurrency amount to a crypto wallet associated with an entity associated with the RAN.2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one piece of equipment is selected from the group consisting of: a Radio Unit (RU), a Distributed Unit (DU), a Control Unit (CU), Packet Core equipment, and combinations thereof.3. The method of claim 2, wherein the RAN comprises an Open RAN (O-RAN) system.4. The method of claim 2, wherein the first energy usage is measured with Performance Management (PM) counters computing energy consumption within the RU, DU and CU.5. The method of claim 4, wherein the PM counters include Container Network Function(CNF) level energy efficiency counters and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).6. The method of claim 5, wherein the KPIs include power consumption, traffic load, data volume, and throughput.7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first energy usage value accounts for energy consumption measured at different traffic loads on the RAN.8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first energy usage value is generated from a number derived based on a weighted average across low, medium, and high loads measurements.9. The method of claim 1, wherein when the xAPP is used, the RAN periodically reports Performance Management (PM) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to the xAPP hosted on a near-Real Time Radio Intelligence Controller (near-RT RIC).10. The method of claim 1, wherein when the rAPP is used, the RAN periodically reports Performance Management (PM) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to the rAPP hosted on a non-Real Time Radio Intelligence Controller (near-RT RIC).11 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of measuring energy usage of the at least one piece of equipment for a time period to generate a second energy usage value; comparing the second energy usage with the baseline energy usage value; generating an energy efficiency value based on the difference between the second energy usage value and the baseline energy usage value; comparing the second energy usage value to a set of standards to determine if the second energy usage value complies with the set of standards to generate a second verified energy usage value; transmitting the second verified energy usage value to a cryptocurrency entity; generating a second cryptocurrency amount corresponding to the second verified energy usage value; andtransmitting the second cryptocurrency amount to a crypto wallet associated with an entity associated with the RAN.12. The method of claim 11, wherein: the at least one piece of equipment is selected from the group consisting of: a Radio Unit (RU), a Distributed Unit (DU), a Control Unit (CU), Packet Core equipment, and combinations thereof; and the first energy usage is measured with Performance Management (PM) counters computing energy consumption within the RU, DU and CU.13. The method of claim 12, wherein the PM counters include Container Network Function (CNF) level energy efficiency counters and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).14. The method of claim 13, wherein the KPIs include power consumption, traffic load, data volume, and throughput.15. The method of claim 11, wherein the first energy usage value accounts for energy consumption measured at different traffic loads on the RAN.16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first energy usage value is generated from a number derived based on a weighted average across low, medium, and high loads measurements.17. The method of claim 11, wherein when the xAPP is used, the RAN periodically reports Performance Management (PM) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to the xAPP hosted on a near-Real Time Radio Intelligence Controller (near-RT RIC).18. The method of claim 11, wherein when the rAPP is used, the RAN periodically reports Performance Management (PM) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to the rAPP hosted on a non-Real Time Radio Intelligence Controller (near-RT RIC).19. The method of claim 12, wherein when the xAPP is used, the RAN periodically reportsPerformance Management (PM) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to the xAPP hosted on a near-Real Time Radio Intelligence Controller (near-RT RIC).20. The method of claim 12, wherein when the rAPP is used, the RAN periodically reports Performance Management (PM) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to the rAPP hosted on a non-Real Time Radio Intelligence Controller (near-RT RIC).METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING, AUDITING AND MONETIZING ENERGY SAVINGS FOR CARBON CREDITSBACKGROUND1. Field of the Disclosure

[0001] The present disclosure is related to energy efficiency in Radio Access Networks (RAN). More particularly, the present disclosure is related to improving energy efficiency and monetization of energy savings.2. Description of Related Art

[0002] Energy consumption costs are a major expense for the telecom industry. Operators must closely monitor their network power consumption to maintain a cap on expenses. It is understood that 5G technology is more energy efficient than prior generations in terms of the Joules of energy required to transmit each megabyte of data across a network. However, the new spectrum bands used for 5G, as well as the use of massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (mMIMO) technology has led to many more megabytes of data being transmitted across networks. This results in higher energy consumption.

[0003] To counteract rising energy consumption, operators are exploring various optimization techniques available for their 5G networks. Energy efficiency approaches include muting radio antennas during off-peak periods and using Al and machine learning to make networks more efficient. For example, Al can be used for predictive analytics and forecasting of energy consumption. It’s also important to balance emissions reductions with the power usage that Al can require. More efficient hardware and a greater reliance on renewable energy sources can help companies take advantage of these innovative technologies without sacrificing performance or innovation.

[0004] Reducing energy consumption not only helps telecom service providers to meet their sustainability goals, but also is closely tied with cost savings. Facing the pressures of increasing energy demands and the urgent need for environmental stewardship, more mobile operators arePage 1 of 17committing to net zero targets. Many telecom service providers worldwide are aiming to become carbon neutral by 2050 by lowering or even eliminating their carbon footprint by decreasing energy consumption through more efficient operations.

[0005] It has been known to measure energy consumption in RANs. However, there are multiple challenges in realizing energy efficiency in RAN. For example, there is no single established industry method to measure energy efficiency, which includes specifying the entities, the loading conditions, and the duration of testing.

[0006] Additionally, there is no established methodology for rewarding energy efficiency gains via a carbon savings metric. The carbon savings method is a widely accepted methodology for measuring energy efficiency gains. However, the Telecom industry does not have any sort of system or process for auditing and monetizing energy savings for carbon credits.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for system and method that overcome, alleviate, and / or mitigate one or more of the aforementioned and other deleterious effects of prior art relating to measuring, auditing and monetizing energy efficiency gains.SUMMARY

[0008] Accordingly, what is needed is a system and method for automatically measuring and translating RAN energy efficiency gains to carbon credits.

[0009] It is also desired to provide a system and method for automatically converting the carbon credits received due to the energy efficiency gain measurements obtained in a RAN to a cryptocurrency.

[0010] It is further desired to provide a system and method for automatically auditing measured energy efficiency gains obtained in a RAN to determine if the measurements are accurate and repeatable to ensure a proper amount of carbon credits are assigned based on the energy efficiency gains.

[0011] It is still further desired to provide a system and method that standardizes quantification and auditing of energy efficiency gains obtained in a RAN specifying the entities, the loadingPage 2 of 17conditions, and the duration of testing.

[0012] This disclosure provides a framework and mechanisms to measure and translate RAN (both Open RAN (0-RAN) and traditional RAN) energy savings directly to carbon credits via a cryptocurrency. Currently, while energy savings can be measured, that measured reduction is not audited via a widely accepted method nor is it translated into a form for exchange with carbon credits.

[0013] A system and method are provided to monitor baseline energy efficiency consumption and monetize energy savings with a cryptocurrency that can be traded in the carbon credits market. With the proposed framework, a cryptocurrency is generated periodically when there is measured and audited energy savings value based on a baseline that has been established previously. This architecture and procedures to measure and baseline energy savings techniques, audit it, and create crypto coins is discussed below.

[0014] In one example configuration, a process for measuring, auditing and monetizing energy efficiency gains can include the following steps:

[0015] 1. Establish the baseline energy efficiency numbers (KWh) in a third party OTIC lab for a certain configuration. Improvement of energy consumption above that baseline number translates to energy savings.

[0016] 2 In the field, the RAN periodically reports Performance Management (PM) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to an xAPP hosted on a near Real Time Radio Intelligence Controller (near-RT RIC). It could also be an rAPP on the non-RT RIC. The xAPP will then measure the energy consumption at various loads. These measurements include throughput and power consumption for a Radio Unit (RU), a Distributed Unit (DU), a Central Unit Control Plane (CU-CP), a Central Unit User Plane (CU-UP) and a Backhaul separately, which are then combined with different weights that sum to 100%.

[0017] 3. The xAPP converts these KPIs and PM to an energy value. The energy value is then compared to the baseline, which can then translate to an energy savings value. Furthermore, it audits the energy value to ensure that no inaccurate or fake data is reported.Page 3 of 17

[0018] 4 This energy savings value is sent from the xAPP to a new entity to mine cryptocurrency, which could be a crypto exchange (Mint). The crypto exchange can then issue the correct amount of cryptocurrency. This cryptocurrency is tradeable for carbon credits.

[0019] 5. Carbon credits already have a mapping to energy savings and therefore can be traded or offset.

[0020] Rewarding energy efficiency gains via carbon savings metric can be accomplished via standardized methods, which could include: 1) Leverage existing carbon credit mechanisms inclusive of existing crypto developed for this purpose; and / or 2) Establish a new cryptocurrency that could be utilized for the purpose of valuation, trade and redemption of the energy savings credit.

[0021] For this application the following terms and definitions shall apply:

[0022] The term “data” as used herein means any indicia, signals, marks, symbols, domains, symbol sets, representations, and any other physical form or forms representing information, whether permanent or temporary, whether visible, audible, acoustic, electric, magnetic, electromagnetic or otherwise manifested. The term “data” as used to represent predetermined information in one physical form shall be deemed to encompass any and all representations of the same predetermined information in a different physical form or forms.

[0023] The term “network” as used herein includes both networks and internetworks of all kinds, including the Internet, and is not limited to any particular type of network or inter-network.

[0024] The terms “first” and “second” are used to distinguish one element, set, data, object or thing from another, and are not used to designate relative position or arrangement in time.

[0025] The terms “coupled”, “coupled to”, “coupled with”, “connected”, “connected to”, and “connected with” as used herein each mean a relationship between or among two or more devices, apparatus, files, programs, applications, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, and / or means, constituting any one or more of (a) a connection, whether direct or through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, programs, applications, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, (b) a communications relationship, whether direct orPage 4 of 17through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, programs, applications, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, and / or (c) a functional relationship in which the operation of any one or more devices, apparatus, files, programs, applications, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in part, on the operation of any one or more others thereof.

[0026] The term "automatic" and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any process or operation done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input is received before performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be "material."

[0027] In one example configuration, a method for monitoring and converting energy efficiency savings in a Radio Access Network (RAN) is provided, comprising the steps of: measuring energy consumption of at least one piece of equipment in the RAN, generating a baseline energy usage value, and transmitting the baseline energy usage to an xAPP or rAPP. The method further comprises the steps of: measuring energy usage of the at least one piece of equipment for a time period to generate a first energy usage value, comparing the first energy usage with the baseline energy usage value, and generating an energy efficiency value based on the difference between the first energy usage value and the baseline energy usage value. The method still further comprises the steps of: comparing the first energy usage value to a set of standards to determine if the first energy usage value complies with the set of standards to generate a first verified energy usage value, and transmitting the first verified energy usage value to a cryptocurrency entity. Finally, the method comprises the steps of: generating a first cryptocurrency amount corresponding to the first verified energy usage value, and transmitting the first cryptocurrency amount to a crypto wallet associated with an entity associated with the RAN.

[0028] The above-described and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.Page 5 of 17BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a generic Open RAN architecture for generation of cryptocurrency, with xAPP or rAPP generating a voucher according to one configuration of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 2 shows a detailed Open RAN architecture for generation of cryptocurrency, with rAPP generating a voucher according to FIG. 1;

[0031] FIG. 3 shows the flow chart for the generation of cryptocurrency according to FIG. 1; and

[0032] FIG. 4 shows a method for auditing energy savings KPIs based on AVML trained models according to FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1 & 2, system 100 is provided for measuring, auditing and monetizing energy efficiency gains in RAN 102. The RAN 102 may, in one configuration, comprise User Equipment (UE) 104 coupled to a Radio Unit (RU) 106 via wireless connection 108. The RAN 102 further comprises a Distributed Unit (DU) 110 coupled to RU 106 via Fronthaul 114. A Control Unit (CU) 112 is coupled to DU 110 via Midhaul 116. The CU 112 is in turn coupled to Packet Core 118 via Backhaul 120. The CU 110 may comprise a Control Unit User Plane (CU-UP) 122 and a Control Unit Control Plane (CU-CP) 124 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the RAN 102 may encompass various equipment including, but not limited to, Common Off The Shelf Server Hardware (COTS H / W) 126, RAN Platform Container as a Service / Platform as a Service (CaaS / PaaS) 128, Deployment Management System (DMS) 130, and Infrastructure Management System (IMS) 132. Some components could be CNFs.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 1, system 100 may include a measurement and auditing software module 140 that executes on a computer comprising either xAPP (on near-RT RIC) or rAPP (on non-RT RIC). The measurement and auditing software module 140 gathers energy usage data, which is compared to a previous energy usage measurement to determine if there is an energyPage 6 of 17efficiency gain, and if so, calculates the gain. The measurement and auditing software module 140 further audits the data to ensure that no false or inaccurate information is provided. The energy efficiency gain is then used to by a crypto exchange to generate cryptocurrency 142 that is then passed to a crypto wallet 144 associated with an organization.

[0036] The same framework and principles discussed in connection with FIG. 1 may be applied where an rAPP generates the voucher, as shown in FIG. 2, instead of the xAPP shown in FIG. 1. The rAPP operates with the non-RT RIC, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the system 100 may include Elementary Management System / Network Management System (EMS / NMS) 150, Network Function Orchestrator / Federated O- Cloud Manager (NFO / FOCOM) 152, and Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) 154.

[0038] Other components, not shown, include TE&IV (Topology Exposure and Inventory )services, DME (Data management and exposure), SME (Service management and exposure ), Service and Subnet Slice Assurance), Service and Subnet Slice Orchestration, Software package Onboarding, Policy Management and Information.

[0039] All other aspects of the system of FIG. 2 remain the same with the difference being that instead of the xAPP generating the voucher, the rAPP will generate the voucher.

[0040] Accordingly, the system 100 provides for calculating, authenticating and rewarding energy savings, which may in one configuration be in real time, for commercially operating RAN systems. The system and method will include architecture and procedures, as it relates to RAN with a RAN Intelligent Controller 156 that supports xAPPs and rAPPs (FIGS 1 & 2). The architecture and procedures will monitor, measure, audit and baseline energy consumption and monetize energy savings by generating cryptocurrency that can be traded in the carbon credits market. The method contemplates auditing the energy savings through Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) techniques. The cryptocurrency is backed up by measurable and auditable energy savings values.

[0041] It should be noted that, while various functions and methods will be described and presented in a sequence of steps, the sequence has been provided merely as an illustration of one advantageous configuration, and that it is not necessary to perform these functions in the specificPage 7 of 17order illustrated. It is further contemplated that any of these steps may be moved and / or combined relative to any of the other steps. In addition, it is still further contemplated that it may be advantageous, depending upon the application, to utilize all or any portion of the functions described herein.

[0042] Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a process flow diagram is provided for system 100 in FIG. 3 and a block diagram is provided in FIG. 4.

[0043] Step 1 is Baseline Energy Consumption with measurements 160.

[0044] An energy consumption baseline is established that measures a specified energy efficiency metric such as the bits / Watts per square km of coverage. This energy efficiency metric is measured at different traffic loads and a number is derived based on weighted average across the low / medium / high loads.

[0045] Measurements are made for RU 106, DU 110 and CU 112, and summed together, with a specified weighting between the various equipment.

[0046] For RU 106 testing, the ETSI ES 202 706 specifications include measuring power consumption under different load conditions — low, medium, busy, and full load. Measuring RU 106 at different loads enables the test engineer to calculate the total energy consumed.

[0047] These measurements must be repeatable and verifiable and hence are run in a third party lab. The baseline energy usage may be established in a third-party lab such as an OTIC lab that runs various test cases across different loading conditions to determine a measure of the energy efficiency metric.

[0048] ETSI ES 202 706-1 VI.7. 1 (2022-08) describes the Environmental Engineering (EE); Metrics and Measurement method for energy efficiency of wireless access network equipment; Part 1 : Power consumption - static measurement method.

[0049] ETSI TS 102 706-2 VI.6.1 (2024-02) describes the Environmental Engineering (EE); Metrics and Measurement Method for Energy Efficiency of Wireless Access Network Equipment; Part 2: Energy Efficiency - dynamic measurement method.Page 8 of 17

[0050] The following are 3GPP References for measurement of energy savings.

[0051] a) TS 28.310 Energy Efficiency of 5G: SA5 work and results where Energy Efficiency is defined by their performance divided by their Energy Consumption (EC).

[0052] b) TS 28.541 5G Network Resource Model (NRM)

[0053] c) TS 28.552 5G Performance Measurements defines the best metrics on each type of network entity and their measurement method.

[0054] d) TS 28.554 5G End to end Key Performance Indicators (KPI).

[0055] e) TS 28.622 Generic Network Resource Model (NRM).

[0056] f) TR 28.813 Study on new aspects of Energy Efficiency for 5G investigating new use cases for Energy saving applied to NG-RAN and network slicing. AI / ML assisted energy saving scenarios will be studied including those based on analytics provided by the Management Data Analytics Function (MDAF) or NWDAF.

[0057] g) TS 38.864 Study on Network Energy Savings for NR.

[0058] Once the system has an established baseline energy usage, the RAN system is then deployed in the field.

[0059] Step 2 is Apply Energy Savings techniques in Open RAN 162.

[0060] The RAN equipment may apply any one or more of the RAN energy savings techniques such as those listed below. Other energy savings techniques may be considered, including those not listed below.1) Shutting down cell in multi-carrier sites,2) Shutting down cell in multi-carrier sites,3) Hibernate mode in which the radio’s power amplifiers remain with minimum current draw and4) Complete switch off.Page 9 of 175) Deep Sleep Hibernate mode6) RU transmit power (from normal mode to standby mode)7) RF channel reconfiguration (Tx / Rx Carrier ON / OFF)8) Adaptation of DTX / DRX9) Modify SU / mMIMO layers spatial streams or data layers,10) Reduce Workloads in O-Cloud during low traffic periods11) CU-CP: Release UEs, Measurement based handover / redirection, Blind HO / Redirection.12) Scale in / out mechanism, RU rehoming to scaled in DU.13) Control C-states and P-states using more energy efficient amplifiers14) Optimize the TDP Power frequency based on the processing needs.15) Neighbor cells Electric Down tilt and SSB power adjustment16) Neighbor cells NRT update (removal / addition)17) Any number of techniques maybe applied at various times during the day to reduce energy consumption and improve Energy Savings.

[0061] Step 3 is Measure energy consumption and audit Energy Savings 164.

[0062] The network (RAN and core) in operation will generate Performance Management (PM) counters that can be used to compute the energy consumption within the RU, DU and CU.

[0063] Examples of these PM counters include: O-CU and O-DU provide Container Network Function (CNF) level energy efficiency counters / KPIs (e.g. power consumption / Traffic load / data volume / throughput), which are reported through the 01 interface to the (Service Management and Orchestration) SMO 154 or through a North Bound Interface (NBI) to external tooling.

[0064] The 02 related counters in terms of Capacity, Network and Storage statistics are sent to NFO / FOCOM 152 entities of DMS 130 and IMS 132 respectively. 02 related Fault, Performance (KPIs) and Provisioning data are sent over NFO / FOCOM 152 entities respectively.Page 10 of 17

[0065] In Open RAN, the PM counters are collected across the fronthaul 1 14 and midhaul interfaces 118.

[0066] These Performance Management (PM) counters are sent to the xAPP 170 that will compute the energy consumption and energy savings. The xAPP 170 will collect the KPIs, authenticate them and compute the energy savings. xAPPs 170 are the AI / ML inferencing engine associated with the near-RT RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) 156.

[0067] As mentioned previously, these same functions may be carried out by a rAPP but for simplicity implementation is detailed with an xAPP 170.

[0068] xApp shall have the capability to configure the cell configuration and energy saving policies and to enable or disable the function for a RAN network to enter an energy saving mode.

[0069] The method to audit energy savings uses AI / ML 172. A newly trained AI / ML 172 model, that in one configuration is a classification model, will determine if all the input PM and KPIs, including those that are not associated with energy savings, are likely to result in improved energy savings. This will capture the correlations between the other PMs and KPIs with those associated with energy savings. If the correlations are positive, then it indicates that the variations in the other variables are also showing increased energy savings. If not, the audit fails, and no further actions are taken.

[0070] After auditing, the xAPP 170 declares that the energy savings values are valid. The xAPP 170 issues a voucher with the validated KPI information for energy savings. This voucher is sent to a crypto mint to create cryptocurrency.

[0071] It is contemplated that the voucher may have the following information:• ID• Energy savings information (e.g., Energy saved over a period such as, 24 hours)• Information (IP@) on where to deposit the cryptocurrency

[0072] Step 4 is Monetize energy savings with the generation of a crypto coin 166.

[0073] Upon receiving the voucher, the Mint will generate cryptocurrency. The cryptocurrencyPage 11 of 17is backed up by a measured and valid energy savings value. The Mint will then record the transaction in a Blockchain Ledger. The Mint may be centralized or distributed and may reside inside the SMO 154 or outside.

[0074] Earning cryptocurrency requires energy savings producers file a claim to register their energy efficiency framework via the monitoring system. Claimants download an Ethereum- compatible wallet to create a receiving address that acts like a bank account.

[0075] The cryptocurrency is sent to accounts / addresses in digital wallets and used as currency. Cryptocurrency can be traded for government currencies on crypto exchanges or spent at businesses that accept them.

[0076] Step 5 is Exchange crypto coins to get carbon credits 168.

[0077] The cryptocurrency is then sent to the crypto wallet. The cryptocurrency may be exchanged for carbon credits. Those who emit carbon pay a price for that carbon. A carbon price is a climate policy approach that works by charging emitters for the tons of carbon dioxide for which they are responsible. Carbon credits are tradable permits that allow the owner to emit certain amounts of greenhouse gases. Each credit permits the emission of one metric ton of carbon dioxide or the equivalent in other greenhouse gases.

[0078] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.Page 12 of 17

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for monitoring and converting energy efficiency savings in a Radio Access Network (RAN) comprising the steps of: measuring energy consumption of at least one piece of equipment in the RAN; generating a baseline energy usage value; transmitting the baseline energy usage to an xAPP or rAPP; measuring energy usage of the at least one piece of equipment for a time period to generate a first energy usage value; comparing the first energy usage with the baseline energy usage value; generating an energy efficiency value based on the difference between the first energy usage value and the baseline energy usage value; comparing the first energy usage value to a set of standards to determine if the first energy usage value complies with the set of standards to generate a first verified energy usage value; transmitting the first verified energy usage value to a cryptocurrency entity; generating a first cryptocurrency amount corresponding to the first verified energy usage value; and transmitting the first cryptocurrency amount to a crypto wallet associated with an entity associated with the RAN.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one piece of equipment is selected from the group consisting of: a Radio Unit (RU), a Distributed Unit (DU), a Control Unit (CU), Packet Core equipment, and combinations thereof.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the RAN comprises an Open RAN (O-RAN) system.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the first energy usage is measured with Performance Management (PM) counters computing energy consumption within the RU, DU and CU.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the PM counters include Container Network FunctionPage 13 of 17(CNF) level energy efficiency counters and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the KPIs include power consumption, traffic load, data volume, and throughput.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first energy usage value accounts for energy consumption measured at different traffic loads on the RAN.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first energy usage value is generated from a number derived based on a weighted average across low, medium, and high loads measurements.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein when the xAPP is used, the RAN periodically reports Performance Management (PM) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to the xAPP hosted on a near-Real Time Radio Intelligence Controller (near-RT RIC).

10. The method of claim 1, wherein when the rAPP is used, the RAN periodically reports Performance Management (PM) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to the rAPP hosted on a non-Real Time Radio Intelligence Controller (near-RT RIC).11 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of measuring energy usage of the at least one piece of equipment for a time period to generate a second energy usage value; comparing the second energy usage with the baseline energy usage value; generating an energy efficiency value based on the difference between the second energy usage value and the baseline energy usage value; comparing the second energy usage value to a set of standards to determine if the second energy usage value complies with the set of standards to generate a second verified energy usage value; transmitting the second verified energy usage value to a cryptocurrency entity; generating a second cryptocurrency amount corresponding to the second verified energy usage value; andPage 14 of 17transmitting the second cryptocurrency amount to a crypto wallet associated with an entity associated with the RAN.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein: the at least one piece of equipment is selected from the group consisting of: a Radio Unit (RU), a Distributed Unit (DU), a Control Unit (CU), Packet Core equipment, and combinations thereof; and the first energy usage is measured with Performance Management (PM) counters computing energy consumption within the RU, DU and CU.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the PM counters include Container Network Function (CNF) level energy efficiency counters and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the KPIs include power consumption, traffic load, data volume, and throughput.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the first energy usage value accounts for energy consumption measured at different traffic loads on the RAN.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first energy usage value is generated from a number derived based on a weighted average across low, medium, and high loads measurements.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein when the xAPP is used, the RAN periodically reports Performance Management (PM) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to the xAPP hosted on a near-Real Time Radio Intelligence Controller (near-RT RIC).

18. The method of claim 11, wherein when the rAPP is used, the RAN periodically reports Performance Management (PM) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to the rAPP hosted on a non-Real Time Radio Intelligence Controller (near-RT RIC).

19. The method of claim 12, wherein when the xAPP is used, the RAN periodically reportsPage 15 of 17Performance Management (PM) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to the xAPP hosted on a near-Real Time Radio Intelligence Controller (near-RT RIC).

20. The method of claim 12, wherein when the rAPP is used, the RAN periodically reports Performance Management (PM) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to the rAPP hosted on a non-Real Time Radio Intelligence Controller (near-RT RIC).Page 16 of 17

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