Adaptive Power Management for Broadband Telecommunications Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy management systems in telecommunications networks are limited in their ability to control energy consumption across a broad range of equipment types, including HVAC, lighting, and telecommunications gear, and do not adapt to varying traffic needs, external influences like weather or energy costs, or implement power-saving strategies effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for adaptive power management that uses a centralized or distributed energy controller to manage energy consumption across telecommunications networks, integrating with HVAC, lighting, and security systems, and employing adaptive power interfaces to adjust energy usage based on external and internal factors such as weather, network performance, and energy costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If traditional energy management systems are used, then HVAC energy consumption is controlled, but telecommunications equipment energy consumption is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The energy management system is extended to provide universal control across multiple equipment types including HVAC systems, telecommunications equipment (routers, switches, base stations), and other network infrastructure. The system uses a common control protocol and interface specification that enables energy management via control of entire facilities all the way down to specific features on individual equipment, making the system versatile and multi-functional rather than limited to单一 equipment type
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments energy management control into hierarchical levels: facility-level control, equipment-level control, and component-level control. This allows the system to manage energy consumption from the entire facility down to specific features on individual telecommunications equipment, enabling granular control while maintaining system-wide coordination
2Loss of energy
If energy management is implemented without traffic engineering, then power consumption is reduced, but network performance requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts energy management strategies based on real-time network traffic conditions, equipment status, and performance requirements. It can selectively shut down, slow down, or put into sleep mode specific cards, circuits, or features in telecommunications equipment based on traffic needs, and can respond to externally imposed energy limitations such as peak demand periods or disaster scenarios while maintaining network performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor network traffic, energy consumption, and equipment status to adjust power management decisions. This feedback loop ensures that energy-saving actions do not compromise network performance by detecting when traffic patterns change and adjusting power allocation accordingly
3Use of energy by stationary object
If selective power management of specific equipment features is implemented, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary energy management controller that mediates between the facility energy management system and individual telecommunications equipment. This intermediary uses a standardized control protocol and interface specification to manage energy consumption across diverse equipment types without requiring complex custom integration for each device, simplifying the overall control architecture while enabling granular power management
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages energy consumption by changing operational parameters of equipment such as power states, operational modes, and feature activation levels rather than requiring complex structural modifications. This allows selective power management of specific equipment features through parameter adjustment, reducing energy consumption while maintaining relatively simple system architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for the software and hardware-based management and control of overall energy consumption in a telecommunications network is described. The energy consumption management in broadband telecommunications networks is accomplished via an adaptive power system interface and network energy controller that has access to the energy management systems, subsystems, features, individual components and configurations of equipment and services within the network, and provides energy consumption control of an entire network or a portion thereof using a plethora of different types of equipment, equipment or software features, equipment cards, ports, devices, systems, and entire facilities within a network.