Beam-Based WPT Power Control for Efficient UE Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF energy harvesting techniques assume a monotonic relationship between received RF power and DC energy generation, leading to inefficiencies and potential overheating due to non-monotonic power conversion efficiency, resulting in wasted energy and resource inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A radio access network (RAN) node determines optimized wireless power transfer (WPT) waveforms based on the energy harvesting capabilities of user equipment (UE) devices, using separate frequency and time domain resources to avoid interference and adjust power transfer parameters dynamically based on UE mobility and pathloss changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional RF energy harvesting techniques are used with monotonic power conversion assumption, then the system is simple to implement, but energy harvesting efficiency deteriorates due to non-monotonic power conversion and overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power control by adjusting WPT transmission parameters (power, time, frequency) based on real-time UE feedback and pathloss conditions. The RAN node dynamically adapts the power transfer process to maintain operation within the UE's optimal power receiving window, preventing both inefficiency and overheating while maximizing energy harvesting efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the UE device measures the received WPT power and sends feedback information to the RAN node. This feedback loop enables the RAN node to adjust transmission parameters based on actual received power levels, ensuring operation within optimal efficiency ranges and preventing non-monotonic power conversion issues.
2Productivity
If WPT transmission power is increased to improve energy transfer rate, then productivity increases, but harmful factors worsen due to overheating and wasted energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes multiple transmission parameters including power level, time domain resources, and frequency domain resources to optimize WPT. By adjusting these parameters based on UE feedback and pathloss conditions, the system maintains high energy transfer rates while preventing overheating and energy waste through operation within optimal power windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic WPT transmission with scheduled time domain resources, allowing the system to transfer energy in controlled intervals rather than continuously. This periodic approach enables thermal management and prevents overheating while maintaining effective energy transfer rates through optimized transmission scheduling.
3Reliability
If separate frequency and time domain resources are used for WPT to avoid interference, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments WPT resources into separate frequency domain resources and time domain resources. This segmentation allows independent optimization and control of each resource dimension, reducing interference while managing complexity through structured resource allocation. The RAN node can selectively apply complexity only where needed for interference management.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the efficiency of wireless power transfer by optimizing WPT waveforms and scheduling, reducing waste and overheating, and improving energy harvesting efficiency while minimizing radio interference.
Implementation Method 1
transmit a WPT signal on the at least one beam based on the WPT control parameter
Implementation Method 2
harvest the received WPT signal as stored energy
Data Source
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Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
In a system, apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium, a radio access network (RAN) node may be caused to, determine a wireless power transmission (WPT) control parameter associated with at least one beam based on at least a pathloss associated with the at least one UE device receiving the at least one beam, and transmit a WPT signal on the at least one beam based on the WPT control parameter.