Bi-directional Power Feed for Telecommunications Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern telecommunications networks face challenges in powering intermediate nodes due to the discontinuation of the continuous copper connection between the local exchange and customer premises, leading to increased power requirements and reliance on customer mains supplies, which can result in service disruptions during power outages, especially for vulnerable users.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for delivering electrical power from customer premise network interface devices to intermediate network nodes through wired electrical communications connections, incorporating a power management system and battery backup to maintain basic telephone services during power outages, with a bi-directional power feed mechanism to ensure continuous service and efficient power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical fibre connections are used to replace copper connections in the telecommunications network, then network capacity and cost efficiency are improved, but the ability to provide electrical power to intermediate nodes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces customer premises equipment (NTE) as an intermediary that performs dual functions: it acts as a network interface device for optical fibre connections and simultaneously serves as a power supply source for intermediate nodes. The NTE draws power from customer mains supplies and delivers it through the optical fibre infrastructure to remote nodes, thereby mediating between the power delivery requirement and the optical fibre architecture.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrical power is delivered to intermediate nodes from the exchange over copper wires, then power supply is maintained, but network modernization to optical fibre is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional power delivery direction by having power flow from customer premises (NTE) to intermediate nodes rather than from the exchange to nodes. This reversal allows optical fibre connections to be used for data transmission while a separate power delivery path is established through the same physical infrastructure, enabling network modernization while maintaining power supply capability.
3Power
If customer mains power supplies are used to power intermediate nodes, then power requirements are met, but service reliability deteriorates during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a battery backup system at the NTE that is charged in advance during normal operation. When mains power fails, the battery provides cushioning power to maintain operation of the NTE and continue delivering power to intermediate nodes, thereby ensuring service reliability during power outages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameter from single-source (mains only) to dual-source (mains plus battery) at the NTE. This parameter change enables the system to switch between power sources based on availability, maintaining continuous power delivery to intermediate nodes regardless of mains power status.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If low-voltage power supply from the exchange is used for intermediate nodes, then safety hazards are avoided, but power requirements for modern equipment cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to the power delivery system by establishing a separate power delivery path through the optical fibre infrastructure, distinct from the traditional low-voltage exchange-powered system. This dimensional separation allows high-power delivery to nodes while maintaining safety at public locations, as the power is delivered through communication infrastructure rather than exposed electrical connections.
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 solution enables the maintenance of essential telecommunications services, including lifeline telephone services, during power outages by utilizing battery backups and bi-directional power feeds, ensuring that nodes can continue to function and provide critical communication services even when mains power is unavailable.
Implementation Method 1
arranged to allow the network node to receive electrical power from, and to deliver electrical power to, one or more of the customer premise network interface devices connected thereto by the wired electrical communications connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An electrically powered node (3) of a telecommunications system has a battery power backup (37) associated with its power control unit (33). Under normal conditions it are maintained fully charged by means of trickle currents from the mains power feeds (14) to each of a number of mains- connected customer equipments (4), by way of the "final drop" (10) to the distribution point. These trickle currents are controlled by the respective power control units (33, 43), to prevent overcharging. Using an electrical copper connection (19) provided in parallel with the fibre connection (9), a battery backup (27) can also be maintained in nodes (2) further towards the exchange. These feeds are made reversible, so that if a power outage removes the power supply (14) from the customer premises (4), a "lifeline" plain telephone service between the exchange (1) and the telephone handset (5) is maintained over the connections (9, 10, 13), using the local battery backup (27, 37) in the remote nodes (2, 3). By limiting the service to simple telephony, the battery power (27, 37, 47) can be sufficient to maintain the service for a reasonable duration. The power management systems (23, 33, 43) can be used to transfer charge from one battery (27, 37) to another over the network according to the usage, or remaining life, of each battery (27, 37, 47).