Bidirectional Power Sharing in Fog Computing Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fog computing networks face power reliability issues due to inefficient power supply options, which can limit the application space and pose risks to mission-critical IoT applications.
Innovation Solution
A network device system with selectively configurable power port units that can operate as either Power Source Equipment (PSE) or Powered Device (PD) to share electrical power among network devices, allowing bi-directional power transfer and enabling power redundancy during supply failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional unidirectional power supply is used in Fog computing networks, then power distribution is simple, but power reliability is poor and mission-critical applications are at risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bidirectional power sharing where network devices can simultaneously act as power sources and power consumers. Each network device includes power port units that can be selectively configured as either Power Source Equipment (PSE) or Powered Device (PD), allowing power to flow in both directions across the network, fundamentally inverting the traditional unidirectional power supply model to achieve superior reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each network device multi-functional by enabling it to perform both power sourcing and power consuming roles. The power port units are selectively configurable to operate as either PSE or PD, allowing any network device to serve multiple functions depending on operational needs, thereby improving power reliability without requiring dedicated power infrastructure
2Reliability
If power sharing capability is added to network devices, then power redundancy is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates power sharing functionality directly into existing network devices by making power port units selectively configurable. Each network device can operate as either PSE or PD based on operational requirements, achieving power redundancy while utilizing existing device infrastructure rather than adding separate dedicated power sharing hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power port configuration where network devices can switch between PSE and PD modes based on real-time operational needs. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize power distribution and achieve redundancy while maintaining flexible device operation without permanent complexity additions
3Reliability
If bidirectional power transfer is implemented, then power resilience during failures is improved, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bidirectional power transfer by enabling network devices to simultaneously function as power sources and power consumers. Power port units can be selectively configured as either PSE or PD, allowing power to flow in both directions across the network, achieving superior resilience during power failures while distributing management responsibilities across all devices
4Adaptability or versatility
If selective power port configuration is used, then power sharing flexibility is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes power port units selectively configurable to operate as either PSE or PD, enabling any network device to serve multiple functions depending on operational needs. This universal capability provides maximum power sharing flexibility while allowing the system to adapt dynamically to various power distribution scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power port configuration where network devices can switch between PSE and PD modes based on real-time operational requirements. This dynamic adaptability provides flexible power sharing capabilities while automating the configuration process to maintain operational simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a data processing device includes power port units for connection to network devices. Each power port unit is selectively configurable to operate as either (i) a Power Source Equipment port unit to provide power to a network device, or (ii) a Powered Device (PD) port unit to sink power from a network device. The device also includes a processor. In response to a power supply failure, the processor is operative to poll at least two network devices to determine if they are able to supply power, receive a response from each of the at least two network devices, and configure at least two power port units as PD port units to sink power from the at least two network devices. At least part of the received power is transferred from the at least two power port units via a power summing node to at least one local load.