Coaxial Power Delivery With Reflection Control for Access Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power delivery to communications network equipment, particularly in the 'last mile' or access network, is mission-critical but cost-intensive, and existing methods face challenges in balancing voltage levels for safety and efficiency, especially with high power demands and interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A system using a coaxial cable to deliver AC power at frequencies between 10 kHz and 500 kHz, incorporating a resonant converter and voltage rectifier, with a spring-loaded connector and power monitor to adjust voltage and minimize reflections, enabling efficient and safe power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If high voltage is used for power delivery to reduce current draw and cable losses, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but safety risks to personnel increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the power signal from conventional 60 Hz to high frequency (10 kHz to 500 kHz). This parameter change allows the system to operate at higher voltages while using lower currents to deliver the same power, thereby reducing cable losses. The high frequency operation also enables the use of transformerless architectures and resonant power transfer, improving overall efficiency while maintaining safety through reduced current exposure levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional low-frequency AC power delivery infrastructure with high-frequency resonant power transfer technology. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy-gauge cables and traditional transformers, using instead resonant circuits and impedance matching networks that operate efficiently at high frequencies, thereby reducing both energy losses and safety hazards associated with high-current connections.
2Power
If high current is used for power delivery to meet power demands, then power delivery capacity is improved, but cable losses and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency to high values (10 kHz to 500 kHz), which enables the system to deliver high power through resonant power transfer with much lower currents. The high frequency allows for efficient power transfer through impedance matching and resonant coupling, achieving high power delivery capacity while minimizing I²R losses in the cables.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional 60 Hz AC power delivery is used, then infrastructure compatibility is improved, but power delivery capacity and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter from 60 Hz to high frequency (10 kHz to 500 kHz) to enable advanced power delivery techniques such as resonant power transfer and transformerless architectures. This parameter change allows for higher power delivery capacity and improved efficiency while still being compatible with existing coaxial cable infrastructure through adaptive impedance matching networks.
4Loss of energy
If high frequency AC power transmission is used, then power delivery efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional low-frequency power delivery components (transformers, heavy-gauge cables, complex protection devices) with high-frequency resonant power transfer technology. This substitution reduces the number of discrete components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture, as the high-frequency operation enables direct power transfer through impedance matching without requiring traditional transformation stages.
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
The system reduces power losses, minimizes interference, and enhances safety by using higher-frequency AC power transmission through coaxial cables, allowing for higher power delivery with reduced cable costs and improved safety features.
Implementation Method 1
A system that is configured to deliver electric power to equipment of a communications access network, according to some embodiments herein, may include a coaxial cable that is coupled between a power generator and the equipment of the communications access network, and that is configured to deliver AC power having a frequency between 10 kilohertz ('kHz') and 500 kHz
Implementation Method 2
the voltage rectifier may be coupled between a second end of the coaxial cable and the equipment of the communications access network
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of delivering electric power to equipment of a communications access network are provided herein. In particular, a method of delivering electric power to the equipment includes generating an AC power signal having a frequency between 10 kHz and 500 kHz that is transmitted via a coaxial cable that is coupled between the equipment and a power monitor. The method includes identifying, using the power monitor, a reflection of the AC power signal via the coaxial cable to the power monitor. Moreover, the method includes adjusting a voltage of the AC power signal in response to identifying the reflection. Related systems and coaxial cables are also provided.