DC Power Distribution System for Wireless Network Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional energy distribution systems for wireless communication networks face challenges such as reliance on diesel generators, which are costly and environmentally harmful, and limitations in metering power usage for multiple operators at a single site, especially in areas without access to the electric grid.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage and power distribution system that includes batteries, a controller, load control interfaces, and a DC metering module, enabling the distribution of DC power to multiple loads and tracking power usage without AC meters, using renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines, and allowing for dynamic load shedding based on priority settings and state of charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diesel generators are used to provide backup power, then power continuity is maintained, but operating costs increase and environmental harm worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from AC power to DC power distribution, enabling direct connection to battery storage without conversion losses. This parameter change allows the energy storage system to effectively replace diesel generators, maintaining power continuity while eliminating harmful emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical diesel generator system with an electrical energy storage system. The DC power distribution architecture enables direct coupling of battery storage to loads, substituting the mechanical combustion-based power generation with an electrochemical energy storage and distribution system that eliminates environmental harm while maintaining reliability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple AC power meters are installed for multiple operators, then power usage tracking is accurate, but system complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power measurement and distribution functions into a single DC power distribution system. Instead of installing separate AC power meters and distribution circuits for each operator, the system uses one DC power source with multiple DC outputs, each equipped with individual metering. This consolidation reduces system complexity and installation costs while maintaining accurate power usage tracking for each operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The single DC power distribution system serves multiple operators simultaneously, providing universal power supply and measurement capabilities. The system architecture allows one power source to fulfill the power distribution needs of multiple loads while incorporating individual metering for each operator, achieving multi-functionality that reduces overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional AC power systems are installed to accommodate more operators, then service capacity increases, but installation costs and logistical requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DC power distribution system is designed to be dynamically configurable, allowing operators to be added or removed by simply connecting or disconnecting DC loads from the common DC bus. This dynamic architecture eliminates the need for complex installation procedures and high installation costs associated with traditional AC power systems, as each additional operator requires minimal infrastructure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If AC power is rectified for 48Vdc loads, then power compatibility is achieved, but energy conversion losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of converting AC power to DC power through rectification (the traditional approach), the system inverts the approach by generating and distributing DC power directly from battery storage. This eliminates the energy losses associated with AC-to-DC conversion while maintaining compatibility with 48Vdc telecommunication loads, as the DC power is provided directly from the energy storage system.
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 system reduces the need for diesel fuel, provides efficient power distribution and metering for multiple operators, and enables remote management to optimize energy use and reduce costs, while supporting communication networks in areas without grid access.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage device including one or more batteries
Implementation Method 2
using renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines
Implementation Method 3
using renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines
Data Source
AI summary
Energy storage and distribution systems are provided that comprises an energy storage device (e.g., one or more batteries) that can be used in conjunction with one or more electrical power sources—e.g., solar, wind, electric grid, fuel cell, or diesel. A controller is provided that manages energy storage and power distribution to loads, the energy storage device, or both. Energy storage and distribution systems can be configured to meter DC energy such that DC power usage for each load can be acquired. In this way, operators such as mobile network operators (MNOs) can be charged according to their DC power usages. Energy storage and distribution systems can also be configured to enable prioritized load shedding of one or more loads.