Downlink Waveform Signaling for Wireless Energy Harvesting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently harvesting energy from downlink signals for IoT devices and wireless transmit/receive units, as conventional reference signals are not optimized for energy harvesting, leading to insufficient energy transfer and increased battery replacement needs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of optimized waveform design and resource dedication mechanisms in wireless communication networks to enhance energy harvesting efficiency, including RB-based, RE-based, and overlaid EH signal designs, which allow for dedicated resource allocation and scheduling to maximize energy transfer during specific time frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional reference signals are used for downlink transmission, then communication compatibility is maintained, but energy harvesting efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The downlink reference signal is designed to serve dual functions: conventional communication (pilot signaling, channel estimation) and energy harvesting. By embedding energy harvesting optimization within the existing reference signal framework, the signal becomes universal enough to support both communication compatibility and improved energy transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the reference signal including waveform structure, time-frequency resources, and power allocation to enhance energy harvesting performance while maintaining the signal's fundamental communication functions. This involves adjusting signal parameters rather than replacing the entire signal structure
2Use of energy by moving object
If dedicated energy harvesting resources are allocated, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but network resource overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Existing downlink resources (reference signals, synchronization signals, broadcast channels) are made multi-functional by optimizing them for both communication and energy harvesting purposes. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated energy harvesting resources, thereby improving energy transfer efficiency without increasing resource overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges energy harvesting functions with conventional downlink transmission resources. By combining these functions into existing resource structures rather than allocating separate resources, the system achieves efficient energy transfer while avoiding additional resource overhead
3Device complexity
If existing downlink signals are used for energy harvesting, then system complexity is low, but energy transfer performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances energy transfer performance by optimizing parameters of existing downlink signals such as waveform characteristics, time-frequency allocation, and power distribution. These parameter adjustments improve energy harvesting performance without requiring complex new signal structures or additional system components
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts signal parameters and resource allocation to optimize energy transfer performance based on channel conditions and device requirements. This dynamic optimization improves energy performance while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through adaptive parameter tuning rather than complex structural changes
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 enables efficient energy harvesting for IoT devices and WTRUs, extending battery life and reducing the need for frequent battery replacements by optimizing energy transfer through tailored waveforms and resource allocation strategies.
Implementation Method 1
The amount of power that can be harvested at the WTRU depends on the signal waveform and the rectification diode characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for waveform design and signaling for energy harvesting (EH) in a wireless network are disclosed. In an example, a method includes receiving a control message including a contention-based backscattering configuration, determining parameters for transmitting a feedback within a contention-based transmission window based on the contention-based backscattering configuration, detecting feedback transmissions sent by other WTRUs within the contention-based transmission window, wherein each feedback transmission includes an EH capability indication, determining whether an EH capability detected from the feedback transmissions matches the EH capability of the WTRU, if a matched EH capability is detected from the feedback transmissions within the contention-based transmission window, delaying a transmission of the feedback, and if no matched EH capability is detected from the feedback transmissions within the contention-based transmission window, transmitting the feedback using the determined parameters.