Downlink WPT Power Control for Efficient UE Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF energy harvesting techniques assume a monotonic relationship between received RF power and DC energy generation, leading to inefficiencies and potential overheating due to a voltage reverse breakdown region, resulting in wasted energy and resource inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A radio access network (RAN) node determines optimized wireless power transfer (WPT) waveforms based on the energy harvesting capabilities of user equipment (UE) devices, using separate frequency and time domain resources to avoid interference and adjust power transfer parameters dynamically based on UE mobility and pathloss changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional RF energy harvesting techniques are used with monotonic relationship assumption, then simple power transfer is achieved, but energy waste and overheating occur due to voltage reverse breakdown region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power control by adjusting WPT control parameters based on real-time UE power receiving window feedback. The RAN node dynamically modifies transmission power to keep received power within the UE's optimal receiving window, preventing both energy waste and overheating while maintaining efficient power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the UE measures the received WPT signal power, determines its power receiving window, and feeds this information back to the RAN node. The RAN node uses this feedback to adjust subsequent WPT transmissions, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy transfer efficiency.
2Productivity
If downlink power control is implemented for WPT, then energy harvesting efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing 5G NR downlink power control mechanisms and resource allocation frameworks to implement WPT optimization. By reusing established protocol structures, measurement procedures, and control loops already present in the 5G system, the patent achieves improved energy harvesting efficiency without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If separate frequency and time domain resources are used for WPT, then radio interference is minimized, but resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments WPT transmissions by allocating separate frequency resources (specific subcarriers or resource blocks) and time resources (specific slots or symbols) for power transfer. This segmentation isolates WPT signals from other communications, minimizing radio interference while utilizing the existing orthogonal resource structure of 5G NR.
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 enhances the efficiency of wireless power transfer by optimizing WPT waveforms and scheduling, reducing waste and overheating, and improving energy harvesting efficiency while minimizing radio interference.
Implementation Method 1
transmit a WPT signal on the at least one beam based on the WPT control parameter
Implementation Method 2
harvest the received WPT signal as stored energy
Data Source
AI summary
In a system, apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium, a radio access network (RAN) node may be caused to, determine a wireless power transmission (WPT) control parameter associated with at least one beam based on at least a pathloss associated with the at least one UE device receiving the at least one beam, and transmit a WPT signal on the at least one beam based on the WPT control parameter.