Flying Base Station Power Control Through Adaptive Communication Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The power generated by flying base stations, such as communication satellites, varies significantly due to sunlight availability and communication demands, leading to inefficient use of limited power resources.
Innovation Solution
A communication control apparatus with an available power estimation unit, required total power estimation unit, and a communication mode change unit to adjust communication modes when power exceeds availability, ensuring efficient power utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the flying base station communicates with many communication devices using maximum available power, then the communication quality and data rate are improved, but the power consumption exceeds the available power from solar cells and batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication mode selection that adapts to real-time power availability. The system switches between multiple communication modes (first mode with higher data rate and second mode with lower data rate) based on the ratio of available power to required power, enabling the flying base station to optimize communication performance according to current power conditions from solar cells and batteries
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters including data rate, transmission power, and communication mode based on power availability. By calculating the ratio of available power to required power and comparing it against thresholds, the system adjusts communication parameters to match power conditions, ensuring sustainable operation while maximizing communication efficiency
2Reliability
If the flying base station operates in high communication demand mode, then the service quality to communication devices is improved, but the limited power from solar cells and batteries is depleted faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors power availability from solar cells and batteries, calculates the ratio of available power to required power, and adjusts communication modes accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that service quality is maintained at appropriate levels while preventing power depletion by adapting to real-time power conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts service quality parameters including communication mode and data rate based on power availability. By switching between high-quality communication mode and energy-saving mode according to the power ratio, the system maintains reliability when power is sufficient while conserving energy when power is limited
3Loss of energy
If the communication mode is changed to reduce power consumption, then the available power is preserved, but the communication data rate and quality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selecting communication modes that provide sufficient but not excessive data rates based on power availability. When the power ratio is below thresholds, the system intentionally reduces communication data rate to match available power, accepting partial communication performance in exchange for sustainable power utilization and long-term operation
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
Ensures efficient use of power by adjusting communication modes to match available power, preventing overload and optimizing resource allocation.
Implementation Method 1
power generated by solar cells or solar panels receiving sunlight
Data Source
AI summary
A communication control apparatus for a communication system with a ground station, which is at least partly installed on the ground and can communicate with a communication device, and a flying base station, which can communicate with the ground station, includes: an available power estimation unit to estimate available power of the flying base station; a required total power estimation unit to estimate total power required by the flying base station for communication with each communication device connected to the ground station; and a communication mode change unit to change communication mode between at least one communication device and the flying base station, at least when the total power is more than the available power, so that the total power becomes less than the available power.