Utility Pole Grid Edge Node for 5G Access and Voltage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of 5G wireless access points requires strategic location on existing infrastructure to optimize availability and costs, while also managing power demands and voltage volatility in electric utility networks, which is challenging due to high path losses and the introduction of distributed energy resources, leading to increased capital and operational expenditures.
Innovation Solution
A grid edge node with integrated sensors, a 5G telecommunications radio, and a bidirectional power converter, mounted on utility poles, which monitors transformer conditions, provides wireless communication, and injects reactive power to stabilize the grid, leveraging existing infrastructure for both electric and telecommunications networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 5G access points are densely deployed to compensate for path loss and coverage limitations, then network coverage and bandwidth are improved, but capital expenditure and installation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines 5G access point functionality with existing utility pole infrastructure, merging telecommunications equipment with electrical infrastructure. This allows 5G nodes to be mounted on utility poles that already serve both electric and telecommunication providers, reducing the need for separate infrastructure construction and lowering overall deployment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The utility pole infrastructure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: supporting electrical distribution lines, hosting telecommunication equipment including 5G access points, and providing structural anchoring. This multi-functional use of existing infrastructure reduces capital expenditure by avoiding the need to build dedicated structures for each purpose
2Ease of manufacture
If 5G RAN nodes are installed on existing utility poles to reduce capital expenditure, then installation costs are reduced, but power supply availability and voltage stability become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power supply unit as an intermediary component between the utility pole electrical infrastructure and the 5G access point. This power supply unit conditions and stabilizes the electrical power delivered to the 5G equipment, ensuring reliable operation while utilizing the existing utility pole location for cost-effective deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the existing electrical infrastructure on utility poles to self-power the 5G access points, rather than requiring separate power sources or extensive electrical infrastructure modifications. The 5G nodes draw power from the electrical lines already present on the utility poles, making the infrastructure self-sufficient
3Reliability
If optical fiber cables are installed for backhaul connectivity to provide high bandwidth, then communication performance is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical fiber backhaul installation with existing telecommunication bundle routing on utility poles. Fiber cables are spooled along overhead high voltage electric distribution primary cables and integrated with existing telecommunication infrastructure, allowing simultaneous deployment of both electrical and optical infrastructure using the same support structures and installation pathways
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 solution enables efficient monitoring and control of electric grid assets, reduces capital expenditures by utilizing existing infrastructure, and mitigates voltage volatility and power fluctuations, while providing ubiquitous 5G access without additional capital investment.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional power converter, mounted on utility poles, which monitors transformer conditions, provides wireless communication, and injects reactive power to stabilize the grid
Implementation Method 2
provides wireless communication, leveraging existing infrastructure for both electric and telecommunications networks
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a grid edge node, comprising a power supply, one or more sensors, a telecommunications radio, and a backhaul connection. The power supply can be configured to receive input power from a power transformer mounted to a utility pole. The one or more sensors can be configured to monitor one or more conditions of the power transformer. The telecommunications radio can be configured to transmit and receive wireless telecommunications signals to and from remote devices in a telecommunications network. The backhaul connection can be configured to provide communication between the grid edge node and a cloud-based monitoring system. The grid edge node can be configured to transmit data indicative of the one or more monitored conditions to the cloud-based monitoring system via the backhaul connection. The grid edge node can be further configured to be mounted to the utility pole.