Integrated PV-RIS Surface for Energy-Efficient Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing energy consumption and environmental impact of wireless communication networks, particularly with the rollout of 5G and beyond, necessitate the development of more sustainable and efficient solutions, including the integration of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) to manage electromagnetic waves while minimizing energy usage.
Innovation Solution
Integrating RIS functionality into photovoltaic devices, such as solar panels, to create a combined apparatus that converts light into electrical energy and redirects electromagnetic waves, optimizing energy efficiency and network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RIS devices are deployed to improve network coverage and capacity, then network performance is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RIS functionality with photovoltaic energy harvesting elements into a single integrated device. The RIS surface reflects and redirects electromagnetic waves for improved network coverage, while integrated photovoltaic cells convert incident light into electrical energy to power the RIS operation, thereby reducing external energy requirements and achieving sustainable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The RIS device is equipped with integrated energy harvesting capabilities that allow it to generate its own operating power from ambient light through photovoltaic conversion. This self-powered operation eliminates or reduces dependence on external power sources, enabling the RIS to sustain network enhancement functions autonomously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate RIS devices and photovoltaic panels are deployed, then both functions are achieved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates RIS functional elements and photovoltaic energy harvesting elements into a single unified device structure. This consolidation allows both electromagnetic wave manipulation and energy generation functions to coexist on the same surface area, eliminating the need for separate deployment of RIS panels and solar panels, thereby reducing overall space requirements while maintaining full functional capability.
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 integration provides improved energy efficiency, reduced space requirements, enhanced network coverage and capacity, and sustainable energy sources, addressing both environmental and operational challenges of wireless communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more PV elements in or at the surface, the PV element to convert light incident on the surface into electrical energy by the photovoltaic effect
Implementation Method 2
one or more reconfigurable intelligent surface, RIS, elements in or at the surface, the RIS element operating as reconfigurable intelligent surface, RIS, to direct or reflect one or more incident electromagnetic, EM, waves or one or more incident EM beams incident on the surface from an incident first direction into one or more outgoing EM waves or one or more outgoing EM beams propagating along at least one second direction
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3
AI summary
A photovoltaic, PV, apparatus for the conversion of light into electrical energy is described. The PV apparatus has a surface to receive incident light, one or more PV elements in or at the surface, the PV element to convert light incident on the surface into electrical energy by the photovoltaic effect, and one or more reconfigurable intelligent surface, RIS, elements in or at the surface, the RIS element operating as reconfigurable intelligent surface, RIS, to direct or reflect one or more incident electromagnetic, EM, waves or one or more incident EM beams incident on the surface from an incident first direction into one or more outgoing EM waves or one or more outgoing EM beams propagating along at least one second direction.