Intelligent Reflecting Surface Phase Control for NLoS Wireless Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless power transfer (WPT) faces significant challenges in indoor environments due to path loss and non-line-of-sight (NLoS) channels, where obstacles reduce the power received by devices, making it difficult to achieve efficient power transfer.
Innovation Solution
A computer system utilizing an intelligent reflection surface (IRS) to create a multi-path channel by reflecting wireless signals from an energy transfer apparatus to an energy user apparatus, optimizing the transmission waveform and reflection phase change values of passive elements to maximize the gain of the multi-path channel, thereby enhancing power transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If wireless power transfer is performed through a wideband channel in an indoor environment, then power can be transmitted wirelessly to devices, but path loss and non-line-of-sight channels cause significant reduction in received power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) as an intermediary component between the power transmitter and receiver. The IRS consists of multiple passive elements that reflect and redirect RF signals around obstacles, creating additional signal paths. This mediator enables power transfer in NLoS environments by bouncing signals off the IRS surface, thereby reducing path loss and improving received power without requiring direct line-of-sight connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes spatial dimension by deploying the IRS surface in a three-dimensional space between the transmitter and receiver. By adjusting the phase shift of individual passive elements on the IRS, the system creates constructive interference patterns in specific spatial directions, effectively steering energy around obstacles. This dimensional approach transforms the power transfer path from a direct linear path to a multi-dimensional reflected path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If obstacles are present between transmitter and receiver in an indoor environment, then wireless communication can be maintained, but non-line-of-sight channels make it difficult to receive sufficient power
Solution Approach 1:
The IRS acts as a mediator that adapts to indoor environments with obstacles. The passive elements on the IRS surface are configured to reflect signals around furniture, walls, and other obstacles, maintaining wireless connectivity while delivering sufficient power. The system adapts to the specific indoor layout by optimizing the phase shift of each passive element based on the obstacle positions and desired receiver locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase shift parameter of each passive element on the IRS to optimize power transfer in the presence of obstacles. By dynamically adjusting these phase parameters, the system adapts to different indoor configurations and obstacle arrangements, transforming the challenging NLoS channel conditions into effective power transfer paths.
3Device complexity
If direct power transmission is used from energy transfer apparatus to energy user apparatus, then simple transmission path is maintained, but path loss reduces the power received by the receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The IRS serves as a passive intermediary that adds minimal complexity to the transmission path. The IRS consists of passive elements that simply reflect signals without requiring active power amplification or complex signal processing. This mediator approach maintains relative simplicity while effectively combating path loss by creating reflected signal paths that bypass obstacles and reduce attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the transmission path into multiple segments: direct path from transmitter to IRS, reflected path from IRS to receiver. By dividing the power transfer journey into these segments, the system can optimize each segment independently, with the IRS passive elements configured to maximize signal strength in the reflected segment, thereby overcoming overall path loss.
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 significantly increases the peak amplitude of the received signal, leading to improved power transfer efficiency and increased harvested power, even in NLoS environments, by constructing a virtual line-of-sight channel using the IRS, which aligns the phases of direct and reflection channels.
Implementation Method 1
an intelligent reflection surface (IRS) apparatus configured to reflect the signal from the ET apparatus to the EU apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a computer system for maximizing wireless energy harvesting using an intelligent reflection surface and a method thereof. A multi-path channel including a direct channel through which power is directed from an ET apparatus toward an EU apparatus and a reflection channel through which the power is directed from the ET apparatus toward the EU apparatus after being reflected by an IRS apparatus may be implemented. The computer system may be designed to maximize a gain of the multi-path channel in order to maximize the harvested power.