Mini-Slot Scheduling for 5G Base Station Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G base stations consume significantly more power than 4G stations, leading to increased costs and the need for multiple battery backups during AC power outages, which is costly and inefficient, and existing solutions like shutting down carriers or reducing bandwidth are not feasible without service interruptions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing adaptive mini-slot scheduling that enables and disables mini-slots based on power and channel traffic conditions, using a scheduler to manage power consumption by reducing slot time and frequency, and dynamically allocating OFDM symbols for reduced power usage during outages or low traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If 5G base stations operate with full bandwidth and all slots enabled, then service quality and data transmission capacity are maintained, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic slot selection and bandwidth adaptation that allows the 5G base station to adjust its operational parameters in real-time. The system dynamically enables or disables specific slots and bandwidth parts based on current traffic conditions and power availability, transitioning between full-capacity mode and power-saving mode without service interruption. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to varying operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key operational parameters including slot configuration, bandwidth part activation, and transmission power levels. By modifying these parameters based on traffic demand and power conditions, the base station can operate at full capacity when needed and reduce consumption when traffic is low or during power outages, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining service quality and reducing power usage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If bandwidth is reduced to lower power consumption, then power usage decreases, but service quality and data transmission capacity are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the total bandwidth into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs) and slots, allowing selective activation of only the necessary portions. Instead of reducing the entire bandwidth uniformly, the system segments the spectrum and activates specific BWPs based on traffic requirements, maintaining sufficient data transmission capacity while reducing overall power consumption by leaving other segments inactive.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by activating only the minimum necessary bandwidth parts and slots required to handle current traffic load. Rather than operating at full bandwidth capacity, the base station enables just enough spectral resources to meet service demands, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate data transmission capacity for active users.
3Reliability
If all slots are enabled for continuous transmission, then service continuity is maintained, but power consumption increases during low traffic periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of traffic conditions and power status, with the scheduler adjusting slot activation patterns accordingly. During low traffic periods, the system periodically switches to a reduced slot configuration to save power, while during high traffic periods, it transitions back to full slot activation. This periodic adaptation maintains service continuity by ensuring slots are available when needed while reducing power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station autonomously monitors its own traffic load and power consumption status, and the scheduler automatically adjusts slot configuration without external intervention. The system self-regulates by enabling slots only when traffic demands are detected and disabling them during low-activity periods, thereby maintaining service continuity when required while minimizing power consumption during idle times.
4Duration of action of moving object
If multiple backup power packs are connected to extend operating time during AC power outages, then operating time increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary power-saving actions by proactively reducing bandwidth and slot activation before complete power failure occurs. The system detects declining power availability and preemptively transitions to a low-power operational mode, extending the time the base station can operate on remaining power reserves. This preliminary action delays the need for extended backup power systems by maximizing the utilization of available power resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous service operation by seamlessly transitioning between different operational modes (full capacity, reduced capacity, and minimal operation) based on power availability. This continuity is achieved through the scheduler's ability to dynamically adjust bandwidth parts and slots without service interruption, allowing the base station to extend its operating time during outages by maintaining useful communication actions at reduced capacity rather than shutting down or requiring multiple backup packs.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for reducing power consumption at a cell site. An example process includes the steps of detecting a change from a normal operation at a cell site, initializing a small bandwidth part (BWP), and moving user equipment communicating with the cell site from a dedicated BWP to the small BWP in response to the change from the normal operation at the cell site. A return to normal operation is detected at the cell site. The process includes restoring the user equipment to the dedicated BWP in response to the return to the normal operation at the cell site.