Network Node Battery Charging via Radio Traffic Reallocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for fast charging of batteries in radio base stations during power outages are inefficient, environmentally unfriendly, and increase infrastructure costs, as they require additional Power Supply Units (PSUs) or diesel generators, which do not ensure full battery recharge in areas with frequent power outages.
Innovation Solution
A method using a computational model to optimize the charging of rechargeable power sources in network nodes by reallocating radio traffic and turning off underutilized radio units during recharging, based on the state of charge and quality of service parameters, to ensure batteries are fully charged before the next power outage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If additional Power Supply Units (PSUs) or diesel generators are used for fast charging, then charging speed is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network node autonomously monitors its own battery state of charge and automatically adjusts radio unit operations to enable fast charging without external intervention. The system uses internal sensors and controllers to detect battery levels and trigger appropriate radio unit shutdown or load reduction sequences, making the charging process self-managed and eliminating the need for additional complex charging infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters of radio units based on battery state of charge. When fast charging is needed, the network node modifies radio unit power consumption parameters, transitions radio units to low-power modes or shuts them down temporarily, and adjusts traffic routing parameters to enable sufficient power allocation to the battery charger while maintaining overall network functionality.
2Speed
If radio units are turned off or traffic is reallocated during charging, then charging speed is improved, but quality of service deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely shutting down all radio units, the system applies partial action by selectively reducing power to specific radio units or transitioning them to low-power operational modes. This allows the network to maintain minimal service levels and handle essential traffic while allocating sufficient power to battery charging, achieving a balance between service continuity and charging speed without requiring complete radio unit shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts radio unit operational states based on real-time battery charge levels and network traffic conditions. Radio units can transition between full-power, reduced-power, and shutdown states flexibly, allowing the network to optimize the trade-off between service quality and charging speed dynamically rather than using fixed static configurations.
3Quantity of substance
If power is allocated to battery recharging, then state of charge is improved, but available power for radio operations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic charging cycles where radio units are selectively powered down or reduced to low-power modes during specific time intervals to allow battery recharging, then restored to full operation when charging is complete. This periodic approach enables the battery to accumulate sufficient charge capacity while the network maintains operational capability during non-charging intervals, resolving the conflict between charge accumulation and operational power availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein disclose, e.g., a method performed by a network node, in a wireless communications network, for charging a rechargeable power source in the network node. The network node obtains an operational parameter to an operation of the network node, wherein the operational parameter is based on an output of a computational model. The computational model is based on a state of charge of the rechargeable power source, a parameter related to outage of a power grid, and a QoS parameter relating to radio communication in the wireless communications network. The network node further applies, during a charging of the rechargeable power source, the operational parameter to the operation of the network node.