Node Cluster Selection for UE Energy Harvesting Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
User equipment (UE) devices face challenges in identifying and utilizing nearby nodes for efficient energy harvesting, as they are unaware of which nodes are best suited for energy transfer due to overlapping capabilities and tasks, leading to inefficient energy collection.
Innovation Solution
A method where a network node determines and indicates a cluster of nodes capable of providing signals for energy harvesting to the UE, allowing the UE to receive and harvest energy from these signals, optimizing energy transfer based on position, zone identifiers, and power headroom reports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a UE attempts to harvest energy from multiple nearby nodes simultaneously, then the total energy collected increases, but the UE cannot identify which nodes are best suited for energy transfer due to overlapping capabilities and tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The network node acts as an intermediary that collects capability information from multiple nodes and processes it centrally. The network node determines which nodes are suitable for energy transfer and communicates this determination to the UE, eliminating the UE's need to directly analyze overlapping capabilities and tasks of multiple nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node receives power headroom reports from nodes and uses this feedback to dynamically determine which nodes have sufficient capacity for energy transfer. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing node capabilities and optimize energy harvesting in real-time.
2Ease of operation
If the network node determines and indicates a cluster of nodes for energy harvesting, then the UE can efficiently select suitable nodes, but the network node must process and analyze capability information from multiple nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The network node performs multiple functions: it manages regular network operations, collects capability information from nodes, processes power headroom reports, determines suitable nodes for energy transfer, and communicates this information to UEs. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity in a centralized controller rather than distributing it across multiple UEs.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node proactively determines and indicates clusters of suitable nodes to UEs before the UEs need to harvest energy. This preliminary action prepares the system in advance, so when energy harvesting is needed, the UE already has pre-processed information about suitable nodes, reducing real-time processing requirements.
3Power
If the UE harvests energy from signals transmitted by multiple nodes, then the energy transfer rate increases, but the UE must continuously monitor and identify nodes with available power headroom
Solution Approach 1:
The network node determines and indicates suitable nodes for energy harvesting in advance, based on power headroom reports and capability information. This preliminary determination eliminates the need for the UE to continuously monitor and identify nodes in real-time, reducing the time loss associated with node selection while maintaining high energy transfer rates.
Solution Approach 2:
Nodes automatically report their power headroom to the network node, which then uses this information to determine suitability for energy transfer. This self-service mechanism reduces the monitoring burden on the UE, as the network node autonomously tracks node capabilities and makes determination of suitable energy transfer partners.
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 enables the UE to effectively charge its battery by selectively utilizing nodes with suitable energy transfer capabilities, improving energy harvesting efficiency and reducing battery depletion rates.
Implementation Method 1
receive, from the cluster of nodes, the signals based at least in part on the indication of the cluster of nodes; and harvest energy from the signals for charging a battery of the UE
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive, from a network node, an indication of a cluster of nodes that are able to provide signals to the UE for energy harvesting at the UE. The UE may receive, from the cluster of nodes, the signals based at least in part on the indication of the cluster of nodes. The UE may harvest energy from the signals for charging a battery of the UE. Numerous other aspects are described.