ONT Battery Backup Control for Power Failure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) systems, the lack of customer control over battery backup unit (BBU) features during power failures leads to customer annoyance and inefficient energy use, as traditional POTS systems do not provide reliable emergency telephone service due to the ONT's power dependency and incessant alarms draining battery energy.
Innovation Solution
A residential FTTP system with a rechargeable BBU, a battery output sensor, and controller that automatically signals the ONT to enter sleep mode, powers down, and includes a manually operable emergency switch and audio alarm with customer-controllable silence features to manage power conservation and alert functionality during utility company power failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the BBU provides automatic alarm features during power failure, then the customer is alerted of low battery voltage, but the incessant alarm becomes annoying and drains additional battery energy
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm system transitions from a static continuous state to a dynamic state with multiple modes (continuous alarm, periodic alarm, and silent). The controller dynamically adjusts alarm behavior based on customer needs and battery status, allowing the alarm to be silenced temporarily while maintaining battery monitoring functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The alarm frequency and intensity parameters are made variable rather than fixed. The system can change from continuous high-intensity alarm to periodic low-intensity alarm or complete silence, adjusting these parameters based on customer preference and remaining battery energy levels.
2Reliability
If the ONT remains powered during power failure using BBU, then emergency telephone service is available, but the battery energy depletes faster and service duration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ONT power state is dynamically adjusted based on battery energy levels. When battery voltage drops below a threshold, the system automatically transitions the ONT from full operation to sleep mode, reducing power consumption while maintaining emergency call capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of maintaining full ONT functionality throughout the power failure, the system applies partial action by enabling only essential functions (emergency telephone service) while disabling non-essential functions, thereby extending battery duration.
3Productivity
If the BBU automatically manages power distribution to ONT, then power conservation is optimized, but the customer loses control over emergency call capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary manual override switch that mediates between automatic power management and customer control needs. This switch allows customers to temporarily restore full power to the ONT for emergency calls while the automatic management system remains active for normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service through automatic monitoring and management of battery power, eliminating the need for customer intervention in routine power management decisions while maintaining the ability to override when needed.
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
Enables controlled power management and reduced customer annoyance by allowing selective use of backup power for emergency calls and silencing alarms, conserving energy and maintaining essential communication services during power outages.
Implementation Method 1
A rechargeable battery backup unit (BBU) is located at the customer premises and is rechargeable by the power supply. The BBU is operatively coupled to the ONT and to the customer's telephone(s) via the ONT for the purpose of supplying substitute electrical power to the ONT and to the telephone(s) if and when the utility company electric power fails.
Implementation Method 2
A battery output sensor and controller are located at the customer premises for monitoring output level, such as output voltage, of the battery being used for backup.
Data Source
AI summary
Optical network terminal (ONT) power failure management. A system for permitting a customer of a telecommunication company, for whom fiber to the premises (FTTP) has been installed, to control operating features associated with operation of a battery backup unit (BBU) which is used, during power failure, for powering the ONT associated with the FTTP installation and the customer's telephone(s). The controlling of these features includes utilization of signal-controlled switches, which are manually over-rideable by the customer, thereby providing the desired operating feature control.