Optical Fiber Power Supply Control for Variable Wireless Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical power supply systems lack efficiency in adapting to varying electric power loads at the receiving end, leading to wasteful consumption of surplus power when loads are low.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a power over fiber system that utilizes semiconductor lasers and photoelectric conversion elements with specific semiconductor materials for efficient light-electricity conversion, combined with a power supply controller that adjusts the output of feed light based on communication or load operation information to match the power requirements of the receiving device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If constant power is supplied to the power receiving side regardless of load, then power supply stability is maintained, but energy waste increases when load is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the power receiving side transmits load information back to the power supplying side. The power supply controller adjusts the feed light output based on this feedback, reducing power when load is low and eliminating energy waste while maintaining supply stability through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static constant power supply to dynamic power supply that adapts to varying load conditions. The power supply controller dynamically adjusts the output power of the semiconductor laser based on real-time load information, enabling the system to optimize energy efficiency across different operating conditions.
2Productivity
If power supply is adjusted according to load, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity increases due to control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical fiber cable serve dual functions: transmitting both power (feed light) and communication information (load status). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control wiring, reducing overall system complexity while enabling efficient load-based power adjustment that improves power supply efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The power receiving side autonomously determines its own power needs and communicates this to the power supplying side, which then self-adjusts the feed light output accordingly. This self-service mechanism enables efficient power supply adaptation without requiring complex external control systems.
3Loss of energy
If semiconductor materials are used for light-electricity conversion, then conversion efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular semiconductor materials (GaAs, InGaAsP) with defined bandgap characteristics suitable for the operating wavelength range. By selecting materials with appropriate physical parameters matched to the feed light wavelength, the system achieves high conversion efficiency while using well-established semiconductor fabrication processes that balance precision requirements with manufacturability.
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 enhances the efficiency of optical power supply by ensuring that power is provided according to the actual load at the receiving side, reducing wastage and optimizing energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transmitter that transmits signal light modulated with an electric signal and feed light for supplying electric power
Implementation Method 2
an optical receiver that operates with electric power obtained by converting the feed light transmitted through the first cladding of the optical fiber
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical fiber power supply system 1C comprises: a power supply device 110 which outputs power supply light 112; and a power receiving device 310 which converts the power supply light 112 from the power supply device 110 into power. The power converted by the power receiving device 310 is supplied to a wireless communication device 360. The optical fiber power supply system 1C further comprises: a communication monitoring unit 370 which acquires communication operation information regarding the operation status of wireless communication by the wireless communication device 360; and a power supply control unit 150 which controls the output of the power supply light 112 from the power supply device 110 on the basis of the communication operation information acquired by the communication monitoring unit 370.