Photovoltaic Reconfigurable Surface for Self-Powered EM Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing energy consumption and environmental impact of wireless communication networks, particularly with the rollout of 5G and beyond, necessitate a more sustainable and efficient deployment of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) that integrate with existing infrastructure to reduce energy consumption and enhance operational performance.
Innovation Solution
Integration of RIS functionality into photovoltaic (PV) devices, such as solar panels, allowing them to redirect or reflect electromagnetic waves while converting sunlight into electrical energy, thereby combining energy harvesting with intelligent surface manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If reconfigurable intelligent surfaces are deployed to enhance wireless communication, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RIS functionality with photovoltaic energy harvesting into a single integrated device. The PV cells generate electrical energy to power the RIS elements, allowing the system to provide enhanced network coverage and capacity while being self-sufficient in energy supply, thus resolving the contradiction between improved productivity and increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated PV-RIS device harvests its own operating energy through photovoltaic conversion of incident sunlight. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external power supply infrastructure, enabling the system to improve network performance without creating additional energy consumption burdens on the grid
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate RIS devices and PV panels are deployed, then energy harvesting and intelligent surface functionality are achieved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separate PV panels and RIS devices into a single integrated structure where photovoltaic cells and RIS elements share the same mounting space and structural support. This consolidation achieves both energy harvesting and intelligent surface functionality while reducing the total installation area by approximately 50% compared to separate deployments
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates electrical energy through photovoltaic conversion, provides intelligent electromagnetic wave manipulation through RIS elements, and offers a unified mounting platform. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate infrastructure for each function, thereby reducing overall space requirements
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 integration provides a dual-use solution that enhances energy efficiency, reduces space requirements, improves network coverage and capacity, and promotes sustainable energy sources by leveraging existing infrastructure without significant power loss.
Implementation Method 1
one or more PV elements in or at the surface, the PV element to convert light incident on the surface into electrical energy by the photovoltaic effect
Implementation Method 2
one or more reconfigurable intelligent surface, RIS, elements in or at the surface, the RIS element operating as reconfigurable intelligent surface, RIS, to direct or reflect one or more incident electromagnetic, EM, waves or one or more incident EM beams incident on the surface from an incident first direction into one or more outgoing EM waves or one or more outgoing EM beams propagating along at least one second direction
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3
AI summary
A photovoltaic (PV) apparatus for the conversion of light into electrical energy is described. The PV apparatus has a surface to receive incident light, one or more PV elements in or at the surface, the PV element to convert light incident on the surface into electrical energy by the photovoltaic effect, and one or more reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) elements in or at the surface, the RIS element operating as reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) direct or reflect one or more incident electromagnetic (EM) waves or one or more incident EM beams incident on the surface from an incident first direction into one or more outgoing EM waves or one or more outgoing EM beams propagating along at least one second direction.