Photovoltaic Reconfigurable Surface for Self-Powered Wave Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in reducing energy consumption and environmental impact, particularly with the increasing demand for 5G and beyond networks, where reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) are used to redirect electromagnetic waves but require separate power supplies and infrastructure, leading to inefficiencies and higher operational costs.
Innovation Solution
Integrating photovoltaic (PV) elements with reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) functionality into solar panels to create a dual-use device that converts light into electrical energy and redirects electromagnetic waves, eliminating the need for separate power supplies and infrastructure, thereby reducing energy consumption and environmental footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate power supplies and infrastructure are used for RIS devices, then RIS functionality can be provided, but energy consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines photovoltaic energy harvesting elements with RIS functional elements into a single integrated device. The PV elements and RIS elements are merged at the component level, allowing the same physical structure to perform both energy generation and electromagnetic wave redirection functions, thereby eliminating the need for separate power supplies and reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a power generation source through photovoltaic conversion and as a reconfigurable intelligent surface for electromagnetic wave manipulation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate infrastructure components needed and lowers operational energy requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate power supplies and infrastructure are used for RIS devices, then RIS functionality can be provided, but operational costs and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges PV energy harvesting with RIS functionality into one device, eliminating the need for separate infrastructure components. This reduction in material usage and infrastructure complexity directly decreases the environmental footprint and operational costs associated with deploying and maintaining separate power supplies and RIS systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device generates its own power through photovoltaic conversion, making it self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on external power infrastructure. This self-service capability reduces operational costs and minimizes environmental impact by removing the need for additional power transmission infrastructure and associated energy losses.
3Area of stationary object
If PV elements and RIS elements are integrated into solar panels, then space requirements are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device is segmented into distinct functional zones: PV elements for energy harvesting and RIS elements for electromagnetic wave manipulation. This segmentation allows each component type to be optimized independently while maintaining a compact integrated structure, reducing overall space requirements without excessively increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By designing a single device that performs both PV energy generation and RIS functions, the patent reduces the total space needed compared to deploying separate systems. The shared substrate and integrated architecture minimize the overall footprint while the modular design keeps complexity manageable through standardized component interfaces.
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 integrated solution enhances energy efficiency, reduces space requirements, and provides a sustainable, low-maintenance power source for wireless communication systems, improving coverage and capacity while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
PV elements in or at the surface, the PV elements to convert light incident on the surface into electrical energy by the photovoltaic effect
Implementation Method 2
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
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, 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.