Power Amplifier Load-Based Switching for Base Station Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy-saving methods in communications networks, such as shutting down entire cells during low load, create coverage holes that are complex and costly to recover, and there is a need for improved methodologies to minimize energy consumption without compromising network coverage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for operating power amplifiers in base stations, where a number of power amplifiers are switched off while at least one remains on, with signal switching and power adjustment to maintain coverage, based on detected load levels, using self-organized network functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If entire cell is shut down to save energy during low load, then energy consumption is reduced, but coverage hole is created
Solution Approach 1:
The base station is segmented into multiple independent power amplifiers, each associated with specific antennas and coverage areas. During low load, only necessary power amplifiers remain active while others are switched off, allowing partial operation rather than all-or-nothing cell shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active power amplifiers based on real-time load conditions. The network controller monitors load and switches power amplifiers on/off accordingly, making the base station operation flexible and adaptive to changing traffic conditions.
2Reliability
If neighbouring cells are used to cover shutdown cell area, then coverage is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Active power amplifiers are configured to serve multiple functions: they handle their own associated antennas and can also take over coverage for antennas associated with switched-off power amplifiers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for complex inter-cell coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
A network controller acts as an intermediary that manages the switching between power amplifiers and antennas. It handles the complexity of coverage management centrally, simplifying the operation of individual base station components and eliminating the need for complex neighbour cell coordination.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power amplifiers are switched off, then energy saving is achieved, but signal coverage in those areas is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The coverage areas of multiple power amplifiers are merged into a single continuous coverage area when some power amplifiers are switched off. The remaining active power amplifiers expand their coverage to include areas previously served by inactive amplifiers, maintaining total coverage while reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching power amplifiers between on and off states based on load conditions. This parameter change allows the base station to adapt its energy consumption and coverage characteristics dynamically, optimizing performance for different traffic scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to operating of power amplifiers of base stations in a communications network, wherein each power amplifier is assigned to a corresponding antenna of a base station and enables receiving and/or transmitting of information signals in an area of the communications network covered by the corresponding antenna. The operating includes switching off of a number of power amplifiers of a base station so that at least one power amplifier of the base station is left on, if level of load in the communications network is detected as being low; and switching of a signal of the at least one power amplifier to antennas, to which power amplifiers of the number of power amplifiers are assigned.