Power Receiver Optics and PV Array for High-Power Fiber Beaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional copper-based cabling for 5G small cells hinders network deployment and increases costs, necessitating an alternative power distribution solution like power over fiber (PoF) to ensure efficient and lightweight power transmission.
Innovation Solution
A power receiver system comprising an optics unit, PV cell array with thermal management, and PMAD system, achieving a gross design efficiency ratio greater than 70%, and a power transmission system with end-to-end efficiency greater than 40%, utilizing a laser, thermal management, and control systems for efficient power conversion and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional copper-based cabling is used for power distribution to 5G small cells, then power transmission is reliable, but deployment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional copper-based electrical power transmission with optical fiber-based power transmission. The mechanical/electrical connection system is substituted with an optical system where power is transmitted as light through optical fibers to photovoltaic cells, eliminating the need for heavy copper cabling and complex electrical connections while maintaining reliable power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium for power transmission. Instead of direct electrical contact through copper cables, power is transmitted through optical fibers that convert electrical power to optical signals, which are then converted back to electrical power by photovoltaic cells at the receiver end, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Weight of moving object
If power over fiber is implemented, then weight and ease of deployment improve, but conversion efficiency losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the photovoltaic cell array configuration and optical fiber specifications to maximize power conversion efficiency. By carefully selecting and adjusting parameters such as photovoltaic cell material composition, array geometry, optical fiber core diameter, and numerical aperture, the system achieves high efficiency in converting optical power back to electrical power while maintaining the lightweight advantages of fiber optic transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the power transmission system into distinct functional segments: power source, optical fiber transmission medium, and photovoltaic cell array receiver. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, with the photovoltaic cell array specifically designed to maximize conversion efficiency while keeping the overall system lightweight.
3Loss of energy
If high power density is concentrated on PV cells, then transmission efficiency improves, but thermal management challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses thermal management by transitioning from a two-dimensional surface mounting approach to a three-dimensional integrated structure. The photovoltaic cells are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration with built-in thermal conduction pathways extending through the depth of the cell array, providing enhanced heat dissipation capacity without increasing the footprint area, thus maintaining high power density while effectively managing thermal loads.
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
The system achieves high efficiency in converting optical power to electrical power, supporting 5G network deployment with reduced costs and improved scalability.
Implementation Method 1
The optics unit is configured to receive a power beam and to shape the power beam, the shaped power beam having an operating intensity profile
Implementation Method 2
The array is configured to convert the power beam into electricity. Each of the PV cells of the array has a cell efficiency defined as the ratio of an amount of electrical power produced by the PV cell divided by an amount of optical power incident on a location of that cell
Implementation Method 3
a thermal management system configured to remove heat from the array
Data Source
AI summary
A power beaming system operates at high power to deliver power from a transmitter to a receiver over a fiber connection (PoF) or through free space (FSP). The receiver may have a gross design efficiency ratio of at least 70%, and the system may have a system design efficiency ratio of 40% or more. For PoF systems, the fiber length may range from 5 m or less to 1 km or more.