Remote Radio Head Power Supply With Cable Loss Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power supply systems for cellular base stations face challenges in efficiently delivering DC power to remote radio heads located at the top of towers, leading to significant power loss due to long coaxial cables and increased weight and wind loading on towers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a programmable power supply system that adjusts the voltage level of the DC power signal based on the current level and resistance of the power cable, ensuring a substantially constant voltage is maintained at the remote radio head, thereby reducing power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If DC power is delivered over long power cables to remote radio heads at the top of towers, then the radio heads can be powered, but significant power loss occurs due to cable resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the voltage level of the DC power signal based on the actual power requirements of the remote radio head and the resistance characteristics of the power cable. The system measures the voltage at the remote end and communicates it back to the power supply, which then modifies its output voltage to compensate for cable resistance and minimize power loss.
2Loss of energy
If larger diameter power cables are used to reduce power loss, then power delivery efficiency improves, but the weight and wind loading on towers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to optimize the balance between power loss and cable weight. By dynamically adjusting the voltage level based on actual power needs and cable resistance measurements, the system can achieve efficient power delivery without requiring excessively thick cables, thus avoiding the associated weight and structural loading issues.
3Loss of energy
If voltage is increased to reduce current and power loss, then power delivery efficiency improves, but voltage drops across the cable making remote end voltage unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the voltage at the remote end of the power cable is measured and communicated back to the power supply unit. This feedback enables the power supply to adjust its output voltage dynamically, ensuring that the remote radio head receives the correct voltage despite variations in cable resistance and power demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on feedback from the remote end. By measuring the actual voltage delivered and adjusting the source voltage accordingly, the system maintains precise voltage control at the remote end while minimizing power loss in the cable.
4Ease of operation
If equipment is located at the bottom of the tower for easy maintenance, then accessibility improves, but power delivery distance increases leading to greater power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism compensates for the increased power delivery distance by continuously monitoring the voltage at the remote end and adjusting the power supply output accordingly. This allows equipment to remain at the bottom of the tower for easy maintenance while minimizing the negative impact of longer cable lengths on power delivery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts the voltage parameter to compensate for the longer power delivery distance. By dynamically changing the output voltage based on measured conditions, the system maintains efficient power delivery despite the increased cable length resulting from bottom-mounted equipment placement.
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 solution reduces power loss and operating costs by maintaining a constant voltage at the remote radio head, allowing for the use of smaller diameter power cables and reducing the need for larger, more expensive trunk cables.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage level of the DC power signal that is output from the power supply is adjusted so that the DC power signal at a radio end of the power cable that is remote from the power supply has a substantially constant voltage notwithstanding variation in a current level of the DC power signal
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of powering a radio that is mounted on a tower of a cellular base station are provided in which a direct current (“DC”) power signal is provided to the radio over a power cable and a voltage level of the output of the power supply is adjusted so as to provide a substantially constant voltage at a first end of the power cable that is remote from the power supply. Related cellular base stations and programmable power supplies are also provided.