Remote Access Node Power Harvesting from Subscriber Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access network technologies lack a reliable solution for maintaining functionality of common elements or nodes without a power source during power outages, as operators are hesitant to provide mains power or reserve batteries to remote nodes.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamically and selectively combining power from local power sources of subscribers through their respective subscriber lines to power common access network elements, allowing partial operation and service provision during power outages, with prioritization and efficient power management to conserve energy and extend battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mains power supply is provided to remote access network nodes, then reliability of node operation during power outages is improved, but safety hazards and public temptation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access network node powers itself by harvesting electrical energy from existing subscriber lines that connect to customer premises. The node includes a power harvesting circuit that converts electrical signals from the communication lines into power for its own operation, eliminating the need for external mains power supply and its associated safety hazards.
2Productivity
If optical fibre is used in the local distribution network, then transmission capacity and cost are improved, but ability to provide electrical power to network nodes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The subscriber line serves dual functionality: it provides both communication signals and power delivery. The system can operate in hybrid mode where optical fibre carries high-capacity data traffic while electrical conductors (copper wires) in the same infrastructure deliver power to remote nodes, combining the advantages of both technologies.
3Reliability
If battery power backup is installed in access network nodes, then service continuity during power outages is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of installing complex battery backup systems at each remote node, the invention enables the node to harvest power directly from the subscriber lines. This self-powered approach eliminates batteries, power management circuits, and associated complexity while maintaining continuous operation during power outages.
4Ease of operation
If electrical power is transmitted over subscriber lines to remote nodes, then power delivery to remote locations is achieved, but power loss and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transmitting power from the central exchange to remote nodes over long distances (which causes significant loss), the system inverts the power flow direction by harvesting electrical energy locally at the node from passing subscriber line signals. This eliminates transmission losses over distance.
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
Enables the continued operation of access network elements and provision of communication services to subscribers even during power outages by leveraging local power sources from subscribers, ensuring essential services like emergency calls can be maintained without the need for additional infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
The optical signal is received and converted into an electrical signal by a photodetector/photodiode
Data Source
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AI summary
A technique for power feeding of a common element of an access network from subscribers of the access network connected to the common element through subscriber lines being electric wires or optical fibers, the method comprises providing the subscribers with respective local power sources, and powering the common element from the one or more local power sources by selectively and/or dynamically combining power conducted there-from through the subscriber lines, thereby allowing at least partial operation of the common element.