Reverse Power Metering for Telecom Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Telecom network nodes in remote locations face challenges with power supply, as direct access to the power grid is scarce, and existing remote power transfer methods are costly, energy-inefficient, and complex, while reverse power feeding raises legal and contractual issues.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for determining the power provided by network terminals to a common network node, involving power measurement, channel power loss calculation, and net power determination per time unit, allowing for accurate billing and potential refunds, with an optional battery for power accumulation and a power-down mode to minimize consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If reverse power feeding is used to power field network nodes from local mains at customer premises, then power loss is reduced and technical complexity is lowered, but legal and contractual issues arise due to unclear net contribution of each user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower lossVSAvoidlegal and contractual complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring and measuring the power provided by each network terminal to the network node, and using this information to determine net power contribution. This resolves the legal/contractual complexity by providing objective, measurable data for billing and refund decisions, making the previously unclear user contributions quantifiable and enforceable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the legal/contractual framework (which was insufficient for determining user contributions) with a technical measurement system. Power meters and processing devices objectively measure power flow, substituting ambiguous contractual agreements with precise technical data for determining net power contribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If centralized power supply from central office is used for field network nodes, then power can be reliably delivered, but power loss increases and energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery reliabilityVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system inverts the traditional power flow direction by enabling network terminals at customer premises to power the network node instead of the node powering the terminals. This reverse power feeding approach reduces power loss by utilizing shorter copper cable segments at lower voltages, while the feedback mechanism ensures reliable operation by monitoring and accounting for power contributions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If remote power units are deployed in field locations to power network nodes, then power can be delivered to remote locations, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the power supply function from centralized locations (central office or remote power units) and distributes it to individual network terminals at customer premises. Each terminal independently powers the network node through existing copper infrastructure, eliminating the need for complex remote power unit deployments while reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing copper cable infrastructure serves dual functions: data transmission and power delivery. By utilizing the same copper pairs already deployed for xDSL data services to also carry power for network node operation, the system eliminates the need for separate power delivery infrastructure, reducing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9351187B2Reverse power metering

Publication Date: 2016.05.24 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining power provided by network terminals (103) to a common network node (101). The method comprises the steps of measuring (S201) power received per time unit from each individual network terminal, determining (S202) channel power loss per time unit of each individual network terminal and determining (S203) power provided per time unit by each individual network terminal by adding, to the power received per time unit from said each individual network terminal, the corresponding channel power loss per time unit. Further, the method comprises the steps of measuring (S204) power consumption per time unit of the network node caused by each individual network terminal and determining (S205) net power per time unit provided by each individual network terminal by taking into account the network node power consumption per time unit caused by said each individual network terminal and the power provided per time unit by said each individual network terminal.