RF Energy Harvesting Peer Selection in Cellular Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in efficiently selecting wireless energy harvesting (EH) peers for energy transfer operations based on device characteristics, connection quality, distance, and mobility, leading to suboptimal energy transfer efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus are provided for a user equipment (UE) and base station to select RF EH peers by transmitting requests, receiving responses, and selecting RF ET nodes based on criteria such as RF ET node characteristics, connection quality, distance, and mobility, enabling efficient RF energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless energy harvesting peers are selected without considering device characteristics, connection quality, distance, and mobility, then the selection process is simple, but energy transfer efficiency and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having UEs pre-report their energy harvesting capabilities, battery status, and device characteristics to the base station before actual energy transfer operations. The base station maintains updated information about each UE's EH capabilities, supported waveforms, and operational parameters in advance, enabling reliable peer selection without complex real-time evaluations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where UEs report their energy harvesting status, capability information, and operational feedback to the base station. The base station uses this feedback to dynamically adjust peer selections and optimize energy transfer operations, ensuring reliable connections while managing selection complexity through informed decision-making.
2Productivity
If multiple criteria are considered for RF EH peer selection, then energy transfer efficiency improves, but the selection process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the peer selection process into distinct evaluation dimensions: device characteristics (EH capabilities, supported waveforms), connection quality (channel conditions, signal strength), distance (geographic separation), and mobility (movement patterns). The base station independently assesses each dimension and integrates results to select optimal RF EH peers, improving energy transfer efficiency while managing complexity through structured evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by considering multiple variable factors in peer selection including EH capability levels, battery status, channel quality indicators, distance metrics, and mobility patterns. By dynamically adjusting selection based on changing parameters rather than fixed rules, the system optimizes energy transfer efficiency while adapting to varying operational conditions.
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 approach enhances the selection of optimal RF EH peers, improving energy transfer efficiency and reliability by considering various device-specific and environmental factors, thereby optimizing energy harvesting operations in wireless communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
receive RF energy transmitted by at least one RF ET node
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include methods and devices for energy harvesting (EH) including an apparatus, e.g., an EH device, an energy transfer (ET) node, and/or a base station. An EH device may be configured to transmit a request for initiating an RF EH operation that may be received by one or more ET nodes and/or the base station, receive one or more responses to the request from the one or more ET nodes, and receive RF energy transmitted by at least one RF ET node selected by the EH device or the base station based on a set of criteria related to one or more of an RF ET node characteristic, an RF ET node connection quality characteristic, a distance characteristic, or a mobility characteristic. A base station may be configured to indicate for the selected RF ET nodes to transmit the RF energy to the EH device.