Satellite Communication Mode Control Under Solar Power Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
The variability in solar power generation and communication volume poses challenges in efficiently utilizing the power of flying base stations like communication satellites, leading to potential power shortages during high communication demand.
Innovation Solution
A communication control apparatus that includes an available power estimation unit, sharing units, a power comparison unit, and a communication mode change unit to adjust communication modes based on power availability and demand, ensuring efficient use of power by prioritizing and altering communication modes when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the flying base station increases communication power to serve more communication devices, then the communication coverage and service capacity are improved, but the available power from solar cells becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication mode adjustment where the flying base station monitors its available power from solar cells and adapts communication parameters in real-time. When power is sufficient, the system operates in high-capacity mode; when power becomes limited, it transitions to power-saving modes with reduced communication activity, thus dynamically balancing service capacity and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters such as transmission power, data rate, and active communication device count based on available solar power conditions. By adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes the trade-off between communication productivity and energy consumption, ensuring sustainable operation under varying power availability
2Quantity of substance
If the flying base station serves more communication devices simultaneously, then the network coverage is improved, but the total power requirement exceeds the available solar power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively serving communication devices based on priority levels and current power availability. Instead of serving all devices at full capacity, the system serves a subset of devices or provides reduced service to lower-priority devices when power is limited, preventing total power shortage while maintaining essential communication services
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the flying base station continuously monitors both the number of connected communication devices and its available solar power. Based on this feedback, it adjusts the number of simultaneously served devices and their communication priorities, creating a closed-loop control that prevents power exhaustion while maximizing network coverage
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
Ensures efficient use of power by flying base stations by adjusting communication modes to match available power, thereby optimizing power utilization and maintaining communication quality.
Implementation Method 1
power generated by solar cells or solar panels receiving sunlight
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication control apparatus 3 for a communication system with a gateway 133, which is at least partly installed on the ground and can communicate with a communication device 2A, 2B and 2C, and a communication satellite 131, which can communicate with the gateway 133, includes: an available power estimation unit 31 to estimate available power of the communication satellite 131; a required total power estimation unit 33 to estimate total power required by the communication satellite 131 for communication with each communication device 2A, 2B and 2C connected to the gateway 133; and a communication mode change unit 37 to change communication mode between at least one communication device 2A, 2B and 2C and the communication satellite 131, at least when the total power is more than the available power, so that the total power becomes less than the available power