Based on a comprehensive analysis of 5G application scenarios, network architecture, equipment evolution, business development, and customer needs, several significant development trends in 5G power supply can be identified: diversification of power sourcing, elevation of power supply voltage, refinement of power distribution, and intelligent operation and maintenance.
Diversification of power sourcing refers to the 5G power supply's capability to support MIMO (Multiple Input & Multiple Output) functionality, accommodating various inputs such as AC (mains power, generators), solar energy, and high-voltage DC, while also enabling multiple output formats to meet the networking requirements in diverse environments.
Elevation of power supply voltage indicates that the traditional 48V power supply architecture is becoming less viable in the 5G era, necessitating that 5G power systems possess the ability to elevate supply voltage. As 5G main equipment energy consumption has significantly increased compared to 2G/3G/4G, and there is a greater demand for remote power supply at 5G sites, continuing with the traditional 48V power supply mode would lead to increased cable loss and voltage drop, potentially failing to meet normal power supply requirements at the equipment input. Thus, the elevation of power supply voltage is gradually becoming an important development trend in 5G power supply.
Refinement of power distribution means that 5G power supply can achieve refined power shutdown and distribution, greatly enhancing the reliability and support capabilities of critical services. Compared to 2G/3G/4G services, 5G services are more diversified, with varying priorities and urgencies. Hierarchical and tiered management of different services can improve network reliability and reduce network operation and maintenance OPEX. The refinement of power distribution is proposed precisely to address this need.
Intelligent operation and maintenance imply that with the increase in the number of sites due to 5G construction, the difficulty of network management and the demand for human resource allocation are both growing. To minimize the cost increase from additional human resources and reduce the complexity of whole-network management, 5G network sites need to achieve intelligent operation and maintenance management. As the energy source of the sites, the stability and reliability of the power supply are crucial. Beyond visibility, it also needs to be manageable and controllable in coordination with intelligent network management systems.