Improving Energy Efficiency for IoT Communications in 5G Networks

Increase in number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is quickly changing how mobile networks are being used by shifting more usage to uplink transmissions rather than downlink transmissions. Currently, mobile network uplinks utilize Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) schemes due to the low Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) when compared to Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). In an IoT perspective, power ratios are highly important in effective battery usage since devices are typically resource-constrained. Fifth Generation (5G) mobile networks are believed to be the future standard network that will handle the influx of IoT device uplinks while preserving the quality of service (QoS) that current Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) networks provide. In this paper, the Enhanced OEA algorithm was proposed and simulations showed a reduction in the device energy consumption and an increase in the power efficiency of uplink transmissions while preserving the QoS rate provided with SC-FDMA in 5G networks. Furthermore, the computational complexity was reduced through insertion of a sorting step prior to resource allocation

Distributed Resources Shift Paradigms on Power System Design, Planning, and Operation: An Application of the GAP Model

Power systems have evolved following a century-old paradigm of planning and operating a grid based on large central generation plants connected to load centers through a transmission grid and distribution lines with radial flows. This paradigm is being challenged by the development and diffusion of modular generation and storage technologies. We use a novel approach to assess the sequencing and pacing of centralized, distributed, and off-grid electrification strategies by developing and employing the grid and access planning (GAP) model. GAP is a capacity expansion model to jointly assess operation and investment in utility-scale generation, transmission, distribution, and demand-side resources. This paper conceptually studies the investment and operation decisions for a power system with and without distributed resources. Contrary to the current practice, we find hybrid systems that pair grid connections with distributed energy resources (DERs) are the preferred mode of electricity supply for greenfield expansion under conservative reductions in photovoltaic panel (PV) and energy storage prices. We also find that when distributed PV and storage are employed in power system expansion, there are savings of 15%-20% mostly in capital deferment and reduced diesel use. Results show that enhanced financing mechanisms for DER PV and storage could enable 50%-60% of additional deployment and save 15 /MWh in system costs. These results have important implications to reform current utility business models in developed power systems and to guide the development of electrification strategies in underdeveloped grids