In an era where reliable telecommunications infrastructure was critical, Japan’s telecom giant NTT DOCOMO, in collaboration with NTT Corporation and Nippon Car Solutions (NCS), launched a ground-breaking demonstration experiment to enhance base station power resilience during outages. This initiative explored the feasibility of using electric vehicles (EVs) as mobile power sources, supported by AI-driven dispatch planning.
Addressing the Challenge of Power Outages
Telecom networks rely on consistent power to maintain connectivity, especially during emergencies. Traditionally, base stations depend on backup batteries with limited capacity, supplemented by generators in prolonged outages. However, with the increasing adoption of EVs, their potential as mobile energy sources offered a novel and sustainable approach to bolstering telecom infrastructure resilience.
The experiment integrated multiple technological components:
- DOCOMO’s Energy Management System (EMS): This platform monitored the charge status of base stations and coordinated power-sharing between EVs and telecom infrastructure.
- NTT’s AI-Based Dispatch Planning: Leveraging deep reinforcement learning, this system dynamically optimised EV dispatch to ensure timely power delivery to affected base stations.
- Real-time EV Data Collection: Provided by NCS, this component tracked EV location, stored power, and driving data to enhance operational efficiency.
A Smart, AI-Driven Approach
One of the key innovations in this experiment was the use of AI-driven route planning to deploy EVs effectively. The AI system not only determined the fastest routes for EVs to reach power-downed base stations before backup batteries depleted but also ensured that vehicles were directed to charging stations before their own power ran low. By optimising travel and energy allocation, the AI model addressed logistical challenges that could otherwise hinder the feasibility of EV-based power support.
The trial, conducted in Chiba Prefecture, simulated wide-area power outages and assessed the effectiveness of the AI dispatch model in real-world conditions. By driving EVs according to AI-generated plans and measuring the charging effectiveness at base stations, the experiment aimed to refine this approach for broader adoption.
Sustainable and Scalable Solutions for Future Telecom Networks
Beyond immediate disaster response, this initiative aligned with broader sustainability goals. As a member of the EV100 initiative, NTT was committed to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles within corporate fleets. Integrating EVs into telecom infrastructure resilience strategies not only enhanced disaster response but also contributed to reducing carbon footprints in the industry.
If successful, this model could be used as a blueprint for telecom operators worldwide, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters. By leveraging AI, energy management systems, and EV technology, telecom networks could build a more resilient, flexible, and sustainable power backup strategy.
This forward-thinking trial underscored how emerging technologies could be harnessed to address infrastructure vulnerabilities, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity when it mattered most. As the telecom industry continued to evolve, integrating intelligent, sustainable power solutions remained key to enhancing network reliability and disaster preparedness.
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