Ericsson: Laser Powered Base Station

2021: Ericsson unveils 5G towers powered by laser beam

In early October 2021, Ericsson, together with startup PowerLight Technologies, introduced the world's first 5G base station with fully wireless power.

According to Ericsson, the laser beam receiver includes a photovoltaic panel that converts laser radiation into electricity. As part of the technology testing, PowerLight Technologies engineers transferred 480 watts of energy over a distance of 300 m, but they claim that the solution supports the transfer of 1000 watts per 1000 m.

Ericsson together with PowerLight Technologies introduced 5G towers powered by a laser beam

The developers also provided protection for the technology in the form of 16 photodiodes located around the panel - they accept energy, creating an invisible protective cylinder around the beam with energy. This approach allows you to automatically identify extraneous living or inanimate objects. If there is interference, the beam is suspended in a few milliseconds. When the protection is triggered, the standby battery of the object operates until the beam disappears.

Companies note that the capabilities of the new technology can help in the deployment of 5G networks, since the location of base stations will no longer depend on the location of power supplies. The present system, in addition to mobile communication, can be used to power temporarily installed lighting devices, in particular at various sports or music events. In addition, the technology can be used to charge cars and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Most people know that wireless charging technology is available today for small electronic devices such as cell phones and watches. PowerLight is developing systems for safe transmission of energy over distances of kilometers, which will be commercially available in the next few years, "said Klas Olsson, executive chairman of PowerLight Technologies.[1]

Notes