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A Review on Thermal Management and Heat Dissipation Strategies for 5G and 6G Base Stations: Challenges and Solutions

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  • Talib Dbouk

    (Complexe de Recherche Interprofessionnel en Aérothermochimie (CORIA)–Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 6614, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), University of Rouen Normandy, 76000 Rouen, France)

  • Oumar Mourad

    (Faculty of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Kaslik P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
    Current address: CNRS UMR 6614, CORIA, Université de Rouen, Site Universitaire du Madrillet 675, Avenue de l’Université, BP 12, 76801 Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray, France.)

Abstract

A literature review is presented on energy consumption and heat transfer in recent fifth-generation (5G) antennas in network base stations. The review emphasizes on the role of computational science in addressing emerging design challenges for the coming 6G technology, such as reducing energy consumption and enhancing equipment thermal management in more compact designs. It examines the contributions of (i) advanced modeling and simulation sciences, including antenna modeling and design, the use of (ii) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and heat transfer, and (iii) the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in these settings. The scientific interactions and collaborations between these scientific multidisciplinary approaches are vital in the effort to develop innovative 6G thermal equipment designs. This is essential if we are to overcome the current scientific barriers and challenges faced by this evolving technology, where the rapid transition from 5G to 6G will shape the expanding fields of deploying smaller satellites into lower orbits in outer space.

Suggested Citation

  • Talib Dbouk & Oumar Mourad, 2025. "A Review on Thermal Management and Heat Dissipation Strategies for 5G and 6G Base Stations: Challenges and Solutions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:6:p:1355-:d:1608896
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hanna Pihkola & Mikko Hongisto & Olli Apilo & Mika Lasanen, 2018. "Evaluating the Energy Consumption of Mobile Data Transfer—From Technology Development to Consumer Behaviour and Life Cycle Thinking," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-16, July.
    2. Wansheng Yang & Lin Yang & Junjie Ou & Zhongqi Lin & Xudong Zhao, 2019. "Investigation of Heat Management in High Thermal Density Communication Cabinet by a Rear Door Liquid Cooling System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-25, November.
    3. Zheng Cai & Yuben Tang & Wenhao Guo & Tingting Chen & Hanbo Zheng & Tuanfa Qin, 2024. "Energy Management Strategy for Distributed Photovoltaic 5G Base Station DC Microgrid Integrated with the CF-P&O-INC MPPT Algorithm," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-18, July.
    4. Ana Cabrera-Tobar & Francesco Grimaccia & Sonia Leva, 2023. "Energy Resilience in Telecommunication Networks: A Comprehensive Review of Strategies and Challenges," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-23, September.
    5. Antony Jobby & Mehdi Khatamifar & Wenxian Lin, 2023. "Alternative Internal Configurations for Enhancing Heat Transfer in Telecommunication Cabinets," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-19, April.
    6. Tao Lu & Lauri Vähä-Savo & Xiaoshu Lü & Katsuyuki Haneda, 2023. "Thermal Impact of 5G Antenna Systems in Sandwich Walls," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-17, March.
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