A Photovoltaic System for Heterogeneous Networks: a Technical, Economic and Environmental Analysis

Abstract

The modern society is daily becoming more internetconnected. Such a connection requires an unprecedented amount of energy to operate each piece of equipment that is part of the heterogeneous networks (HetNets). The network infrastructure is highly energy-consuming and producing a considerable amount of CO2. One strategy to minimize such energy consumption is making usage of renewable energy, such as solar and wind. This article aims to present a study of the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility for the installation of photovoltaic harvesting systems in the context of HetNet and backhaul networks. This proposal is based on the use of analytical models to scale the deployment of the photovoltaic systems, considering costs associated with acquisition, operation, maintenance, and adopted the energy matrix of this system. The results indicate sustainable and financial viability with the adoption of photovoltaic systems when compared with the energy source mainly considered in the literature. Also, the results highlight that adopted energy matrix and environmental parameters are essential items, which must be highly considered when the overall mobile network infrastructure is planned.

A Techno-Economic Framework for Installing Broadband Networks in Rural and Remote Areas

“…The objective of this module is the dimensioning of the photovoltaic system (PVS) to be used to meet the energy consumption of the network equipment. For this, this module considers our previous methodology for dimensioning an on-grid PVS, applied to the context of Hetnets [73] to decrease the operator's OPEX and reduce carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in the atmosphere. However, given the potential unreliability or availability of electricity supply in rural or remote regions [68], we have extended this methodology and considered the dimensioning of an off-grid PVS [74].…”

“…With regard to positioning an SBS (and its respective antenna), we assume that it is possible to install it on the premises of municipal sites, such as schools and hospitals, to reduce the installation costs. When making the estimates of coverage, energy consumption and service capacity of BSs, we use the parameters shown in [61], [63], [73], [87].…”

“…Each solar panel has an area of 1.91 m 2 , while the inverter can share the cabin together with the BS. The other parameters required for dimensioning the PVS are the same as those adopted in our previous study [73].…”

Optimum Sizing of Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Systems for Powering Green Base Stations in Cellular Networks

“…Optimal energy management of green next generation telecommunication networks is another aspect which was investigated in [2,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. The "energy consumption-based and user joint allocation" approach together with "the energy cost-based and user joint allocation" method were presented in [2].…”

“…Reference [21] presented an analytical method to find a suitable combination of PV panels and batteries to power base stations to reduce the required capital expenditure (CAPEX). In [22], the feasibility of solar PV power generation for cellular networks from technical, economic, and environmental aspects was investigated from a mobile network operator point of view. The power rating of the PV system was determined based on total cost including CAPEX and operational expenditure (OPEX).…”