Active Phase Change Material Cold Storage in Off-Grid Telecommunication Base Stations: Potential Assessment of Primary Energy Savings

Abstract

The global demand for wireless, mobile communication, and data services has grown significantly in the recent years. Consequently, electrical energy consumption to provide these services has increased. The principal contributors to this electricity demand are approximately 7 million telecommunication base stations (TBS) worldwide. They act as access points for mobile networks and have typical electrical loads of 2–3 kW. Whereas for most of the TBS, the electricity is supplied by the grid, approximately 15% are located in remote areas or regions with poor grid accessibility, where diesel generators (DG) supply the required electricity. Based on a dynamic simulation model the application of a latent heat storage (LHS) using phase change material (PCM) in existing off-grid TBS has been analyzed. The LHS unit has been modeled as an air-based storage with phase change temperatures between 20 °C and 30 °C with the PCM being macro-encapsulated in slabs. This paper demonstrates the potential to reduce the primary energy consumption in off-grid TBS through the following methods: optimization of the DG operating point, of the air conditioning unit operation schedule and the utilization of photovoltaic (PV) energy.

Solar Salt Latent Heat Thermal Storage for a Small Solar Organic Rankine Cycle Plant

“…Archibold et al [4] investigated numerically and experimentally the heat transfer during the melting process of a high-temperature PCM contained in a porcelain crucible. Studniorz et al [5] analyzed the application of a latent heat storage system using PCM for existing off-grid telecommunication base stations. Nnaemeka and Bibeau [6] experimentally investigated the effect of tubes with PCM placed inside a fuel tank to avoid the gelling and plugging of fuel filters and piping during a winter period.…”