Energy optimisation of hybrid off-grid system for remote telecommunication base station deployment in Malaysia

Abstract

Cellular network operators are always seeking to increase the area of coverage of their networks, open up new markets and provide services to potential customers in remote rural areas. However, increased energy consumption, operator energy cost and the potential environmental impact of increased greenhouse gas emissions and the exhaustion of non-renewable energy resources (fossil fuel) pose major challenges to cellular network operators. The specific power supply needs for rural base stations (BSs) such as cost-effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and reliability can be satisfied by taking advantage of the technological advances in renewable energy. This study investigates the possibility of decreasing both operational expenditure (OPEX) and greenhouse gas emissions with guaranteed sustainability and reliability for rural BSs using a solar photovoltaic/diesel generator hybrid power system. Three key aspects have been investigated: (i) energy yield, (ii) economic factors and (iii) greenhouse gas emissions. The results showed major benefits for mobile operators in terms of both environmental conservation and OPEX reduction, with an average annual OPEX savings of 43% to 47% based on the characteristics of solar radiation exposure in Malaysia. Finally, the paper compares the feasibility of using the proposed approach in a four-season country and compares the results against results obtained in Malaysia, which is a country with a tropical climate.

Green and Sustainable Cellular Base Stations: An Overview and Future Research Directions

“…The use of a solar panel measuring 1 m 2 can reduce CO2 emissions by 40 kg annually [92]. Thus, several researchers have studied the use of solar energy in telecommunications applications [7,100,101]. The integration of RESs into an electricity grid to …”

“…The integration of RESs into an electricity grid to supply energy to LTE BSs in on-grid sites was investigated in [100]. Meanwhile, the use of a PV/DG hybrid system for rural LTE BSs was examined in [7]. These studies underscored the benefits of solar energy to cellular network operators in terms of limiting their environmental effects and reducing their OPEX.…”

Hybrid Off-Grid SPV/WTG Power System for Remote Cellular Base Stations Towards Green and Sustainable Cellular Networks in South Korea

“…Because the peak solar radiation is 1 kW/m 2 , the number of peak sun hours is numerically equal to the daily solar radiation in kWh/m 2 [25] and f PV is the SPV derating factor (sometimes called the performance ratio), a scaling factor meant to account for effects of dust on the panel, wire losses, elevated temperature, or anything else that would cause the output of the SPV array to deviate from the expected output under ideal conditions. In other words, the derating factor refers to the relationship between actual yield and target yield, which is called the efficiency of the SPV.…”

“…The SPV array salvage value is $3600, the highest in the system, which was computed based on Equation (10), (SPV array remaining lifetime (15)/SPV array lifetime (25)) multiplied by the replacement cost of the SPV array, $6000. While, the WTG salvage value is $200 the inverter salvage value is $27.…”

A Solar Energy Solution for Sustainable Third Generation Mobile Networks

“…In 2014, over $22 billion of the global OPEX of cellular networks was allotted for electricity consumption [4]. Cellular network operators actively expand their network coverage, establish new markets, and provide services to prospective clients in rural areas around the world [5]. Unfortunately, the gradual pace of electrification in rural areas, which can be attributed to geographical limitations and economic issues, has prompted operators to use diesel generators (DGs) to power their base stations (BSs).…”