As telecommunication is evolving day by day, powering telecom base stations continuously is a requirement. Traditional energy sources do not perform in remote or off-grid locations. To counter this situation, photovoltaic (PV) micro-stations are gaining traction as the green and efficient way of powering telecom base stations.
Table of Contents
What Is a Photovoltaic Micro-Station?
The photovoltaic micro-station is a small solar power plant that uses energy captured by solar panels to generate electricity for remote or off-grid locations. It features solar panels, an inverter, a battery energy storage system (BESS), and a power management unit. Micro-stations that collect, store, and distribute solar energy allow telecom base stations to continue operating even in the case of a grid failure or any other major issue.
Why Telecom Base Stations Need Energy Storage
Telecom base stations are the supporting columns of mobile networks, sending out signals and ensuring connectivity. Their power needs are significant, and grid dependence can be spotty in areas with frequent power outages or weak infrastructure. Energy storage systems, particularly in conjunction with PV micro-stations, offer several advantages:
- Uninterrupted Power Supply: Base stations rely on stored energy to keep running on rainy days or nights.
- Cost Efficiency: Reducing dependency on diesel generators and the grid supply can result in significant cost savings.
- Environmental Benefits: Because solar electricity is sustainable and emits no pollutants, telecom activities have a smaller carbon footprint.
Real-World Applications
Several telecom operators have used PV micro-stations with success to energise their base stations:
- Elisa Estonia: Installed 13 solar panels at base stations in seven municipalities. At each station, there are 20 solar panels, a significant move towards renewable energy.
- AT&T, California: Designed a hybrid system in conjunction with Emtel Group for off-grid areas. The hybrid system reduces the diesel engine’s runtime from six hours to fifty minutes by combining a 15kWp solar PV array, a 60kVA diesel generator for backup power, and 42.6kWh of battery storage.
- Guangdong-based China Mobile: Install a solar energy storage system at a grid-connected base station. The system’s 50 kWh energy storage capacity guarantees consistent operation and reduces energy costs.
Key Components of a PV Micro-Station
To understand how a PV micro-station works, it is essential to look at its main parts:
- Solar panels: Capture sunlight and convert it into electrical energy.
- Inverter: An inverter is a device that converts the direct current (DC) from solar panels into alternating current (AC) that may be used with telecom equipment.
- Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): Used on cloudy days, a battery energy storage system (BESS) retains excess energy generated during the hours of maximum sunshine.
- Power Management Unit: Monitoring and controlling the power source to guarantee peak performance and system durability.
The Future of Telecom Energy Solutions
The increasing need for mobile coverage, particularly in underserved areas, makes the use of green energy solutions a top concern. In addition to offering a clean energy source, photovoltaic micro-stations encourage renewable energy sources and are in line with the worldwide effort to lower carbon emissions. These options are becoming more and more cost-effective as solar and energy storage technologies advance, providing telecom operators worldwide with enormous potential.