ENERGY OPTIMIZATION AT MACRO BASE TRANSMITTER STATION SITE LOCATED IN NEMBE (BAYELSA STATE), NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper explores the best energy options by which optimized energy solution for a given GSM base station site locatied in Nembe can be made. The concept of hybridizing renewable energy sources is that the base load is to be covered by available renewable source(s) and other intermittent source(s) should augment the base load to cover the peak load of the base station site. The study is based on modeling, simulation, and optimization of the hybrid energy system located in Nembe (Bayelsa state), Nigeria. The patterns of load consumption by mobile base stations in Nembe are studied and modeled suitably for optimization using the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) software. Various renewable/alternative energy sources, energy storage, and their applicability in terms of cost and performance, as well as a diesel generator were discussed. The proposed hybrid [(solar, wind & hydro) + DG] system was simulated using the model which results in eight different topologies: (solar, wind & hydro) + DG, (solar & hydro) + DG, (wind & hydro) + DG, hydro only + DG, (solar & wind) + DG, solar only + DG, wind only + DG, and DG. Total economic costs [net present cost (NPC)] and the environment impact (pollutant emissions in tons of CO2) generated are used as indices for measuring the optimization level of each energy solution, and the option with the highest optimization value is considered to be the best energy solution for the base station site. The quantitative results of the study (as reported here) show that the hybrid power system can be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly in providing energy to a GSM base station site than diesel generators.