Micro-environment strategy for efficient cooling in telecommunication base stations

Abstract

The cooling systems of telecommunication base stations (TBSs) primarily rely on room-level air conditioners. However, these systems often lead to problems such as messy airflow, hot spots, and excessive energy consumption. With the rapid development of 5G technology, the integration and power density of communication equipment continue to increase, exacerbating these problems. To address these issues, a micro-environment strategy has been developed. This strategy combines cabinet-level airflow components with unique multi-adjustable-vent air conditioners(MAVACs), which are suitable for the co-deployment of various high power density communication equipment with different airflow patterns in TBSs. An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the cooling performance of the proposed MAVAC, and CFD simulation was carried out to investigate the temperature distribution and airflow patterns using a typical TBS in China that has implemented the micro-environment strategy. The results demonstrate that the micro-environment strategy effectively separates the cold air and hot air, preventing the occurrence of hot spots. The maximum return air temperature of MAVACs was found to be 38.6℃. Additionally, the energy efficiency ratio of the MAVAC system increases by approximately 20 % when the return air temperature is raised from 35℃ to 40℃. This study is expected to contribute to energy savings in TBSs and the successful construction of 5G networks.