Optimization and techno-economic analysis of a mixed power system for sustainable operation of cellular sites in 5G era

Abstract

The dearth of digital technology has an overwhelming effect on the overall wellbeing of people excluded, due to skills, infrastructure, and funding shortages; especially where such technologies can gradually provide access to life-enriching services for the people. This paper aims to optimize and techno-economic analyzes a mixed power system for the deployment of modern cellular mobile infrastructure in the fifth-generation era cleanly and sustainably. The objective is to shift from the conventional grid-diesel to a cleaner and more competitive electric power model. The optimal model comprising a hybrid wind/photovoltaic/fuel cell power conversion and hydrogen storage modules linked to the grid was developed by using the energy-equilibrium strategy of the HOMER Pro software. Whereas the objective function was analyzed based on cost, the mixed power system was constrained to satisfy the energy demand reliably and competitively. Process simulations were executed to finalize the optimal sizing, and techno-economic implications of the mixed energy system, using 22-year meteorological datasets collected for a survey site (latitude 12°59.5′N and longitude 7°36.2′E). The optimum design size improves the unreliable grid with a renewable portion of 98.8% at $ 0.03602 per kWh, and an energy cost cutback of 91.5% at 43.9% return on investment could be gained with a payback period of fewer than 3 years. This could facilitate the switch from a grid-diesel energy pathway to a cleaner and sustainable alternative thereby decarbonizing the immediate operational environment and the city at large.