Optimized hybrid green power model for remote telecom sites

Abstract

This paper presents a standard hybrid power solution model for remote base transceiver stations (BTS) for application in remote telecommunication sites where grid connection is not present or unreliable. The load power sources are the diesel generator, solar panels, wind generator and the battery bank systems. The design, implementation and some test analysis are discussed based on a green power solution installation made in the Angolan coast (Latitude 8 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">0</sup> 15' 13" S and Longitude 13 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">0</sup> 6' 46" E), at the shores of South Atlantic Ocean. This model utilizes the “Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables” (HOMER) software for optimal costing evaluation procedures, while the input wind speeds and solar insolation data are adopted from NASA's long-term weather statistics without in situ measurements. The theoretical design parameters are seen to follow the practical observations over a period of one year, the limiting effects of shading and dust accumulation on the photo-voltaic panels is verified and the need to have optimum separation distance between wind turbines is confirmed and can be used to guide design engineers.