Abstract
As more locations gain access to telecommunication, there is a growing demand to provide energy in a reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly manner while effectively addressing growing energy needs. Erratic power supply and rising operation costs (OPEX) in Nigeria have increased the need to harness local renewable energy sources. Thus, identifying the right generator schedule with the renewable system to reduce OPEX is a priority for operators and vendors. This study evaluates the energy costs of hybrid systems with different generator schedules in powering base transceiver stations in Nigeria using the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER). A load range of 4 kW to 8 kW was considered using: (i) an optimised generator schedule; (ii) forced-on generator schedule and (iii) the generator-only schedule. The results showed an optimal LCOE range between averages of USD 0.156/kWh to 0.172/kWh for the 8 kW load. The percent energy contribution by generator ranges from 52.80% to 60.90%, and by the solar PV system, 39.10% to 47.20%. Excess energy ranges from 0.03% to 14.98%. The optimised generator schedule has the highest solar PV penetration of 56.8%. The OPEX savings on fuel ranges from 41.68% to 47% for the different load schedules and carbon emission savings of 4222 kg to 31,428.36 kg. The simulation results shows that powering base stations using the optimised hybrid system schedule would be a better option for the telecom industry.
Highlights
As more and more locations gain access to telecommunication, there is a growing demand to provide energy in a reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly manner while efficiently addressing growing energy needs
In off-grid and bad-grid tower sites, the primary component of plant-level energy costs is the expenditure on diesel fuel for generators, which accounts for almost 80% of the total energy costs
According to the Saviva research group [24], most telecom operators are moving away from total dependence on diesel fuel for powering base stations, especially in remote and rural locations. Some of these telecom firms have acquired integrated renewable energy systems; though higher capital expenditure (CAPEX) is required, lower operating expenditures (OPEX) is expected in the long run
Summary
As more and more locations gain access to telecommunication, there is a growing demand to provide energy in a reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly manner while efficiently addressing growing energy needs. Though Nigeria has invested heavily in energy over the years, its power supply still seems far from meeting the demand of its yearning population, the need to make energy reliable, efficient, and cost effective for the telecom industry. Conversion to more efficient renewable energy hybrid systems could save US$13–14 billion annually for the telecom industry while simultaneously accounting for capital expenditure (CAPEX). If adopted, these green technologies have the potential to eliminate approximately 40 million tons in carbon emissions as well as generate US$100–500 million annually in carbon savings [2].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
