To achieve this, Emerson Network Power, an Emerson company and a global leader in maximizing the reliability, speed of deployment, and operational efficiency of communications networks, offers insights and recommendations to help properly evaluate and select
Designing and operating smart hybrid power solutions at telecommunications base stations.
There are opportunities for improvement ranging from more precise configuration and sizing of hybrid systems to the application of smart hybrid technologies that make these solutions even more efficient and can change the value proposition for some network providers.
“The hybrid market is evolving rapidly, and its evolution is different in every part of the world. Providers are seeking different mixes of capital, operating expenses, and technology capabilities to adapt to specific markets,” says Wake Norris, director of product management for business solutions at Emerson Network Power. “The next generation of smart hybrid technologies offers solutions for providers who value greater visibility and control over their networks and total cost of ownership (TCO). However, there are also best practices that can generate quantifiable benefits without requiring a significant capital investment.”
With all this in mind, and the advantages of two decades of experience in engineering and managing hybrid power solutions for customers, Emerson Network Power offers some key observations and recommendations for providers who are now considering hybrid technologies or those looking to expand an existing hybrid infrastructure:
Active Management and Smart Hybrids:
Hybrid applications have typically been purchased as static hardware with a single maintenance or warranty contract. This solution is acceptable for minimizing immediate capital expenditure. However, for operators focused on minimizing medium- and long-term capital and operating costs and maximizing ROI, smart hybrid systems with active management can help them achieve additional savings. Advanced analytics and remote management can deliver quantifiable improvements in performance, environment, and load. Smart solutions can, for example, alert operators if a battery cell might be damaging an entire string or if a single dirty solar cell is reducing the output of a whole panel. They can also adjust cooling operations if the load or temperatures change, reschedule maintenance if a generator is operating less than usual, and notify operators if fuel quality deteriorates. The operational return obtained by actively managing, especially with a provider experienced in designing and configuring these infrastructure technologies, will more than compensate for the increased investment in most cases through reduced fuel consumption, fewer maintenance checks, and a generally longer equipment lifespan.
Generators
that are part of a dynamic hybrid power solution are more cost-effective when appropriately sized and intelligently managed, taking into account the supplier's operating cost targets. A chronological start-up and shutdown of an existing generator might work, but will this ensure optimal maintenance cycles, maximize battery life and efficiency, and manage factors such as the sun's position? The hybrid generator solution has been designed considering these factors and others such as power, load, and location, and will influence the selection of generator size, alternator profile, fuel source, safety measures, and more. Similarly, by actively managing the location of a smart hybrid, generator maintenance cycles and fuel consumption can be optimized as load and location conditions evolve.
Batteries:
In hybrid solutions, batteries are fundamental to minimizing costs. Errors in battery selection and operation can be among the most costly for a supplier, yet they are also the most common. Selecting the right batteries (from among many options) should be based on operational and capital objectives, not trends. More than any other component, batteries will benefit from active charge management, ensuring a long service life, minimal costs, and maximum uptime for the supplier.
AC line conditioning
Some hybrid solutions are located in areas with unreliable or poor-quality power grids. Therefore, it is essential to have the right technologies to protect the site's active equipment. Isolation and voltage regulation are highly effective and cost-efficient measures. More sophisticated techniques such as phase selection, filtering, power source mixing, and other methods contribute to grid utilization, even if they are not directly affected by the grid. Smart hybrids with active management are particularly important in these environments for reducing generator runtime and ensuring optimal battery charging conditions. This will lower operating costs and extend the lifespan of the site investment.
Solar energy
is becoming a viable power source for base stations worldwide. Proper use of solar energy begins with understanding solar intensity and seasonal variations to design sites according to their unique physical conditions. Solar energy is a low-energy-density solution and requires the most space for implementation. Security and maintenance must be considered: protecting panels from theft, misalignment, and suboptimal operation due to dirt are also important. Regular maintenance is necessary, but an actively managed smart hybrid system can minimize costs by utilizing repair personnel only when cleaning or repairs are required.
Wind Energy:
Wind is the best turbine for producing large amounts of energy connected to a reliable electricity source. The scale of utility turbines with multi-point applications allows for more cost-effective management of maintenance and wind variations. Using wind turbines at a base station requires community approval due to their ability to operate unattended in all conditions and the inevitable windless days. For a single-point base station without an electrical grid, wind is a significant power source (in terms of cost or energy) but can be very effective in certain locations.
Fuel cells
are an environmentally friendly option, and several technologies have been successfully implemented. The biggest challenges to making their use cost-effective at base stations are operating time (a battery is always required) and the fuel supply chain. Until these two issues are resolved, it is best to target this technology to locations with stringent emissions requirements.
“These days, every location is different and will require innovative solutions and engineering,” Norris says. “With proper research and planning, there are hybrid options that can be tailored to urban or remote network locations and can help telecom providers balance their capital expenditures while reducing their operating costs. And with active management of smart hybrid systems, providers can ensure they’ve not only deployed the best solution, but will continue to reap additional operational savings quickly as their network evolves.”
