Evaluating the efficiency of hybrid power systems at telecom cell sites: Using system-level metrics for accurately determining tower energy efficiency

Conference: Intelec 2013 - 35th International Telecommunications Energy Conference, SMART POWER AND EFFICIENCY
10/13/2013 - 10/17/2013 at Hamburg, Deutschland

Proceedings: Intelec 2013

Pages: 6Language: englishTyp: PDF

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Authors:
Peterson, Mitch; Winstead, Ramya (Cummins Power Generation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA)

Abstract:
A previous paper noted the growing importance of hybrid power systems at telecom cell sites. Where the grid is unavailable or unreliable, hybrid systems that combine a generator set with batteries offer the potential for significant cost savings. But there have been conflicting and inaccurate estimates of those potential cost savings, estimates that often focus exclusively on generator run times. In fact, focusing on run times alone does not enable valid predictions of fuel savings. Instead, we proposed two related, system-level metrics — Tower Energy Efficiency (TEE) and Tower Energy Efficiency fuel (TEEf) — that yield reproducible, normalized and validated predictions of costs savings. By using these metrics, cell tower operators can understand the actual level of optimization of their systems and can make informed business decisions about deploying hybrid power systems. This new paper explores in more detail the application of the TEEf metric (which does not have grid power as a component); describes a number of site scenarios; compares model results with actual test data; and shows how the metrics are valid predictors of power system efficiency.