Power Consumption: Base Stations of Telecommunication in Sahel Zone of Cameroon: Typology Based on the Power Consumption—Model and Energy Savings
Table 11
Techniques of solutions of energy efficiency.
Base station equipment, energy savings potential
Technical proposals of energy savings
Lighting systems
(i) Having the light level detectors in areas containing the base stations; (ii) Using more efficient lighting lamps to contribute to the reduction of cooling load; (iii) Replacing nonfunctional lighting lamps to ensure visual comfort of the user.
Air conditioner system
(i) Better air conditioner system adapting to the energy demand; (ii) Delay the start of the air conditioning units to avoid current peaks; (iii) Set the appropriate temperature and humidity inside the rooms, from 19°C to 30°C and 75% to 52% (thermal comfort in the Sahel [8]); (iv) Have the switcher time, on air conditioners lines (especially during cold periods, running from 9 am to 5 pm, meaning that air conditioners operate from 9 am to 5 pm during cold periods); (v) Avoid placing the air conditioner condensers in direct sunlight (vi) If possible, instead of air conditioners, have fans (with variable speed) which can recover heat or having outdoor BS, thus deleting conditioners and ventilators.
Locations of windows’ rooms
(i) Windows must be in good seal; (ii) The windows should be wide so we can take advantage of wide daylight to reduce energy consumption due to lighting lamps; (iii) The windows locations are important on the internal temperature of the rooms (better South or North), if they are facing east or west they contribute to either rising temperature of the room (the sun hitting the windows) or cooling the room (shading phenomenon).
Base transmitter station and others equipment
(i) Having BTS and transmission equipment which are energy efficient; (ii) Having the BTS and transmission equipment that can switch off during periods of low traffic; (iii) The BTS and other transmission equipment being as near as possible to the transmitting antennas (the compact BS or distributed architecture BS); (iv) Equipment placing in the open air (outdoor base station) being less energy consumers; (v) Using the AC/DC converters and current stabilizer having an effectiveness about 95%.
Cables connections
The energy losses from cables must be less as possible.
Power supply
(i) The better power supply adapting to the energy load; (ii) Control and monitor energy consumption using “smart meters.”
Maintenance
Ensure strict monitoring of the preventive maintenance program.
Energy management
Engineers and technicians in energy must manage the energy consumption.
