Solar power systems for telecoms

14 September 2011 Power Electronics / Power Management

Clearline Solar Solutions supplies a range of dollar power systems which can be deployed anywhere and in any industry for a host of applications. One such system is designed to provide continuous power to cellular phone towers, of which the first installation was on behalf of MTN at its Kaalfontein tower (pictured).

The installation has allowed the mobile phone operating company to take this tower completely off the electrical grid and operate the system independently, saving not only operating expenses, but also being more risk averse by not being susceptible to possible power interruptions. One of the features of this system is that the solar panels track with the arc of the sun, thus maximising the harvesting of the sun’s power.

The system output generates over 40 kW per day and is designed in such a way so as to only dispense sufficient power to keep the site fully operational. The system is monitored via GSM modem to ascertain usage patterns and to ensure that the supply is adequate.

Thus far, the units have outstripped all performance expectations during the winter months. The installation has been in commission for some 18 months and has been through all seasons without any interruption whatsoever. These units are designed to be installed in developed or rural areas and as there is no need for specialised erection equipment, infrastructure or electrical distribution connections, it allows for power to be delivered in the most remote areas.

The patented design and delivery system ensures that power will be available to the user 24 hours per day. As the system can be monitored remotely through a GSM link, its integrity is visible 24/7. Intelligence which can be gathered and recorded through remote monitoring include power usage, battery condition, temperature throughout the installation and the condition of the instrumentation.

This system is not limited to cellphone tower applications. With very little re-engineering, it can be deployed for any type of communication network, small or large. Fixed-line as well as mobile exchanges, repeater, receiver or localised networks can operate efficiently and effectively without being connected to an electrical grid. Another advantage is that the solar power telecommunication systems only deliver clean power to the attached equipment, thus reducing maintenance costs significantly. Furthermore, the system does not allow for surges, spikes or dips in the voltage supply. The voltage remains constant and also obviates unnecessary maintenance costs.

For more information contact Brian Mostert, Clearline, +27 (0)11 848 1100, [email protected], www.clearline.co.za

Further reading:

ABB’s Mission to Zero drives South Africa’s energy transition
ABB Electrification Products Power Electronics / Power Management
ABB Electrification is charting a bold path towards a net-zero future with its Mission to Zero programme, a blueprint that combines energy efficiency, electrification, and digital innovation to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

Read more...

---

Energy harvesting using a battery-less IoT system
NuVision Electronics Editor's Choice Power Electronics / Power Management
Energy Harvesting plays an essential role in the foundation of ambient IoT, a new generation of ultra-low power connected devices that operate by drawing energy from their environment instead of relying on traditional batteries.

Read more...

---

Driving power, defining performance
Future Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
Vishay’s portfolio of inductors, current sense resistors, and MOSFETs provides a comprehensive solution for intelligent power management.

Read more...

---

Battery simulator module simplifies BMS testing
Test Dynamics Power Electronics / Power Management
The PXI/PXIe solution from Pickering Interfaces offers a scalable, modular design for faster development cycles, lower total cost of ownership, and improved safety.

Read more...

---

DC PSU: The cornerstone for efficient solar-storage systems
Vepac Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
PV energy storage systems are evolving and DC power supplies, with their technical characteristics that are naturally compatible with new energy, have become a key carrier for improving system energy efficiency.

Read more...

---

Why local manufacturing, maintenance and support are key to the success of South Africa’s energy future
Power Electronics / Power Management
Although new renewable generation capacity is being developed, the current transmission infrastructure may not fully support the connection of these sources to the national grid or adequately deliver power to areas of high demand.

Read more...

---

Converter power modules for 48 V networks
Altron Arrow Power Electronics / Power Management
The economic and quality-of-life benefits of electrification is driving the adoption of HV to 48 V DC-DC conversion across many markets with 48 V power modules becoming more common.

Read more...

---

The importance of power integrity
Spectrum Concepts Power Electronics / Power Management
[Sponsored] Behind every high-speed system lies the need for power integrity. Without it, even the cleanest signal paths become compromised.

Read more...

---

Precise multi-vital sign monitoring
Future Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
The AS7058 by ams OSRAM is an integrated multi-vital sign monitoring device, which provides a complete photoplethysmogram, electrocardiogram, body impedance sensor, and electrodermal activity sensor.

Read more...

---

Automotive battery diagnostics tester
Comtest Power Electronics / Power Management
Midtronics’ MVT handheld battery tester is a revolutionary tool, powered by MDX-AI, which is set to redefine the standards of battery diagnostics and testing in the automotive industry.

Read more...

---