Solar power systems for telecoms

Power Electronics / Power Management

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, brianm@clearline.co.za, www.clearline.co.za

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Power Electronics / Power Management

Solar power systems for telecoms

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