Optimization of Hybrid Solar-Diesel Power Systems for Telecom Base Stations in Nigeria

Abstract

The telecom base station powered by the photovoltaic solar system is trying to gain the attention of the network providers during the last few years. This is due to its low cost of running the base transceiver station (BTS) when compared to diesel generator set. This dissertation work looks at the optimization of solar-diesel hybrid system for powering the telecom base system in Nigeria. The telecom base station at Odani-Akpajo Farm Road in Eleme L.G.A. in Rivers State was visited. The load demand was accessed. The cost of the BTS powering equipment were evaluated including the maintenance and operational cost. The load demand of the BTS was calculated using the load demand of the generator sets and an equivalent powering source, photovoltaic solar system was designed to replace the 17kva diesel generator sets. The Life Cycle Cost Analysis tool was used to analyze the cost effectiveness of the two-powering system for a period of ten years. The Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) is a monetary device utilized to decide the most financially savvy choice among the diverse contending options to work with. The result showed that the diesel generator set incurred #3,337.00 per kwh while the solar PV system incurred #3,225 per kwh. For investment and operational cost, the cost for the diesel generator was #264.4 million while that of the solar system was #246.9 million for a BTS. In Nigeria where we have about 35,200 BTS with two generator sets in each BTS, millions of naira is being spent yearly for diesel purchase in each location. When the costs were expanded to cover the 35,200 BTS, we incurred an average cost of #7.98 trillion and #7.45 trillion for diesel generator and solar system respectively. The results showed that PV system is cheaper than the diesel generator in a long run and could be suggested as the best option for powering the base transceiver station BTS in Nigeria.