Wind-Generators in Hybrid Systems Powering Remote Telecommunication Sites in the Far North

Abstract

As indicated in the title this paper deals with the experience attained from operation of hybrid power systems (i.e. systems relying on multiple sources of energy to ascertain continuous operation of telecom equipment with one or more inactive power sources), incorporating wind generators in remote telecom stations located in an arctic environment. Although the functional layout of such systems will exhibit similarities disregarding location, this description is based on the specific layout of Norwegian/Scandinavian sites with special emphasis on the test sites operated by the Norwegian Telecommunications Administration (NTA), the sites being listed in Table 1. The hybrid systems under test are without exception relying on wind and/or solar energy as the primary power source, backed up by stationary (lead-acid) batteries and/or one or more fossil fuel-driven (mostly diesel) generators and a control unit that has a bilateral function, one of which being the switching between the different power sources when required, the second being an "intelligent" utilization of surplus or "waste" energy. It is self-evident that the focus in this test program is particularly on the reliability of system components prone to mechanical wear, i.e. the wind-generator and also the control system. The aim of this discussion is to extract the essential information from the experience gained so far and how this will affect further integration of similar systems.