Cost-effective Integration System of Solar Cell Powered Remote Small-Size Wireless Communication

Abstract

in this paper, a cost-effective design technique of a combined photovoltaic solar system, with electrical energy storage (ESS) for remote areas wireless long-term communication integration system is presented and discussed. Solar systems are the only possible solutions for supplying the required power to the communication infrastructure, i.e. antennas, in remote areas with no access to the electricity grid. However, due to the intermittency of solar power production support from ESS is required. As such, in periods of solar generation excess, the ESS is charged with the extra energy, whereas, in periods of solar generation scarcity the ESS is discharged to provide the load. The sizing of the overall solar-ESS system should be carefully carried out, by considering important aspects, such as installation and maintenance costs, operational requirements and related constraints, i.e. desired level of reliability and efficiency. The proposed cost-effective integration strategy is designed for Microwave antennas, such as Ku-band and Ku-band satellite communications (SATCOM), and this will consider the optimal sizing of the ESS in combination with the solar system in order to minimize investment and operational costs, while ensuring a continuous and efficient operation of the antenna.