Renewable based techno-economic analysis for telecommunication system: A case study of western Himalaya

Abstract

This research article presents a technoeconomic analysis of an RET-based model for powering a hilly remote area telecom tower in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Using the HOMER software tool with various evolutionary algorithms, the study found that the most feasible configuration was 30 kW of SP panels, 10 kW of DG units, 20 batteries, and 10 units of converter with a minimum energy cost value of 0.256 $/kWh. The energy cost values from various evolutionary techniques such as HHO, WOA, PSO, and GA were also observed to be competitive. After policy intervention and government subsidies, the cost of energy reduced to 0.167 $/kWh, which is significantly less compared to the diesel-powered system. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was carried out for changes in solar radiations, ambient temperature, and diesel fuel prices to determine the best optimal configuration for the study.