Telecommunications power system: one large plant or many small ones?

The authors examine the problem of centralization or decentralization of no-break power sources in a telecommunications plant. Hierarchic distribution of power conversion units in the system is also discussed. Two kinds of power systems are compared: one large no-break power plant supplying DC power to all the telecommunication equipment installed in the plant; and many small no-break power plants, each one having the same system architecture as the above-mentioned large plant, but each integrated directly into the telecommunication equipment it supplies. The comparison is made taking into account the major decision parameters, e.g. costs of equipment, plant, operation, maintenance and repair, and costs of obsolescence together with safety, reliability, and availability. The authors propose a solution based on today's state of the art and on the conditions in the foreseeable future, using a decision-making method for a rapidly changing technological environment.<>