Minimum long-term cost solution for remote telecommunication stations on the basis of photovoltaic-based hybrid power systems

J.K. Kaldellis, I. Ninou and D. Zafirakis

Energy Policy, 2011, vol. 39, issue 5, 2512-2527

Abstract: In the case of the telecommunication (T/C) services' expansion to rural and remote areas, the market generally responds with the minimum investments required. Considering the existing situation, cost-effective operation of the T/C infrastructure installed in these regions (i.e. remote T/C stations) becomes critical. However, since in most cases grid-connection is not feasible, the up-to-now electrification solution for remote T/C stations is based on the operation of costly, oil consuming and heavy polluting diesel engines. Instead, the use of photovoltaic (PV)-based hybrid power stations is currently examined, using as a case study a representative remote T/C station of the Greek territory. In this context, the present study is concentrated on the detailed cost-benefit analysis of the proposed solution. More precisely, the main part of the analysis is devoted to develop a complete electricity production cost model, accordingly applied for numerous oil consumption and service period scenarios. Note that in all cases examined, zero load rejections is a prerequisite while minimum long-term cost solutions designated are favorably compared with the diesel-only solution. Finally, a sensitivity analysis, demonstrating the impact of the main economic parameters on the energy production cost of optimum sized PV-diesel hybrid power stations, is also provided.

Keywords: Telecommunication; station; Photovoltaic-based; hybrid; system; Cost-benefit; analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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