Viability Study Upscaling Off Grid Telco Base Stations to Supply Net-Zero Communities

Abstract

The increasing energy demands and the need for sustainable energy solutions in remote areas necessitate the development of new systems that efficiently utilise available resources. This thesis explores a novel concept where the existing high reliability assets of a telecommunications (Telco) company’s remote exchange infrastructure is leveraged to form the basis of a microgrid, for remote communities. This concept is further enhanced utilising hot water diversion (HWD) to improve energy efficiency and economic viability. This research analyses the energy consumption patterns for a modelled remote community, with and without HWD evaluating the potential benefits of this integrated approach. A significant focus of this research is the determination of optimal battery sizes to ensure reliable energy storage and supply, ensuring additional charge reserves to enhance the reliability and lifespan of the battery systems. Finally, this thesis investigates the economic implications of integrating an HWD system with the microgrid. By selling excess power to residents, the Telco can generate a revenue stream that offsets the initial costs of implementing the microgrid and enhances its financial sustainability. This approach is shown to not only provide a reliable power supply for the Telco but results in improved service by the local network operator, at very low cost to the community, contributing to the overall economic and environmental sustainability of the system.