The proposed solution - which comprises a tool and a service - addresses environmental sustainability and how wireless network infrastructure can be transformed in such a way so as to:
\*achieve Net Zero and relevant sustainability targets
\*benefit power grid operations by improving its resilience to disturbances, and
\*offer additional revenue opportunities to wireless infrastructure providers
These goals can be realised through the use of smart-metering equipment at base stations, accompanied by electricity storage equipment, such as batteries. This additional equipment at the base station sites will provide real-time electricity consumption, data monitoring and analysis. The system will store energy in the batteries when prices are low and make use of this stored energy at peak traffic demand times when base stations consume most power. This reduces energy costs for the wireless infrastructure operators and providers. The system will also export stored energy back to the grid, if there is a surge in electricity consumption, thereby acting as a virtual power plant to maintain grid resilience. This system also offers additional revenue opportunities for the wireless infrastructure owners.
The solution developed in this project is a software tool that will be used to advise wireless operators and infrastructure providers (e.g. Tower companies, neutral hosts and mobile network operators) the optimal site selection for implementing the energy monitoring and storage system. The selection is based on factors including network traffic demand, location, environmental conditions and the costs associated with supply and operation of the energy monitoring and storage system.
The innovation in this project is driven from future requirements looking towards 6G systems and associated net zero requirements and more intelligent cell site requirements coming from the Next Generation Mobile Networks trade association