Say No To Inefficient, Energy-Wasting, Carbon Dioxide-Emitting Backup Power Equipment

Note: Fourth in a series on Energy Solutions.

Consumers are relying more on their wireless service more than ever. In fact, the majority of global subscribers use their cell phone as their only device for telecommunication. So, it is more important than ever for the wireless operators to provide uninterrupted service to the subscribers.

One way to keep wireless service up and running is by having a reliable backup power source. It is estimated that by 2013, wireless operators worldwide will spend about $22 billion to operate their networks. Can you believe almost half of that will be on power generation? This increase in energy consumption and power generation also leads to increased carbon dioxide emissions (i.e., truck rolls and diesel-powered backup generators).

Most cell sites have batteries, providing short-term power backup. Many batteries are suplemented with a diesel generator, providing backup power for extend power outages. Batteries must be kept at approximately 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) to ensure optimal life and performance using air conditioning units or other means of active cooling. The cooling, charging and maintenance costs associated with batteries are substantial. Let’s not forget that batteries also deteriorate, so they must be replaced on a regular basis. Since most telecom networks use lead-acid batteries, their manufacturing process and the eventual disposal also have environmental consequences.

Diesel generators have three strikes against them:

• constant maintenance


• use fossil fuels (have you seen the price of diesel fuel lately?)


• create noise and environmental pollution

• meets the most stringent environmental standards and protects the electronic equipment from the outside environment through the use of an efficient cooling techniques


• provides the option to fully integrate the primary power and any necessary electronic equipment before being shipped to a cell site—reducing the site construction costs and startup time


• lowers overall maintenance costs and provides greater flexibility in scheduling and shipping of fuel cells to sites


• no deterioration of the unit when not in use


• reduces maintenance when compared to competing technologies


• use less real estate resulting in lower site leasing expenses

Have you considered deploying a fuel cell at your cell site?