Leading wireless services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) is now harnessing solar energy to power cell sites located in remote areas in the country.
Led by Smart’s Network Services Division (NSD), the deployment of solar-powered cell sites is part of the company’s continuing efforts to adopt environment-friendly operational processes by tapping renewable energy sources in powering cell sites located in areas with limited electricity.
The solar-powered cell sites are deployed to complement and ensure uninterrupted operations of SMART’s existing wind-powered cell sites.
In December 2006, SMART installed the country’s first wind-powered cell site in Malapascua Island, Cebu. In the latter half of 2007, SMART continued with its alternative power project with the deployment of 33 more renewable energy-powered cell sites, 11 of which are hybrid wind- and solar-powered cell sites.
“For 2008, SMART is targeting to deploy another 34 eco-friendly cell sites, 19 of those are wind-powered, while 15 are hybrid solar- and wind-powered cell sites,” said NSD senior manager Jun Costes. “Since not all cell sites have potential wind source, solar energy was the obvious easily available source of energy.
The hybrid wind- and solar-powered cell site system now serve as a reliable, efficient and economic alternative to the fuel generator, which is commonly used in powering cell sites. While diesel-driven generators need monthly refueling, produce CO2 emissions and entail costly replacement of engine oil and filters, the hybrid wind- and solar-powered system require minimal maintenance.
“Solar cells made from semiconductor materials convert sunlight directly into electricity. During the day and the wind speed is low, solar power becomes the primary source of power of the cell sites,” explained NSD senior engineer Davidson Sevilleja. “In the evening, the wind turbines deliver electricity to the cell site.” According to Sevilleja, wind and solar energy go to a controller which store the energy in a battery bank. The battery bank is capable of storing energy that can provide electricity to a cell site for 24 hours.
The implementation of the hybrid wind- and solar-powered cell sites also translates to reduced operational expenses, as the electricity cost is now almost free and the high cost of hauling fuel to the cell site has been removed. Solar-powered cell sites are self-sufficient, making it almost virtually maintenance free. Like a wind power, solar power is a clean and non-polluting energy. Solar generators also operate silently, thus reducing noise pollution and disturbance to the daily activities of the surrounding community.
Presently, the 11 hybrid wind- and solar-powered cell sites operating across the country are found in Tanudan, Kalinga; Ba-ay-Licuan and Luba, Abra; Cagayancillo and Busuanga, Palawan; Punta Bulata, Negros Occidental; San Isidro, Hinabangan and UET Catarman, Samar; Boracay, Aklan; and Sarangani, Davao del Sur.
“The implementation of hybrid wind- and solar-powered cell sites brings several advantages, SMART’s responses to the global call to use renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse emissions that cause climate change, which harm the environment. Aside from helping save the environment, Smart subscribers also benefit from the deployment of hybrid cell sites. The hybrid cell sites contribute to increasing the voice and data coverage of SMART particularly in the countryside, resulting in continued service, even if subscribers are in far-flung areas,” said NSD group head Mar Tamayo. /MP
Led by Smart’s Network Services Division (NSD), the deployment of solar-powered cell sites is part of the company’s continuing efforts to adopt environment-friendly operational processes by tapping renewable energy sources in powering cell sites located in areas with limited electricity.
The solar-powered cell sites are deployed to complement and ensure uninterrupted operations of SMART’s existing wind-powered cell sites.
In December 2006, SMART installed the country’s first wind-powered cell site in Malapascua Island, Cebu. In the latter half of 2007, SMART continued with its alternative power project with the deployment of 33 more renewable energy-powered cell sites, 11 of which are hybrid wind- and solar-powered cell sites.
“For 2008, SMART is targeting to deploy another 34 eco-friendly cell sites, 19 of those are wind-powered, while 15 are hybrid solar- and wind-powered cell sites,” said NSD senior manager Jun Costes. “Since not all cell sites have potential wind source, solar energy was the obvious easily available source of energy.
The hybrid wind- and solar-powered cell site system now serve as a reliable, efficient and economic alternative to the fuel generator, which is commonly used in powering cell sites. While diesel-driven generators need monthly refueling, produce CO2 emissions and entail costly replacement of engine oil and filters, the hybrid wind- and solar-powered system require minimal maintenance.
“Solar cells made from semiconductor materials convert sunlight directly into electricity. During the day and the wind speed is low, solar power becomes the primary source of power of the cell sites,” explained NSD senior engineer Davidson Sevilleja. “In the evening, the wind turbines deliver electricity to the cell site.” According to Sevilleja, wind and solar energy go to a controller which store the energy in a battery bank. The battery bank is capable of storing energy that can provide electricity to a cell site for 24 hours.
The implementation of the hybrid wind- and solar-powered cell sites also translates to reduced operational expenses, as the electricity cost is now almost free and the high cost of hauling fuel to the cell site has been removed. Solar-powered cell sites are self-sufficient, making it almost virtually maintenance free. Like a wind power, solar power is a clean and non-polluting energy. Solar generators also operate silently, thus reducing noise pollution and disturbance to the daily activities of the surrounding community.
Presently, the 11 hybrid wind- and solar-powered cell sites operating across the country are found in Tanudan, Kalinga; Ba-ay-Licuan and Luba, Abra; Cagayancillo and Busuanga, Palawan; Punta Bulata, Negros Occidental; San Isidro, Hinabangan and UET Catarman, Samar; Boracay, Aklan; and Sarangani, Davao del Sur.
“The implementation of hybrid wind- and solar-powered cell sites brings several advantages, SMART’s responses to the global call to use renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse emissions that cause climate change, which harm the environment. Aside from helping save the environment, Smart subscribers also benefit from the deployment of hybrid cell sites. The hybrid cell sites contribute to increasing the voice and data coverage of SMART particularly in the countryside, resulting in continued service, even if subscribers are in far-flung areas,” said NSD group head Mar Tamayo. /MP
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