Ericsson, Deutsche Telekom successfully operate 5G site with hybrid RE

Ericsson has announced a successful trial on Germany’s telecom player Deutsche Telekom‘s 5G-enabled network and has said that this could pave the way for major advances in sustainable mobile site operations with renewable energy  while optimizing power supply and demand.

A major goal of the Ericsson-DT partnership is to identify and validate energy efficiency and energy cost cutting solutions based on optimized energy consumption and control and increased usage of renewable energy sources.

The site – in the Bavarian municipality of Dittenheim – is powered by energy from solar panels installed on 12 square meters, plus a wind turbine that provides up to five kilowatts of additional power. The Ericsson Power System integration of the two renewable energy sources led to the site being operated on a stand-alone basis without utilizing its cable connection to the electrical power grid.

The official statement of Ericsson says that as long as weather conditions support the use of the renewable capabilities, the solution can make a major contribution to powering the site.

The Ericsson Power System

The new Ericsson technology provides the necessary voltage conversion and maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The joint control of the two power sources and the batteries are integrated into the same management system that controls the Radio Access Network (RAN). Ericsson stated that this single management system will allow for quick and easy integration into existing sites in the future.

Also, the batteries installed in current systems serve as storage in the event of a power outage. Initial tests showed that on windy days, more renewable energy could be generated than was consumed by site operations. The control of the energy sources includes various functions for hazard prevention as well as automation.

Ericsson also held that the next project phase will see the development of additional functions for the efficient use of generated energy and storage capacities. In the near future, the integration of additional energy sources such as fuel cells will replace the need for diesel generators.

Heather Johnson, VP for Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility, Ericsson, said, “At Ericsson, we are committed to working with our customers to support them in cutting their carbon emissions. This partnership is a great example of how we’re achieving this through our best-in-class energy efficient equipment, which can be operated entirely with renewable energy.”

Many telecom companies around the world are inclining towards renewable energy to reduce and subsequently eliminate their carbon footprint. Vodafone had announced that its entire European network will be based on renewable energy. Similarly TDC Net, Denmark’s leading telecom player, has also signed considerable PPAs for renewable power purchases.