FCpowered RBS: Data Analysis and System Optimization

The previous works on the use of PEM Fuel Cell based power supply system for the operation of off-grid RBS (Radio Base Stations) sites showed a strong influence of system design parameters on the energy conversion performance. In this paper a perturbation of system design is performed through validated models to understand better the variability of performance over a full year operation. Results show that a ratio of energy produced by fossil over energy produced by renewables sources of 0.2 can be reached slightly increasing the photovoltaic plant size without affecting drastically the renewable exploitation. Moreover a positive Net Present Value can be achieved in comparison with the traditional diesel genset solution (from 260k(sic) to 350k(sic)). The NPV value increases with the PV size and with a reduction of the battery size that leads to a steep reduction in the RES exploitation. Therefore, an optimum has to be sought as a compromise between the two aspects. (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.