Kubota DC Diesel Generators for BTS

Kubota DC Diesel Gensets Used in Telecom Station

ZEB Power proposes a complete package of DC Diesel Generators (7-35 kW), designed to provide reliable energy as they can be used as backup power source or as core product to hybridize energy production. These products can provide huge savings in terms of fuel consumption and engine running hours compared with the traditional AC generating sets running 24/7, due to their variable speed engines. Moreover, this range of products manages DC/AC inputs (Solar/Wind/Grid) without modifications, eliminating the need for an external ATS.

The DC Diesel Generators at different power and voltages are designed to power remote and Off-Grid location for different industries:

• Oil & Gas, requires 24 Vdc Generators to power and command the uncontrolled motorized valves spread out along the oil pipeline;

• Agriculture, requires 24 Vdc Generators for irrigation and drainage systems;

• Railways, requires 12 Vdc Generators to power and control the remote signals spread out along the rail;

• Telecom, requires – 48 Vdc Generators to power off grid BTS located in isolated areas.

  
  

Why are DC Diesel Generators used in the telecom sector/BTS?

Mobile phones have become an essential part of our lives, and imagining life without them is really hard. If a cell phone site loses power momentarily, calls and data flow will be interrupted, which is something nobody would want. Especially remote locations, telecom companies have to rely completely on generators as power outages are very common. Since cell phone towers have to work 24 hours a day, powerful and fuel-efficient generators are required. so telecom industry has grown over the years, as demand is increasing day by day. All BTS sites require a continuous power supply without any interruptions, which makes the telecom sector a large consumer of energy worldwide. each site must have a backup power supply available in the form of a generator and battery bank. many sites especially in developing countries lack a grid connection. Therefore, they rely entirely on distributed generation in the forms of a generator and renewable energy.

To power up, BTS signals require DC power. Traditionally, backup power sites have used AC generators because of their availability in the market. These generators have not been designed to maximize efficiency and instead try to be the lowest capital expenditure as possible. When we talk about expenditure, AC generators do a better job, but they lack behind in terms of efficiency. we used AC diesel generators for a long time due to their availability on the market; however, companies are switching to DC diesel generators now, as they offer better efficiency. 

Let’s have a look at the advantages of DC diesel generators compared to AC diesel generators:

• Efficiency: When it comes to efficiency, DC diesel generators do an outstanding job, and some models can exceed 93% efficiency. Modern DC diesel generators offer improved efficiency by reducing fuel consumption, which is a great thing as it makes things more cost-effective. Because the DC diesel Generators use a high efficient permanent magnet alternator rated at over 93% efficient. This compares to a traditional alternator having less than 78% efficiency which dramatically reduces at decreased loads. This is one of the biggest reasons why DC diesel generators are preferred in the telecom sector. Since the telecom sector depends a lot on generators, it’s important to choose an efficient option.

• Fuel Consumption Savings:  The DC diesel Generators uses a Variable Smart DC Diesel Generator Controller. This changes the speed of the engine according to the load requirement of the site. The engine lowers the speed as the electric load decreases. the engine can supply the same power as AC diesel generators while saving fuel.

• Redundancy: In on-grid scenario the rectifier directly charges the batteries from the grid (AC power) or from a traditional diesel generators (also in AC power). it is no longer able to charge the batteries if the rectifier breaks. With a DC diesel generator, it is possible to directly charge the batteries or give DC power to the telecom tower even if the rectifier is not working.

• Increasing the Power Output Capacity: A DC diesel generator, compared with an AC diesel generator fitted with the same engine, can provide higher output power because it can run at higher speed.

• Smaller size and light weight:  DC diesel generators are more compact and lighter compared to the same capacity AC diesel generators. Because DC generators with permanent magnets are 30% smaller compared to AC diesel generators. They have a reduced length and diameter, which makes them smaller and easier to carry as well. They can easily be taken to remote locations, and they don’t take up a lot of space as well. However, the size of the generator will vary according to the requirements.

• No need for Rectifiers installed at site: The End Customer does not need to buy Rectifier + Cabinet + Cooling for Cabinet (Capex Reduction) that is also one less point of failure.

• No need for External Logic for Battery Management:  DC diesel generators include in its control card the option of “Hybrid System Management Logic” that allows recharging of any type of batteries as per the manufacturer indications.

• Complexity Reduction: Less functional parts involved, no need for interoperability tests between Diesel Generator / Rectifier / control Logic

• Equivalent Cost and Installation costs Reduction: No need for electrical and logical connections between rectifier / diesel generator /control logic.

• No System Power Theft: Common utilities are AC.

• No need for Special Training for Technician: Technicians do not need training for transition from DC diesel generators to AC diesel generators.

• Little to no maintenance: Generators are a big part of the telecom sector, and they come to use on a daily basis. If you want the generator to work efficiently, you will need to take care of the maintenance part. DC diesel generators require little to no maintenance, which is a great thing as companies don’t have to invest a lot of money in this field. They last for years and don’t get damaged easily, so the repair cost isn’t an issue either. There is no need for continuous maintenance service; however, the inspection of brushes and other parts is required from time to time.

Picture for BTS DC Diesel Generators Project: