GE Integrated System Telecom Base Station

1. GE Integrated SystemTelecom Base Station Christian Poluch, Dillon Gearing, Annie Graszl Group 7

2. Needs Expressed • No grid or unreliable grid – need for an alternate source of energy • Protection for the electronics • Positive social implications in the chosen country

3. Requirements in Product Design • Alternate energy source • 1.2 kW load, BTS DC Equipment operates at -48 VDC • Incorporation of sodium metal halide batteries for energy storage • Hut equipment to protect electronics

4. Kenya • Semi-presidential republic • Official language- Swahili, English • Total GDP(PPP)- $65.059 billion • Climate- tropical • Hot and humid near the coast • Dry inland to the North and Northeast

5. Kenyan Income and Energy • Market-based economy • Tourism accounts for 63% of income. • Agriculture accounts for 24% of income. • Industry such as food production accounts for 14% of income. • The majority of Kenya’s energy comes from hydroelectric dams along the Tana River. • The rest of their energy comes from petroleum plants, geothermal plants and some is imported from Uganda.

6. GE Integrated System • Why is cell phone service relevant? • Kenya has a goal to become a technological society. • In order to do this, availability of cell phone signal is key. • Why use an alternative energy source? • The majority of Kenya’s electricity comes from alternative energy sources. • Nonrenewable resources (oil and natural gas) are rare in Kenya – would need to be imported. • What would be the effects on Kenyan society? • Bring technological advances into a country that is continuing to grow. • Would not greatly alter the current lifestyle of Kenyan citizens.

7. Evaluation of Importance

8. Weighted Matrix

9. Geothermal Power • Uses thermal energy that occurs from hot springs, decaying radioactive material, volcanic activity, and absorbed solar energy. • High cost to implement • Low cost to maintain • Only 10-23% efficient

10. Hydroelectric Power • Creates power by using flowing water. • Expensive to implement • Low maintenance costs • Creates high amounts of power

11. Wind Power • Only takes up a small plot of land for base of turbine • Moderately Inexpensive • Available in a range of sizes • However, wind is not always available

12. Solar Power • Low startup cost • Low maintenance cost • Panels can last a long time • However, sunlight is not always available

13. Wind and Solar Combination • Mini wind turbines combined with solar arrays • Add a large amount of reliability to the system • In such weather conditions where sunlight is not available, wind often is • Wind greatly improves the effectiveness of off-the-grid systems, especially in winter • Cost efficient

14. Energy Flow Chart

15. Solar Component • Implement GE Solar Panels • Solar panel will be set at an 85˚ angle • Optimum angle to attract the most sunlight, especially during the winter months • For the sake of cost efficiency, the panel will remain at the 85˚ angle throughout the year • Will keep maintenance costs low

16. Wind Component • System will incorporate a smaller wind turbine model • Minimize costs • Minimize wasted energy

17. Works Cited • http://www.alternative-energy-guide.com/articles/electricity/hybrid%20systems.htm • https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ke.html • http://www.ecofriend.org/entry/green-mountain-energy-solar-and-wind-energy-at-their-combined-best/