Design Analysis of Microgrid Power System for Telecommunication Industries in Nigeria

Abstract

A microgrid power system is an independent power system that provides off-grid power or grid backup. It consists of a conventional power system, a renewable power system, power storage, load management, and a control system. However, different microgrid configurations do exist, be it conventional energy sources or hybrid energy configurations, which have been discussed in this research to achieve an efficient and cost-competitive power system configuration. The microgrids could improve the quality of service for the telecommunications industries in Nigeria. The study takes into account the diverse network architecture of eight possible configured network models, and the topologies were simulated and tested for economic optimisation on HOMER energy software. The simulation results show that if any of the options were properly studied and harnessed, a permanent solution to power failure at our base station would be achieved. Similarly, the cost analysis presented reveals that the installation and operating expenses of any of the options were relatively cheap when compared to conventional procedures, lowering the tariff cost imposed on customers. Consequently, it will lead to the development of robust, off-grid power solutions for telecom infrastructure, enabling continuous connectivity in remote locations, decreasing downtime, and improving the country's digital communication network.