Working with PowerOasis, Panasonic highlights Green Tower solution that integrates smart energy generation, storage and remote asset management software
NEWARK, NJ (FEBRUARY 26, 2015) – Panasonic Eco Solutions will introduce its Green Tower comprehensive energy solution for cellular tower and Wi-Fi hotspot sites at the Mobile World Congress, taking place March 2-5 in Barcelona, Spain. Panasonic and its partner, PowerOasis, will unveil a Lithium Ion-based hybrid power solution, combining Panasonic’s powerful Lithium Ion battery and solar technology expertise with PowerOasis’ industry-leading telecommunications energy management platform.
Panasonic’s solution targets cellular towers operating on legacy infrastructure and demonstrates how they can be retro-fitted with solar energy generation and advanced energy storage equipment. Green Tower offers the tower operator the benefits of energy efficiency, reduced operating costs and enhanced reliability. The system is designed for a range of telecommunications sites having loads that range from 50W to 3kW, and is easily deployed in off-grid, unreliable grid or on-grid locations as either a primary or back-up power solution.
“Panasonic is driving a paradigm shift across the industry through its comprehensive energy solution and its Energy-as-a-Service model, offering telecom carriers the ability to finally address energy and operating costs with an innovative solution,” said Jamie Evans, who leads Panasonic’s U.S. Eco Solutions business. “The Green Tower energy solution concept marks a shift from traditional static power infrastructure to efficient, remotely managed systems that reduce costs and create new profit centers for wireless carriers.”
Electricity costs in mature markets can account for up to 15% of total cellular network operating expenditures. In developing markets, these costs can increase up to 50%, due to unreliable grid supply and a heavy reliance on diesel-powered generators that are also subject to fuel theft. The outsourced, end-to-end Green Tower solution is paid for by performance enhancements and operational savings, requiring virtually no capital outlay. Within certain markets, the concept also offers an opportunity for smart grid energy arbitrage. It uses predictive algorithms to show actual load compared to market demand and can send unused energy from on-site assets back to the local grid. Other benefits include satellite connectivity and wireless equipment monitoring.
