A Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Enthusiast with Four years’ work experience in the Energy Sector. Currently working at the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority as an Energy Efficiency Officer. I am a self-motivated and goal driven team player with strong positive attitude. I have participated in the development of various regulations that are currently governing the Energy Sector in the country.
Project Summary
Performance Assessment and Analysis of Energy Saving Mechanisms and Impact of Introducing Free Cooling Technologies on Base Transceiver Stations
Organizations have increasingly ventured into ways of optimizing available energy through integration of energy efficient approaches in respective operations. Communication sector has developed into major energy consumer. According to the studies conducted, energy consumption patterns within the industry indicate that more than 40% of energy is taken by cooling of base station equipment (BTS). Recently, service providers in the industry have shifted from traditional cooling systems that employ conventional air conditioners to more energy efficient approaches like integrating free cooling system. However, previous studies have not shown applicability and viability of the approach apart from the theoretical perspective of reduction in energy usage. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the performance in terms of energy efficiency, savings in operating cost, and environmental impacts the new approach has in relation to conventional cooling system. Using Energy Data Logger and a Temperature logger, data from four BTSs within Nairobi region were collected and analysed statistically. The study found out that, the free cooling technology resulted in direct energy savings of approximately 4,842.455 kWh per year, which translated to a carbon dioxide emission reduction of 1.598 tons annually, and savings of Ksh 109,487 per station. The study did not take into account the number of hours’ backup generators were in use but rather considered grid electricity supply during savings calculations. This study therefore recommends the use of free cooling technology to reduce energy consumption of mechanized cooling techniques available.
Reference
Sun, X., Zhang, Q., Medina, M.A. and Liao, S., 2015. Performance of a free-air cooling system for telecommunications base stations using phase change materials (PCMs): in-situ tests. Applied energy, 147, pp.325-334.
Research Supervisors
Prof. James Nyang’aya and Dr. Richard K. Kimilu
