Vodafone Qatar and Alcatel-Lucent have deployed a hybrid powered base station in Qatar, using an integration of solar and wind energy, as part of a green technology program led by Vodafone to deploy green energy sources in all of its affiliates.
Alcatel-Lucent said that its technology enables Vodafone to take advantage of the local weather conditions, while reducing the ongoing costs and improving the quality of maintenance at remote or inaccessible sites.
According to Alcatel-Lucent, the wind turbine at the Qatar site has been mounted at the top of the existing mast. The energy controller brings intelligent control to draw power from both the photovoltaic panels and wind turbine, based on solar intensity and wind speed.
In addition, the system monitors battery charging cycles and diesel generator maintenance runs; and the monitoring system enables tracking of all weather and energy parameters.
Jenny Howe, CTO of Vodafone Qatar, said: “As the first hybrid solution in Qatar to make use of both wind and solar energy, this achievement increases the availability and quality of mobile services to the end customer, while reducing the impact on the environment. Our partnership with Alcatel-Lucent has enabled a significant first step toward commercialising the technologies we need to reduce our carbon footprint and make a world of difference for all people in Qatar.”
