Cummins and Heliocentris to Introduce Hybrid Power Systems for Telecom
Cummins Power Generation subsidiary of Cummins Inc. has signed a five-year agreement with Heliocentris Energy Solutions AG under which, Cummins Power Generation will incorporate Heliocentris' networked energy management technology into a new hybrid power system designed to provide power for cellular base stations and other telecom applications. The new Cummins telecom hybrid power system will employ a diesel generator set, storage batteries and networked energy management technology to supply power to cellular sites. Combining generator sets that are specifically designed for telecommunication cellular sites with a hybrid system that intelligently cycles storage batteries and can seamlessly integrate additional power components (such as photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and fuel cells) ensures a continuing reduction of fuel consumption and operating and maintenance costs. The resulting hybrid system reduces the operational expense for cell sites by up to 70 percent and also significantly reduces the carbon footprint to power a cell site.
"After extensive testing of various systems, we identified the energy management package from Heliocentris as one of the most flexible and reliable systems on the market," said Antonio Leitao, vice president -- power products, Cummins Power Generation. "Our leading diesel generator offerings and global service network, combined with Heliocentris' networked energy management system, will provide our customers with highly reliable power systems that help meet sustainability goals while reducing their total cost of ownership. In addition, our network-enabled hybrid power system will significantly improve the availability of power for cell sites with the advanced operation and maintenance package."
Ayad Abul-Ella, CEO of Heliocentris, explained, "Heliocentris has deployed more than 1,000 energy management systems globally and has reduced the average annual diesel fuel consumption per site by 13,000 liters (3,434 U.S. gallons). This has resulted in more than 3,200 tons fewer CO2 emissions and a substantial reduction in operating expenses."
According to the announcement, diesel generators are the preferred source of electrical power for off-grid and standby power applications such as cellular base stations because of their durability and reliability. At the same time, environmental concerns, rising fuel costs and operating expenses are driving customers to look for more sustainable alternatives. Cummins Power Generation's new hybrid solution is designed to deliver maximum up-time at the lowest cost of ownership. The new hybrid system will integrate seamlessly into a cellular provider's network operations and also allow the integration of renewable energy technology such as solar, wind or fuel cells.
