Saudi aramco rs10 repeater site

RS10 site opt for a hybrid solution.

The Challenge

Saudi Aramco requires an additional energy source to power their RS10 Telecom Base station in Saudi Arabia. The base station was just powered by Solar Photovoltaic (PV). However, an additional energy source is required to provide extra power to supplement an increased load.

The base station is in a remote location and is miles from a national grid connection. The telecom base station provides a service to the public and therefore cannot be shutdown for long periods of time. The extreme climate in Saudi Arabia demands an energy device that will work in all conditions. The device has to be cost effective and low maintenance due to its remote location.

The Solution

Saudi Aramco opted for a Proven 11 wind turbine for battery storage. The wind turbine generates power in both low and high winds so can generate enough power to manage the additional load. The Proven 11 will supplement the power currently being produced by the solar photovoltaic (PV) panels that are installed at the base station.

This hybrid solution will improve the availability, performance and reliability of the power supplied. The Proven Energy wind turbine was chosen due to its reputation for being robust and reliable which is paramount due to the base station requiring a continuous power supply. The Proven 11 requires only annually maintenance which is advantageous due to the remote location of the base station.

The Benefit

The Proven Energy wind turbine was successfully installed in January 2005 and has been 100% operational for over two years. The Proven 11 produces between 6000kWh and 12000kWh of electricity annually which currently exceeds the base stations requirements. The unique blade design of the Proven Energy turbine bends and flexes with the wind to enable it to produce energy at low wind speeds and prevents it from shutting down in high winds. This feature enables it to provide electricity production all year round providing the best possible energy generation for the base station. The installation of the turbine provides a cost effective alternative to a diesel generator that would have involved subsequent costly refueling trips, regular maintenance and the use of polluting fossil fuel.