DESIGN OF AN EFFICIENT WIRELESS COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE TO ASSIST RURAL DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

FRANCISCO  PORTELINHA; DENISSON  QUEIROZ OLIVEIRA; BRUNO  DE NADAI NASCIMENTO; DIOGO  MARUJO; ANTONIO  CARLOS ZAMBRONI DE SOUZA; PAULO FERNANDO RIBEIRO

doi:10.20906/CBA2022/936

FRANCISCO PORTELINHA INATEL
DENISSON QUEIROZ OLIVEIRA UFMA - Universidade Federal do Maranhão
BRUNO DE NADAI NASCIMENTO UNIFEI
DIOGO MARUJO UTFPR
ANTONIO CARLOS ZAMBRONI DE SOUZA UNIFEI - Universidade Federal de Itajubá
PAULO FERNANDO RIBEIRO UNIFEI - Universidade Federal de Itajubá

DOI: https://doi.org/10.20906/CBA2022/936

Keywords: Renewable generation, Photovoltaic cells, Communication networks, Power consumption

Abstract

The outage in the supply of electricity in rural areas is a huge concern. The delay, which is often significant in solving the unknown problem, results in losses for both the power utility and the final consumer. Generally, rural power feeders have limited intelligence, and small availability of communication connectivity, due to their long geographical extension and the high implementation cost. As a result, the distribution electrical power system offers low reliability, quality, and safety. Such difficulties establish a barrier between connectivity and the reliable supply of energy. Wireless communication systems are considered suitable for use in remote locations. However, its operational costs are high, while the energy consumed by the customers is low, turning
the system unprofitable. In this paper, the concept of autonomous base stations will be evaluated, aiming to demonstrate that the benefits go far beyond financial advantages. The deployment of autonomous base stations show benefits regarding monitoring and control of rural distribution lines, ensuring reliability and quality in the electricity supply in remote areas. In addition to the scope of this paper, the design of an autonomous base station will be presented in a technical project, as well a case of study for a small countryside village in Brazil.