Telecommunications companies are expanding all over the globe, often into areas with limited or no access to grid power; operators and tower companies are struggling to guarantee network access. Choosing diesel as the main power source for BTS is becoming hard to justify – both economically and environmentally. So what is the answer?
The solution is Polar Hybrid. Designed to support 100% network up-time, Polar Hybrid is a hybrid power system for off-grid and unreliable grid cell sites that cuts diesel-related costs by up to 85%. A two-cabinet modular design, or single shelter all-in-one solution, allows for high reliability and ease of installation. Polar Hybrid can work as a fuel-battery hybrid system (diesel, NG or LPG + LiFePO4 or other chemistries), or with any combination of grid or renewable energy sources and diesel generator back-up.
Mobile operators are increasingly looking to outsource their telecom site requirements. At Polar Power Inc. we understand the challenges faced by tower companies in providing reliable power to customers, guaranteeing network up-time, reducing OPEX and managing CAPEX all at the same time.
DC Generators
The Polar DC Generators are designed and optimized to deliver high currents at low voltages which is required for battery charging and operating DC loads. No battery chargers or power supplies are required. Polar has designed this DC generator incorporating state-of-the-art technologies and all new tooling to meet the increased performance demand.
LiFePO4 Batteries
We are now providing Lithium Ion Iron Phosphate Battery Banks. Polar DC Generators can monitor charging and discharging of LiFePO4 Batteries on a cell by cell basis using an advanced Battery Management System (BMS).
Solar PV
Polar Hybrid power systems take advantage of sunlight by using advanced charging algorithms and high quality MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers to achieve 99% efficiency.
Automatic Controls
The Supra Model 250 System is a highly integrated control solution that will improve reliability, serviceability, and remote controllability of DC generator power systems. The Supra Controller can control power to DC loads and serve as a fuel based programmable battery charging system.
At the heart of Polar Hybrid power systems is the permanent magnet DC alternator technology. The systems are controlled by our own Supra Digital Control system, which has been field tested since 2006 to assure the utmost reliability and efficiency. The Supra Digital Control system's high level of circuit integration eliminates independent control modules from multiple vendors, avoiding typical integration conflicts between modules from different manufacturers. It can be remotely controlled, monitored, calibrated, and tested through a PC laptop, cell phone modem or Ethernet connection. This connectivity reduces costly visits to the site.
The Polar Hybrid systems will automatically charge batteries of various chemistries and manage the DC loads connected to the battery. These systems are lightweight, have low EMI emissions, are extremely fuel efficient, have low maintenance costs, and can operate in a wide range of adverse environments. All the components are housed within a number of customer-selectable options, including aluminum walk-in shelters, reach-in cabinets, and open frame housings for installation into the customer structures.
The past 30 years have proven that non-hybrid PV solar systems have poor reliability. Solar Hybrid systems with DC generators have proven the most reliable due to reduced dependency on battery and eliminating the impact of errors in load sizing and poor weather. Using a Polar DC generator is preferred over the AC generator because our generators are engineered for long run times with minimal or no maintenance. Long run times are necessary should problems arise from the battery bank or PV solar array, as well as long periods of bad weather. Polar DC generators and controls greatly simplify the Hybrid design and lower the cost of installation and operation. A DC generator prevents the batteries from being damaged from the low state of charge during poor weather conditions.
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High efficiency DC Generator (6 to 15 kW) Diesel, LPG, NG
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8000 series alternator
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Supra Digital Controls
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Supercapacitor
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Optional DC to AC inverter
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Lithium Ion Battery Banks 48 Vdc, 180 to 1400 amp hour
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Hybrid Control Panel
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Solar MPPT Controls
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Lightning Protection Module
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Solar Array
Site Load
Different configurations available to power site loads ranging from 100 W to over 10 kW
Redundancy
Systems available in n, n+1 or 2n configurations to achieve up to 99% reliability
Power Sources
Generators, grid, solar panels and wind turbines
Power Storage
Lithium Ion, or any other chemistry batteries
Custom Applications
These solutions can be customized
Our systems include Polar DC generator, a Lithium-ion battery pack, solar photo-voltaic with charge controls, lightning protection, power distribution, Supra Digital Control systems and DC air-conditioning (if required) in one walk-in shelter or multiple reach-in enclosures. The structures are engineered to withstand winds in both the 150 mph and 200 mph categories.
The DC hybrid power system can monitor the charge/discharge cycle of either Lithium-ion or lead acid batteries on a cell by cell basis using our battery management system. Our Supra Control system incorporates a CAN bus communications capability that provides communication and control between the battery and the DC hybrid power system. Each cell in the battery pack is individually monitored for voltage and temperature, ensuring the safety and longevity of the battery bank.
The Supra Digital Control system facilitates the incorporation of Lithium-ion batteries to our DC power systems, resulting in our DC hybrid power systems. Lithium-ion batteries present a multitude of advantages over the lead acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries can tolerate higher temperatures eliminating the need for cooling equipment (popular with the use of sealed lead acid batteries for telecom installations). Eliminating battery cooling requirements saves considerable electrical energy or fuel on site. When properly sized into an application, Lithium-ion batteries are less than one fourth the volume and weight of a lead acid battery, therefore transporting Lithium-ion batteries to site can generate substantial savings. A Lithium-ion battery is approximately 20% more efficient in its charge cycle than a lead acid battery.
