[Global Times Smart Channel, Zhang Yang] On September 16, 2021, the Green Network Summit & 6th JDC Energy Forum was held in Hangzhou with the theme Building a Low-Carbon Network for a Green Future. Peng Jianhua, President of the Site Power Facility Domain of Huawei Digital Power Technologies Co., Ltd., unveiled a series of new products for green sites and green equipment rooms, aimed at helping carriers build green and low-carbon networks and deploy 5G without extra OPEX.
The third-generation blade power system was the crown jewel of the release. It reaches a maximum of 12 kW power and supports 2G/3G/4G/5G networks at one site. The one site one blade system will completely transform traditional sites, and greatly reduce site deployment and operation costs. The five-year TCO of the blade system is only 48% of that of a traditional cabinet site, with the efficiency increasing from 80% to 97%. The carbon emission of a typical 6 kW 5G site can be reduced by 5.4 tons each year.
Target network planning for OPEX and carbon emission reduction
The latest statistics show that China has built more than 1 million 5G base stations, accounting for more than 70% of the world's total. The number of 5G end users in China has exceeded 400 million, making it the world's largest user group. While the 5G infrastructure is burgeoning, carriers are plagued by the sharp rise in energy consumption and O&M costs.
Mr. Peng said "The increase in data traffic and changes in the 5G technique lead to an increase in device power. However, the high energy consumption of base stations is actually a result of outdated planning and inefficient operations. Only 0.5–0.6 kWh out of 1 kW electricity is used for main equipment, and the rest is wasted. Therefore, Huawei proposes the power target network planning to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in various scenarios, from core equipment rooms to access networks to sites, and from site construction to O&M. Our new products are fully upgraded for green network constructions."
Innovative third-generation blade power system redefines sites
The highlighted third-generation blade power system features a new simplified form, green power, ultimate intelligence, and redefines site power facilities.
From the 2 kW blade for one AAU sector to the 6 kW blade for one frequency band and mode, now the simplified third-generation 12 kW blade can power the entire site, with up to 97% efficiency.
In addition, the third-generation blade power system has made power generation, power consumption, and energy storage more intelligent. Energy consumption for each load is measured with meter-level precision. Based on cloud and AI technologies, the power supply coordinates with base station devices. For example, the site supports automatic peak shaving and staggering functions based on the differentiated electricity price. That is, batteries supply power to loads when the electricity price peaks while the mains powers loads and charges batteries when the electricity price is low. This can save energy, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
The new product exemplifies Huawei's technological innovation and craftsmanship. "To improve the 12 kW blade power system to 97% energy efficiency with easy installation, zero footprint, and free cooling, advanced power electronics and digital technologies in materials, structures, thermal, sensors, chips, and algorithms are critical. Huawei has natural advantages in these fields. Based on years of technical research and accumulation, we have integrated power electronics technologies with digital technologies to build more competitive and innovative products for our customers."
Carbon peak and neutrality goals call for industry cooperation
To reach carbon emission peak and become carbon neutral, innovative products and solutions are not enough and carriers' efforts and industry collaboration are much needed. Huawei has proposed its suggestions.
"Building a low-carbon network and society relies on an optimized top design by the government and industry." said Mr. Peng, "The first step is to raise awareness through policy guidance. Currently, the entire industry chain has attached greater importance to low carbon emissions. Energy has transformed from supporting communications technologies to becoming its equal. Second, we need to increase investment in technologies, achieve energy conservation and emission reduction through technological innovation, and accelerate the application and popularization of new low-carbon technologies. Third, we need to accelerate the formulation of industry-related standards in aspects including carbon emissions and carbon footprint. Our goal is to make the entire process of energy conservation and carbon reduction visible and the results measurable."
