Energy management & limiting CO/sub 2/ emissions in the telecommunications powering environment

The minimisation of energy costs for telecommunications companies is essential for their business, as it has a direct affect on their overall profit and hence shareholder dividend. An emerging concern on a global and regional scale is the emission of "greenhouse" gases, CO/sub 2/ in particular. Developed nations and major companies are seeking means by which greenhouse gas emissions may be reduced, thereby meeting their actual or perceived global obligations as good "corporate citizens". In the field of telecommunications, both these goals have to be achieved whilst maintaining very high levels of network integrity. This presents a series of challenges to the operators and designers of telecommunications powering systems. The aim of this paper is to present the holistic approach that Silcar, the operator, designer, constructor and provider of Telstra Corporation Limited's (Australia's national carrier) power equipment, proposes to take in order to progress these goals. Silcar has developed strategies and proposed policies for energy management and greenhouse gas emission reduction via the following actions: reduction in the requirement for excess rectifier capacity to meet battery recharge requirements; isolation of excess rectifier capacity to improve operating efficiency of remaining "on line" rectifiers; development of solar powered solutions for thermal management of remote equipment enclosures; cost-benefit analysis of replacement of inefficient legacy rectifiers with high efficiency rectifiers; reduction of heat dissipation of power equipment to air-conditioned telecommunications equipment environments; modification of battery maintenance practices and equipment commissioning practices to limit maximum demand; re-appraisal of need for coolant heating systems on diesel generators; evaluation of quantitative negative impact of supply authority AC power failures on energy cost, with a view to obtaining discounts. All process changes will be risk assessed, and all benefits quantified in regard to cost savings and greenhouse gas emission reduction.