Electro-Comm Distributing IncYour Broadband Wireless Source

MikroTik User MeetingMay 2007

Mark Billets, Product Specialist

Alternative Power Solutions for MikroTikSolar power systems are most commonHybrid systems provide additional reliability

Why Use Solar?For remote solutions outside of electrical gridFor temporary installations where installing electrical is expensivePower grid is unreliableAny time solar may be more sensible

Applications for Solar powerRemote communications sitesTelemetry/SCADASignsRemote homesWireless POPsHotspots

Examples of solar solutions weve done

Powering communicationssite in Argentina

Examples of solar solutions weve done

Powering gas meterfor oilfield telemetry

Examples of solar solutions weve done

Another telemetry application

Examples of solar solutions weve done

Powering wirelessPOP in Colorado

Components of solar power solutions

Photovoltaic Solar panelsMounting hardware

Ground mount or pole/tower mountWiringCharge controllerBatteriesEnclosuresOther power sources/Hybrid

Wind, Hydro, Engine generator

Solar panelsConverts sun lightdirectly into electricalpower

Available in wide variety of sizes

2 watts to 170 watts

Mounting hardwareSupports the solar panels

Mount on the groundOr mount on pole or tower

Wiring and Charge ControllerWire should be large gauge, #8-10Round outer shape to allow for weatherproofing in junction boxes

Charge Controllers keep batteries from overchargingAlso may include:

Temperature compensationLow Voltage DisconnectVoltage and current metersTelemetry outputs/Alarms

Always use fuses

BatteriesStore electrical power for times without sun

Use deep cycle batteries (not car battery)Small sealed gel cell batteries for very small systemsGolf cart or RV/Marine type for medium systemsStationary batteries for large systems

Lots of batteryenough for several days

Keep temperature in mind

EnclosuresStore batteries and controller out of the weatherInsulated and ventilated

Dont put your radios and routers in battery box

Hybrid SystemsCombine solar with other power supply to increase reliabilityWind, Hydro, Engine generator, thermoelectric

Considerations for sizing a solar systemWhat are we providing power for?What is the voltage needed?

DC, AC or bothWhat is the power consumption?

In amps or wattsWhat is the duty cycle?

Is power need consistent or changingWhat is the location?

Determines sun hours and temperature

How much sun do you get?

Examples of solar sizingOne MikroTik RB153 with 3 cards

Power supply is 1Amp at 18V DCActual power need is 250 mA, plus radio cardsSR2 needs 200 mATotal 850 mA

Add 15% safety factor, size based on 1 Amp, 100%Always build in plenty of safety factor

1 Amp x 24 hours = 24 AH

Examples of solar sizingWith a requirement of 24 AH

Look up Insolation dataFlorida = 6 sun hours per dayLatvia = 1 sun hour per day

Florida - 24 AH / 6 sun hours = 4 AmpsOne 80 Watt panel will provide 4 Amps peak

Latvia - 24 AH / 1 sun hours = 24 Amps6 each 80 Watt panel to provide power