Remote monitoring system which has Battery mid-point monitoring, also known as Battery symmetry measurement, accurately Predicts Battery Life. Management Information System (MIS) Pre-Built & Customizable Reporting and Trend Analysis, energy management, Performance management, Asset/accounting, Security & Configuration, Fault Management, Real time Events & Alarms, GPRS/IP Network Real-time Data from Site are built-in features. 30-40% of Off-Grid system CAPEX goes into batteries and the entire business case of off-grid systems depend upon battery performance and life. A smart Intelligent Power Control System for mission critical applications for Telecom sites requires 24x7 uninterrupted power with automated local control of Charging system.

While the recent pressure on telecom companies for powering towers from renewable energy sources has led to the emergence of several renewable energy distribution models which are centered on providing energy to telecom towers located in power deficit areas, development of appropriate technologies that are suitable for powering these sites is also crucial.

Most often these sites are not suitable for the deployment of renewable energy generation technologies, particularly for solar. Given this backdrop, with a view towards reducing the dependence of telecom towers on diesel generators (DG), Alta Energy has come up with a unique hybrid technology, an ‘All DC Solar/Grid' power system, customized specifically for India. The technology effectively makes use of solar energy and simultaneously supplies uninterrupted power to the telecom tower.
Bangalore-based Alta Energy started operations in 2010 and has successfully showcased its technology for a telecom tower owned by Viom Networks, a joint venture between Tata Teleservices and Quippo, a Srei Group Enterprise. . "The technology is running successfully at the site since the past eleven months", says Abdul Manaf, managing director, Alta Energy.

The tower, located in Kolar, Karnataka contains one base transceiver system and was earlier dependent on interrupted grid electricity and batteries which were charged either by a diesel generator set or the grid. The project was powered by a 15 kW DG grid power system with a per day grid supply of 9 hours at Rs 7 per kWh, DG run time of 12 hours and battery run time of 3 hours. Post the implementation of this solar power system, the per day average supply from solar panels is 6 hours, supply from grid and battery is 9 hours each.

The technology deployed by Alta mainly comprises of a static power conditioning unit for regulating voltage fluctuations, best phase selector and Central controller that prioritizes the individual power supply resources. When solar power is available, priority is given to it even if grid power is available. However, in case of insufficient solar radiations the system automatically switches over to grid or battery power.

The technology makes use of their patented Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) solar modules with complex embedded systems. These MPPT control units, embedded in the modules allow for an increase in power from a photovoltaic array of up to 30 per cent more than conventional controllers. The company provides a comprehensive warrantee of 5 years for its systems, inclusive of the batteries.

Additionally, these systems also have features like remote monitoring and management system offers unattended (without human intervention) energy optimization with 99.99 up-times. Remote monitoring system which has Battery mid-point monitoring, also known as Battery symmetry measurement, accurately Predicts Battery Life. Management Information System (MIS) Pre-Built & Customizable Reporting and Trend Analysis, energy management, Performance management, Asset/accounting, Security & Configuration, Fault Management, Real time Events & Alarms, GPRS/IP Network Real-time Data from Site are built-in features.

30-40% of Off-Grid system CAPEX goes into batteries and the entire business case of off-grid systems depend upon battery performance and life. A smart inelegant Power Control System for mission critical applications for Telecom sites requires 24x7 uninterrupted power with automated local control of Charging system.

"We focus more on technology and system design (Patent pending). It is a plug in solution and we have installation partners for our systems", says Teckkee Shih, CTO. As concerns the financing of the venture, the company has secured a low interest, line-of-credit of $35 million from China. The lending has a payback period of almost 10 years.

The company plans to do autonomous solar power system for 4G deployment, without a diesel generator for Operators in India. .

Alta Energy also claims to have been approached by various renewable energy services companies for its technology. "Intelligent Energy is an intellectual property rich company with over 23 years in R&D, resulting in over 440 patents (granted or pending) and other leading RESCO's are also considering the use of our technology", says Manaf.

In light of the fact that the system helped Viom Network reduce the monthly operating expense of its tower to around Rs 3000. it makes strong business sense to make use of such systems. Moreover, the system also reduced the CO2 emissions for the tower by 21 tons per year. Using such a technology can lead to a win-win situation for the telecom tower companies, whereby they can fulfill their obligation of sourcing a part of their energy consumption from renewable energy sources, as mandated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, while simultaneously making operational savings of over 90 per cent.