Energy Consumption in RES-Aware 5G Networks

TL;DR

This work addresses high energy consumption in 5G networks and the variability of renewable energy sources by introducing $AEBL$ and $AREC$ as metrics and integrating PV and wind generation into a Poznań-based 5G scenario. It employs the GRAND deployment framework with a MASSIVE MIMO-aware energy model, coupled with detailed PV, wind, battery, and atmospheric sub-models, to simulate PROSUMPTION under four seasonal conditions. The key contribution is a comprehensive RES-aware energy-prosumption framework that demonstrates substantial grid energy reductions (often >$50\%$ annually) and significant battery-lifetime extensions, particularly with wind in winter and with combined PV+WT configurations. The findings highlight the practical potential for energy autonomy in 5G networks using optimized RES integration, while outlining future work to incorporate dynamic traffic steering and resource allocation algorithms.

Abstract

In this work, the impact of using Renewable Energy Source (RES) generators in next-generation (5G) cellular systems on total power consumption (PC) has been investigated. The paper highlights the gain related to the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines (WTs) in the form of two factors - the average extension of battery lifetime (AEBL) powering a single network cell and the average reduction in energy consumption (AREC) within the whole network. The examination has been conducted for four different seasons of the year and various configurations of available power sources. The provided system scenario was based on real data on weather conditions, building placement, and implemented mobile networks for the city of Poznan in Poland. Used RES generators were designed in accordance with the specifications of real devices.

Figures (2)

• Figure 1: Map of the examined area within the city of Poznan.
• Figure 2: Average state of charge of the battery in different seasons of the year.