The Aval tower is certainly one of the most recognizable symbols of Belgrade. From the lookout point of the tower there is a spectacular view from Šumadija to the Vršačka tower, and thanks to the telecommunications equipment, a television and radio signal is broadcast. The Avala tower is our most important telecommunications facility with the highest maximum allowed transmitter power that broadcasts three digital television channels, i.e. TV program packages, five analog radio programs in FM technology and one digital radio program package in DAB+ technology. What few know is that the electricity consumption of the transmitters themselves is about 130 kWh continuously, while the entire tower complex consumes about 200 kWh, that is, about 150,000 kWh on a monthly basis. By rational use and procurement of the most modern equipment, they try to achieve maximum savings in electricity.
Acquiring newer generation transmitters that are significantly more efficient is the first step in saving energy. For example, earlier generation television transmitters, whose efficiency was around 20 percent, were used on the Avala Tower. A few years ago, technologically advanced transmitters with a significantly higher efficiency of 42 percent were acquired. B.Sc. Eng. Sava Savić, Director of Emission Technology and Connection, explains that in this way, about 30,000 kWh were saved on a monthly basis and a reduction of CO2 emissions of 12,000 kg was achieved. They apply the same principle to radio transmitters, and in the near future they plan to replace the older FM transmitters on Avala as well.
– By rational use of air conditioners and the use of ordinary fans where possible, we save electricity. At nine broadcast stations, we have installed automation that autonomously decides whether the air conditioner or fan will be turned on, depending on the outside and inside temperature. Analyzing the automatic operation, we noticed that the air conditioner was on only 15 percent of the time, while the fan worked 85 percent of the time. Our estimate is that in this way we saved about 9,000 kWh per emission station where we have an advanced automated ventilation and air conditioning system installed – explains Savić.
He especially points out that by reducing the power of the transmitter during the night hours, when the listenership and viewership of the program is very low, a lot of energy is saved, and the service area is reduced very little.
IN FOCUS:
Aggregates and continuous energy supply
At every important transmission facility, including the Aval tower, there is a system for ensuring uninterrupted supply of facilities with electricity. The system consists of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and a diesel generator of the appropriate power. In the event of a power failure from the electrical network, the UPS takes over the power supply of the equipment without interrupting the broadcast. The generator automation registers the loss of electricity and starts the generator. After about 15 seconds, the generator reaches stable parameters in terms of voltage and frequency and then the power is redirected through the generator. The capacities of UPS are designed so that they can hold the complete load and power the equipment for about 10 minutes, which is more than enough because the generator takes over power in less than a minute. Power units are designed so that they are loaded in the range of 40-70 percent of maximum power.
– At Avala, we have a Schneider Electric UPS of the latest generation, with adequate power and capacity, and three aggregates each with a power of 400 kVA. All UPS devices in the diesel electric generator have been modernized and connected to the monitoring system – adds Savić.
Certainly, the digitization of TV and radio broadcasts has brought huge savings in electricity consumption and in the use of frequencies as a limited good.
Prepared by: Milica Radičević
Source: energetskiportal.rs
