|
ABS provides Approval in Principle to new tank containment system
Peninsula Engineering Solutions’ has made efforts to introduce their range of Microwave Radio Frequency (RF) Repeaters in the Middle East last year.
Microwave Radio Frequency (RF) Repeaters are designed to transfer telecom signals from one radio terminal to another without loss of quality, data, or traffic. The range of frequencies supported is from 1.5 to 11 GHz. The most popular telecom bands used are 6, 7 and 8 GHz.
These point-to-point RF repeaters are designed to be compatible with microwave radios from leading manufacturers worldwide. The repeaters can operate in digital radio networks with traffic capacities from 2 Mb/s to 155 Mb/s per radio carrier. The repeaters can be configured from simple duplex to N+1 multi-line arrangements.
Frequency, space and hybrid diversity are supported. The simplicity of the RF repeaters makes them reliable and power efficient. These repeaters are most often powered by solar or wind renewable energy sources. This power efficient capability makes the equipment ideal for remote, unattended radio relay sites along right-of-ways such as pipelines, transmission lines, etc. Microwave RF repeaters are in service worldwide, supporting telecommunications system operators by providing through repeater sites on mountaintops and other remote locations.
Pipeline communications projects are well suited for Peninsula’s RF repeaters in that long distances must be spanned, distances between pumping stations is normally greater than one or two microwave hops, site power must be locally generated and telecom circuit access is normally not required at sites between pumping or major stations. While site electric power is expected at pumping stations, the telecom only sites in between the pumping stations and terminals typically have power only for the telecom equipment.
Solar Power Optimized
A standard duplex RF repeater has a power consumption of about 30 watts. Even the higher powered, frequency diversity duplex RF repeater configurations are power conservative at 90 watts for the entire site. Generating such modest amounts of electric power from solar arrays and batteries is perfect for an unattended repeater site.
Peninsula uses a redundant solar electric battery system approach where two identical solar arrays, charge controllers and storage batteries are installed. The RF repeater load is designed to draw power from either battery and to balance the DC load during normal operation. Should there be a failure in one solar power system, the entire site can operate from the remaining array and battery for a few days, thus providing time to make repairs. Sites are typically designed for 7 to 10 days of battery operation without sunshine. The actual conditions at the site will modify the backup time as required.
A sophisticated alternate power approach is to use a hybrid combination of photovoltaic (solar) array and wind turbine generator or solar and thermal electric generator for additional reliability during extended periods of inclement weather. Hybrid power systems can reduce the size of the solar arrays substantially in higher latitude locations.
Outdoor Mounting
The Microwave RF repeaters and site power equipment are built for outdoor installation without shelters. This characteristic can further simplify the radio relay site and reduce costs. All site equipment is frequently mounted on the tower. The only times shelters are used are for maintenance staff protection or additional security.
Long Distances
When the distance between major stations is substantial, i.e. more than 100 km, tandem RF repeaters may be used. Radio systems with two or three RF repeaters in tandem have been designed and installed. The company has design tools to support tandem repeaters up to five hops. A two hop, single repeater version of the design tool is available from Peninsula by request |
