Renewable-Powered Base Stations with Time-of-Use and Consumption-Based Block Pricing

In this paper, we propose an energy cost minimization strategy for cellular base stations (CBSs) that are jointly powered by renewable and conventional energy. Energy tariffs follow time-of-use and consumption-based block pricing. In addition, consumers are allowed to return energy to the utility, e.g. following a net metering policy. Assuming that the CBS is equipped with a finite-capacity battery, we formulate an optimization problem to minimize the energy expenses incurred over a finite time horizon. Through convex analysis, we show that this optimization problem is equivalent to a linear program. We then use the equivalent formulation to solve the original problem and thus to find the optimal battery management policy. We evaluate the performance of the proposed strategy in terms of pricing parameters such as the consumption limits and their associated financial penalties. Using simulations we show that the proposed strategy can effectively minimize the energy bill.