Ericsson (News - Alert) has reportedly unveiled an innovative radio base station site concept- Ericsson Tower Tube- that is environmentally friendly, and more cost-efficient to adopt and run.

 

This attractive modern design, from renowned Scandinavian architect Thomas Sandell, is an entirely new approach to site architecture. The 5m-diameter, 40m-high flexible concrete tower encapsulates all radio base station equipment, including the antennas.

 

Ericsson explains that the aesthetics of the Ericsson Tower Tube have been further enhanced by the choice of construction materials. Operators can color and brand the flexible concrete tower to their specific needs to either blend in with its surroundings or become an attractive landmark for the local community.

 

The concrete has a lower environmental impact than traditional steel, and produces 30 percent less CO2 emissions during production and transportation. The radio base station is placed at the top of the tower cutting the distance between it and the antenna. This divergence from standard design gives capacity and coverage benefits for the cellular network and can together with the fact that no active cooling is needed reduce energy consumption up to 40 percent.

 

The new design occupies 60-75 percent less land than conventional sites, and thus site acquisition is easier. Due to its self-contained structure, operators can avoid the need for security fences and the cost of maintaining and patrolling them.

 

“The appearance of radio base station sites has not really been considered before. They have essentially been a steel tower and a container surrounded by a chain-link fence,” said Ulf Ewaldsson, vice president and Head of Product Area Radio, Ericsson in a statement.

 

Ewaldsson continued: “With this new approach, we not only create a more attractive look for this essential piece of community architecture, but we have also developed a design that is better for the environment and more cost-efficient to run.”