TELECOM LITHIUM BATTERY

Your Complete Buying Guide for Telecom Battery in 2021

The constant and uninterrupted functioning of the world, in modern times, depends heavily upon a continuous, undisrupted supply of communication services. Consequently, the telecommunication service providers need a sophisticated system to tackle the power outage. This is where the telecom batteries come into play!

When it comes to the power backup system, telecom companies have a wide range of options to go for. Yet, the telecom batteries stand out in the crowd. The trend of battery usage in the telecom industry is emerging and taking a new shape. These days you do not need to use lots of money on electric solutions like generators or uninterrupted power supply as a backup, even if a power cut takes place. 

Telecom batteries have revolutionized everything. Batteries are not only a better solution; they are also considered as a “savior” for the industry in several aspects relevant to power outages.

This article is about everything you need to know before making a purchase decision for your Telecom Battery.

• 1.What is a Telecom Battery?
• 2.What are the different applications of telecom Batteries?
• 3.What is the system of telecom batteries?
• 4.What is the function of the battery in telecommunication?
• 5.What are different Telecom Battery manufacturers?
• 6.What should you look for when buying a Telecom Battery?
• 7.What are some general features every Telecom Battery must-have?
• 8.Is a Li-ion battery a better solution than a lead-acid battery for telecom?
• 9.What are the advantages of lithium-ion batteries for telecom?
• 10.How life cycle of Li-ion telecom batteries differentiates from others?
• 11.What is the price range of telecom batteries?
• 12.What types of batteries are used in the telecom industry?
• 13.What is Forklift battery charging procedure, hazards & safety?
• 14.How does the Telecom Battery backup system works?
• 15.How does lithium-ion battery assist for telecom towers?

1. What is a Telecom Battery?

Telecommunication refers to the long-distance transmission of voice and digital information by various means. Telecom batteries are the power backup system used in the telecommunication industry. The batteries are installed in the telecom towers in the form of combination, and are termed as “Battery Bank (BB)” or “Telecom battery bank”. These battery banks are installed in the cell towers to power the base stations.

Telecom battery system mainly works as a power backup, which means that it replaces the main power supply once there's an electrical breakdown. Being cost-effective, space-efficient, and eco-friendly, they're preferred and highly recommended over traditional generators powered by fuel.

2.What are the different applications of telecom Batteries?

The various applications of telecommunication batteries are given by:

• The telecom battery system is primarily used in power stations. Lead-acid batteries are more common as of now; however, the utmost efficiency offered by a lithium-ion battery is making it a strong contender in this regard.

• Telecom batteries power the base stations in remote areas and villages with no appropriate air conditioning system.

• The backup power supply of telecom batteries is used in indoor distribution source stations (DC-powered).

• Base stations lacking commercial power; PV (photovoltaic systems)

• Base stations with limited space also employ telecom batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are preferred over lead-acid ones owing to their lighter weight and lesser volume.

• They're considered as a premium solution for other services in the telecom industry such as fixed-wireline, wireless, and digital subscriber line (DSL) services.

• Additionally, distribution via fiber optic, ground and pole mounted cabinets, cell site (or cellular base station), private branch exchange (PBX), broadband, and microwave in the telecommunication also employ telecom batteries, contemplated an ideal solution to all these services.

3. What is the system of telecom batteries?

Primarily, the telecom battery system operates as a power backup to continue providing power upon electrical breakdowns. They’re also being employed to assist the generators in the remote telecommunication sites. Replacing a generator with a battery bank eliminates the cost of fuel and maintenance. Moreover, telecom battery (li-ion telecom battery to be specific) allows a constant supply of power to the base stations with a remarkably minimized time required for charging. The structure and function of telecom batteries are explained in the coming section.

4.What is the function of the battery in telecommunication?

The basic function of a telecom tower battery is to provide undisrupted power to the base stations to keep the availability of services intact during a power outage. In the battery storage power stations, telecom battery doesn’t work as a single unit, rather there’s a combination of multiple battery systems. Let’s give you key insights on how telecom battery banks work:

Functioning of Telecom Battery Banks

A battery bank comprises multiple telecommunication batteries. The number of batteries involved in the combination varies according to the requirement (minimum of 4 batteries). In the most basic terms, telecom batteries convert the AC source into DC power via a rectifier. The combination mostly operates in a 48V DC-powered configuration (negative).

Batteries are placed in shelves or cabinets (positioned vertically if the site is space-constrained). The installation procedure has a slight variation for indoor and outdoor arrangements.

• Indoor Sites

Battery banks in indoor sites are kept in shelved cabinets inside a room or dorm dedicated to the battery system.

• Outdoor Sites

In an outdoor setup, the battery system is placed inside sealed cabinets to ensure security and keep it safe from hazards.

Negative Voltage – Why is It Used?

Telecommunication batteries mostly operate in negative voltage. Unlike traditional battery systems, the positive side of the battery is grounded and hence holds zero potential for conductivity. The negative voltage is termed “hot” and is preferred to get the maximum output from the 48V telecom battery configuration. Several other reasons for negative voltage are given by:

• The lack of electrons on the negative prevents high voltage lightning.

• Metal corrosion on the negative side is significantly lesser than on the positive side. Reduced corrosion increases the life of the equipment.

• With lesser electrons, it remains a safe side to perform telecom operations.

• Negative voltage provides efficient transmission of power for telephone lines.

5.What are different Telecom Battery manufacturers?

Telecommunication battery solutions come in various types; however, lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries remain on the top. There are various trustworthy telecom battery manufacturers and distributors across the world, with some of them listed below:

• East Penn Manufacturing (Lead-acid telecom battery manufacturers; operating through subsidiaries)

• Exide Technologies

https://www.exideindustries.com/international-business/industrial-export-batteries/telecom-batteries.aspx

• Victron Energy

https://www.victronenergy.com/batteries/telecom-batteries

• NorthStar Batteries

https://www.northstarbattery.com/telecom

• Alpine Power Systems

https://alpinepowersystems.com/telecom-products/telecom-batteries/

• Saft Manufacturers

https://www.saftbatteries.com/market-sectors/telecom-networks/telecom

6. What should you look for when buying a Telecom Battery?

The primary features of the battery used in the telecom industry are the same as the ones used in other industries; such as, dependability, durability, ability to withstand extreme temperatures, low maintenance requirements, and rapid cycling, etc. However, there some must-knows you're ought to look for when buying a telecom battery:

Determining the Appropriate Battery for Telecom Industry

There are several kinds of lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries serving various purposes across industries. The manufacturers design the batteries dedicated for telecommunication to power the base stations. The criteria to opt for the right telecom battery involves the following features:

• Deep Discharge Sustainability

The telecom battery you're going to opt for should sustain deep discharging (i.e., deep cycle battery on the preference) and must be able to produce a stable power output.

• Charge Efficiency

The product must have improved charge efficiency with high cycle life.

• Low Leak Current

Subsequently, it should be leak-proof and spill-proof to enhance the life cycle; must have a low leak current as well.

• Temperature Sustainability

The battery must have the ability to sustain high and low temperatures given the increasing climate change; more specifically for the pole-mounted ones.

• Off-Grid Renewable Energy Storage

The product must show great compatibility with off-grid renewable energy storage systems such as solar energy systems.

• Size and Weight Compatibility

The telecom battery system should be scalable enough to come in handy for all kinds of spaces. Similarly, the preference should be lighter weight and smaller size to make it sit right with the storage capacity.

• Maintenance Evasion

The least maintenance requirement is one obvious point you should look for when choosing the right battery for telecom services.

• Temporary or Permanent Install

Telecom batteries not only serve as a permanent backup solution but they're also used temporarily to provide backup power supply during timely repairs. Make sure your “temporary battery” can abruptly replace the primary power source during an emergency.

These are the key points to establish an appropriate criterion when buying a battery for telecommunication services.

7. What are some general features every Telecom Battery must-have?

Much has been said in the previous section to explain the features of a telecom battery. Let us compile all the info regarding its features here for your convenience.

• High power storage capacity.

• Endure extreme temperatures.

• Can work efficiently on solar (or other off-grid energy sources).

• Scalable and adjustable for congested spaces.

• Compatible with indoor UPS battery pack and outdoor battery pack settings.

• Cost-efficient, non-hazardous, safe shipping.

• Proven chemical composition with eco-friendly materials.

• No harmful emission of gases

• Incorporated with the battery management system.

With these points in focus, we can deduce that lithium-ion for telecom applications remains an ideal choice. In the next section, we’ve discussed in detail how a lithium-ion battery fares in the telecommunication sector.

8. Is a Li-ion battery a better solution than a lead-acid battery for telecom?

The lithium-ion battery is certainly a better solution than all other types of battery systems used in telecom services and telecom towers. Although the industry is dominated by lead-acid batteries as of now, the use of lithium-ion batteries is growing rapidly over time. Below, we’ve discussed the pros of li-ion over lead-acid batteries in the telecom sector:

Efficiency

Lithium-ion batteries have improved charge efficiency and, in turn, have a longer cycle life. It is highly beneficial in terms of saving time and cost as the battery banks last longer and have extremely rare cases of failure. Being lesser efficient, lead-acid batteries lose as much as 30% of the provided energy, which means that a battery system would give 70Amp of power output if 100Amp of power is provided. On the contrary, the higher charge efficiency of the lithium-ion battery allows it to store 90 to 95Amp of power with a 100Amp of input.

Fast Charge Acceptance

One of the major drawbacks of lead-acid batteries is the slow charging procedure, which means more generator run time and decreased fuel efficiency for telecom applications. So much so, that if you’re supposed to charge it via solar energy, the sun may vanish way before the battery reaches its full charge capacity. Lithium batteries charge incredibly faster and provide fuel efficiency as well. They do not need any absorption time, which means that they’re a more fitting choice to work as a telecom battery for solar.

Least Generator Run Time

Fast charge acceptance means decreased generator runtime. Remote sites which rely on generator power can be assisted by batteries to limit the running time of the generator. The slow charge rate of lead-acid battery makes an expensive option in the long run as generator runtime increases and so is the fuel to run it. Lithium-ion telecom batteries might be a little expensive initially; however, the assistance it provides to the generators later on largely accounts for its cost and turns it into the most desirable option in the telecommunication sector.

Battery Monitoring on Remote Sites

The latest variants of li-ion telecom batteries include a sophisticated battery management system. The BMS keeps a check on all the critical performance metrics of the battery and ensures a maximum power output to the base stations. As for remote sites, the privilege of online monitoring nullifies the hassles of frequent site visits for performance inspection, unlike a lead-acid battery system.

Overall Cost Reduction

As it is established, the high efficiency, high energy density, and increased charge acceptance account for lower generator runtime and lesser fuel cost. Additionally, the reduced site visits for performance and maintenance checks save both time and money. Evidently, the li-ion batteries remain a highly cost-efficient option in the telecom sector.

Key Takeaways

• Fast charging

• Higher energy density

• Longer cycle life and improved efficiency

• Less generator run time

• Shorter charge cycles

• No current and acid leakage

• No harmful and pollutant materials in the composition

• No maintenance hassles

• Compatible with space limitation

• Battery Management System (BMS)

9. What are the advantages of lithium-ion batteries for telecom?

Lithium-ion batteries have a variety of applications with unique benefits in the telecom industry. Although we’ve had a thorough discussion on the role of li-ion and other batteries in the telecom sector, let us give some more insights on its advantages in the communication field:

• The power-output-to-weight&volume ratio of the li-ion battery makes it a strong contender to all other battery products in telecommunication. The lead-acid battery is double or three times the weight and volume of a Li-ion battery with the same capacity.

• Li-ion battery can deliver almost all of its rated capacity (average current it releases in a given period) within 10 minutes. Hence, it operates as an uninterruptible power supply of the base station, making it an ideal temporary power backup system.

• Lithium batteries are environmental-friendly as there’s a complete absence of acids, chemicals, and other pollutants. Similarly, there’s no emission of toxic gases during their operation and require little-to-no maintenance.

• The 48V lithium-ion battery possesses some incredible high-temperature characteristics. These unique features can help in reducing the power consumption of the base station.

• Li-ion battery has great compatibility with all charging stations and power system controllers. Therefore, there’s no need to change the charge parameters when acquiring a new battery.

10. How the life cycle of Li-ion telecom batteries is different from others?

The life cycle of lithium-ion telecom batteries is much greater than that of the traditional lead-acid batteries. This is due to multiple reasons, most of which have been discussed in the previous sections. Here’s a brief overview in this regard:

• Li-ion telecom batteries have 4 times longer cycle life compared to lead-acid batteries.

• High efficiency and lesser time consumption of charging contribute to maximum output, increasing its lifespan.

• Li-ion telecom batteries are comprised of light metal. Hence, they possess relatively high energy density and can store more energy for a longer time.

11. What is the price range of telecom batteries?

The price of a telecom battery differs with its types and variants. The traditional AGM battery of 12V 200Ah costs around $500. While 48V lithium-ion telecom battery costs around $300-$900 depending on the ampere-hours it is providing. Bear in mind that the mentioned price accounts for a single unit and not the entire battery bank. For a complete battery bank of lithium batteries, the price ranges from $19,000-$21,000 for 1000kWh-2000kWh.

12. What types of batteries are used in the telecom industry?

There are several types of batteries being employed in the telecom industry. The two leading ones include Lead-Acid telecom battery and Lithium-Ion telecom battery.

Lead-Acid Telecom Battery

The lead-acid battery is the most commonly used variant in the telecommunication sector. They’re rather an inexpensive option as they cost far less than the latest variants, mainly the lithium-ion battery. However, having lower energy density, being heavier in weight, and covering more volume, they tend to remain a somewhat less desirable option since the inception of lithium batteries.

Lead-acid batteries in the telecom industry are usually “valve-regulated”, or in simpler terms, sealed lead-acid batteries (VRLA). A 48-volt battery consists of 24 battery cells connected in series, each of 2V, to make it 48V in total. Valve-regulated lead-acid batteries are further categorized into various types in regards to their chemical compositions:

• VRLA AGM (absorbent-glass-mat) battery

• VRLA TPPL (thin-plate-pure-lead) battery

• VRLA Gel battery

• Flooded Lead-Acid battery

Lead-Acid Telecom Battery

With all the advancements and improvements, li-ion batteries enjoy a remarkable superiority over every other option in the battery market. The maximized power output with weight and volume efficiency enables the lithium-ion telecom batteries to last 4 times longer than lead-acid telecom batteries.

NiCd and NiMH Batteries

In addition to VRLA and li-ion, batteries based on nickel oxide hydroxide (NiOOH) are also an option for telecommunication services. Though not so common, NiOOH batteries have their fair share of features in the telecom market. Based on NiOOH chemistry, there are two batteries in the market:

• Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) battery

• Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) battery

13. What is Forklift battery charging procedure, hazards & safety?

• Battery Charging

The forklift battery charging must be done in some specific charging station. Similarly, the changing of battery location should also be some similar spot. Take in view the location of charging should have enough ventilation. So, if poisonous chemicals come flowing out of the battery, then there would be some air to extinguish it. 

The battery charging area should not have any smoking place around. However, there must be some detector at the charging location of the battery. It will detect any unusual substance in the air. 

14. How does the Telecom Battery backup system work?

Each battery system used in the telecom industry has a dedicated BMS (battery management system) to regulate the flow, measure the voltage, temperature, and resistance of individual cells as well as gauge the packed current and packed resistance.

BMS keeps the batteries fully charged upon the availability of electricity. Energy to charge is acquired from any of the sources provided; on-grid electricity or off-grid renewable energy (solar). Upon power breakdown, the battery banks work as a primary power source as BMS converts the stored energy into electricity to power the stations. Consequently, the power supply remains consistent without a lag, and telecommunication services remain undisrupted.

15. How does lithium-ion battery assist for telecom towers?

The use of lithium-ion batteries is rapidly growing in telecom and cell towers. Typically, the batteries are stored in an outdoor setup in a separate compartment. This compartment is water and heat resistant to avoid any hazardous situation and keep the maximum output unharmed during rainfalls and summers.

Lithium batteries for the telecom tower aren’t operated as a single unit, rather a combination of multiple batteries is incorporated. This combination works as a backup system for uninterrupted delivery of power upon a breakdown, keeping the cellular services intact. A backup system based on lithium batteries is certainly much more efficient due to definite technical superiority.

Conclusion

Batteries in the telecom industry are dedicated to serving a variety of functions. They’re employed in the sectors where the common batteries fail to give the required performance. Therefore, it is prudent to have a detailed analysis of the functional utility of the battery system before buying it.

After going through the article, there’s no reason left for you to avoid li-ion telecom batteries. While you may get tempted to go for lead-acid batteries given their economical edge, you should rather prefer functional superiority over everything to ensure remarkable benefits in the longer run.