Saft obtains initial successes on investment in new generation Tel.X telecom network batteries

“Extreme temperatures and high levels of humidity are a particular challenge for outdoor telecom installations, so with Tel.X we focused on developing a battery capable of delivering high performance, reliability and low TCO (total cost of ownership)”, says Xavier Delacroix, the General Manager of Saft’s IBG division. “The early success of Tel.X has come from wireline and wireless operators working in locations where outdoor cabinets are subjected to very high or very low temperatures. They have recognized the opportunity to make a switch from troublesome VRLA batteries to totally reliable, long-life, compact and maintenance-free nickel-based technology”.

Saft has developed the Tel.X battery for backup power applications in outdoor telecom installations such as cabinets and end terminals in fibre-optic ‘triple-play’ networks as well as BTS (Base Transceiver Station) and BSC (Base Station Controller) installations in wireless networks. Thanks to its advanced nickel-based technology, Tel.X is both maintenance-free and compact, light and easy to install – around 20 minutes for a typical 48 V battery. Furthermore, Tel.X is designed to ensure reliability over an exceptionally long service life, even at exceptionally high and low cabinet temperatures – for example, it will last for at least 14 years at +40°C. In most cases, the Tel.X battery will perform at least as long as other key components in the installation, during which time it will not require any maintenance.

Tel.X also offers high volumic energy density, around 95 Wh/L, while weighing around 30 percent less than a conventional battery. It is designed for use in standard 19” and 23” racks and cabinets, where its compact size makes it easy to fit and install as a direct replacement for VRLA batteries. Tel.X is compatible with all telecom rectifiers and is available in a wide range of capacities.