With the rise of 5G & increasing energy demands for telecom power systems, sodium-ion batteries offer the potential for integration with renewable energy, further enhancing network reliability & sustainability. Come along & see why sodium-ion is an interesting cell chemistry option for telecom backup power!
Contact: Betsy Barry
Communication Manager
706.206.7271
betsy.barry@acculonenergy.com
Telecom power systems are vital in maintaining the continuity of modern telecommunication services and critical network infrastructure, ensuring that services we rely on in business, education, and nearly every sector of life run without interruption. Telecom power systems, including energy storage systems, must be durable, reliable, and power-efficient, particularly as customer demand for connectivity continues to skyrocket. In today’s telecom-dependent world, network failure is not an option, making uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems essential for consistent uptime. A reliable backup power system must be capable of providing uninterrupted power for optimal periods, typically ranging from six to twelve hours, or potentially longer, depending on the network’s specific requirements. One of the fundamental drivers of this need ties back to Service Level Agreements provided by Wireless Carriers ensuring uptimes approaching 99.999% or just over 5 minutes of downtime in a given year.
One emerging solution that is gaining attention as a viable candidate in the telecom backup power sector is sodium-ion battery technology. Sodium-ion chemistries are desirable due to their potential to reduce the carbon footprint associated with backup power systems and their ability to withstand extreme temperatures, meaning reduced cooling costs. In comparison to traditional lithium-ion chemistries, sodium-ion batteries offer several key benefits, making them a compelling choice for stationary applications like telecom UPS. First, they boast faster charging times, which is critical in situations where backup power needs to be restored quickly following an outage. Furthermore, sodium-ion batteries are known for their low-maintenance design and extended lifespan, which, when coupled with temperature advantages, significantly reduces the operational costs of managing telecom backup systems over time. Sodium-ion batteries also have an advantage over NMC and NCA lithium-ion variants, in that sourcing for sodium-ion batteries can be easily achieved through conflict-free options.
The rise of 5G networks and the increasing reliance on bandwidth services has intensified the need for more robust backup solutions. Maintaining network reliability has become a primary objective, especially in areas where the power grid is unstable or unreliable. In North America, consumers often take reliability for granted; however, as its infrastructure ages faster than can be repaired or replaced, new reliability challenges should be anticipated especially as the necessary grid repairs coincide with more overall electricity demand from data centers and industrial electrification. Many markets outside of North America require telecom systems to rely on auxiliary power sources to ensure that service-level agreements (SLAs) are met, and network outages are minimized. Sodium-ion batteries also provide an opportunity for integration with renewable energy sources, enhancing sustainability while keeping pace with the global shift toward greener energy solutions. Moreover, these systems can be used for demand response and peak shaving, offering additional flexibility and efficiency in energy usage.
As the telecommunications market continues to expand along with the need for cost-effective & reliable power solutions, sodium-ion batteries, with their low environmental impact, fast charging, long life, & low maintenance, are well-suited to meet the evolving demands of telecom backup power systems.
One of the motivating factors for using sodium-ion batteries in these stationary applications is the improved safety associated with their transport and deployment. In order to ensure maximum coverage, telecom systems can often be located in remote or geographically challenging areas; the ability to safely transport and install backup power systems without excessive risk is crucial. Sodium-ion chemistries offer a promising solution as they can be stored and transported at a 0 volt charge, making for fewer safety concerns compared to some other battery technologies–an appealing option for long-term telecom infrastructure projects.
Compliance with industry safety standards, such as UL 1973, which governs batteries for use in stationary applications, is essential for backup energy storage solutions. These standards ensure that UPS complies with stringent safety and performance criteria, providing network operators peace of mind that their systems will perform reliably in the event of an outage. Adhering to such standards is not just a matter of regulatory compliance but also crucial for maintaining the safety and durability of the telecom infrastructure.
As the telecommunications market continues to expand—driven by the rollout of 5G networks and the growing demand for data connectivity—the need for cost-effective and reliable power solutions is becoming more pressing. Sodium-ion batteries, with their low environmental impact, fast charging, long life, and low maintenance, are well-suited to meet the evolving demands of telecom backup power systems. Their ability to integrate with renewable energy sources further strengthens their appeal, particularly in regions focused on sustainability. Given the strong growth of the telecommunications sector globally, the adoption of sodium-ion chemistries in telecom backup systems could represent a significant step forward in safety, reducing operational costs and improving overall network reliability.