Use Case
Telecom Backup Power
Reliable, fire-safe energy storage for cell towers, base stations, and network infrastructure operating in extreme environments.
The Challenge
Telecom operators need backup power that works reliably in unattended, often unmanned sites across extreme climate zones. Lead-acid batteries degrade rapidly in heat and fail in cold. Lithium alternatives introduce fire risk in confined shelters.
Frequent battery replacements, fire suppression requirements, and temperature management systems add significant operational cost to network infrastructure.
The Zinc-Ion Solution
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries deliver backup power from -40°C to 55°C without active thermal management. The non-flammable electrolyte eliminates fire risk in enclosed telecom shelters.
With 2,500+ cycle life and zero replacement events over 10 years, zinc-ion reduces site visits and total cost of ownership compared to lead-acid (2-3 replacements per decade).
Technical Fit
| Requirement | Zinc-Ion | Lead-Acid | LFP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temp Range | -40°C to 55°C | 0°C to 45°C | -10°C to 55°C |
| Fire Risk | None | Low | Moderate |
| Cycle Life | 2,500–4,000 | 500–800 | 3,000–6,000 |
| 10-Year Replacements | 0 | 2–3 | 0 |
| Active Cooling | Not required | Required >35°C | Required >45°C |
| Fire Suppression | Not required | Not required | Required |
Deployment Scenario
Rooftop BTS site, MEA region: A 48V rack system providing 8-hour backup for a 3-sector macro cell site in ambient temperatures exceeding 50°C. The zinc-ion rack replaces the existing VRLA bank without any modifications to the shelter cooling system.
Result: elimination of 2 battery replacement cycles over 10 years, removal of fire suppression system requirement, and continuous operation during summer heat waves that previously caused lead-acid capacity shortfalls.