Enhancing Network Reliability with Valen’s Lithium Battery Solution
The Challenge
One NZ (formerly Vodafone), a New Zealand telecommunications provider with a network of over 2,000 cell sites, faced challenges with their existing backup power systems. Their infrastructure relied on 190Ah VRLA batteries housed in standardized cabinets. Upgrading the backup power without replacing the cabinets posed a significant constraint, limiting options for alternative solutions.
Additionally, the existing battery setup lacked advanced monitoring capabilities. Without real-time insights into battery health or charge status, One NZ struggled to strategically deploy technicians to critical sites. This limited visibility put the reliability of their network at risk, particularly during outages or peak demand periods.
The Solution Process
Valen Power engaged with One NZ using a structured approach to identify and address their needs:
Discover: Valen’s team worked closely with One NZ to understand the operational and technical limitations of their existing infrastructure. Key pain points included the need for a higher-capacity battery that fit the current cabinets and advanced monitoring for better asset management.
Design: Valen proposed 48V 80Ah front –terminal lithium batteries. These offered twice the capacity in the same form factor as the 190Ah VRLA batteries, while incorporating comprehensive monitoring features.
Deliver: Valen supplied the lithium batteries with plug-and-play compatibility, enabling a smooth transition without cabinet replacements. The batteries communicated natively with One NZ’s existing systems, simplifying installation and operation.
Support: Post-installation, Valen provided ongoing technical support to ensure optimal performance and to help One NZ leverage the full capabilities of the monitoring system.
The Solution
Valen’s 48V Front Terminal lithium batteries were specifically designed to address One NZ’s challenges:
- Form Factor Compatibility: The batteries fit seamlessly into the existing cabinet infrastructure, avoiding the costly and time-intensive process of cabinet replacement.
- Increased Capacity: By doubling the runtime in the same form factor, the new batteries provided One NZ with significantly extended backup power.
- Advanced Monitoring Features: The batteries offered real-time data, including:
- State of Health (SoH)
- State of Charge (SoC)
- Individual cell voltages
- Current flow
- Over-temperature and over-voltage alarms
These features enabled One NZ to monitor their assets remotely, reducing site visits and optimising technician deployment.
The Outcomes
Valen’s solution delivered measurable benefits to One NZ:
- Extended Runtime: The new batteries doubled the runtime of backup power, ensuring uninterrupted service during outages and giving technicians more time to respond to issues.
- Proactive Maintenance: With advanced monitoring, One NZ could prioritize critical sites, optimize technician schedules, and reduce unnecessary site visits.
- Enhanced Network Reliability: The combination of increased capacity and real-time data significantly improved the reliability of One NZ’s telecommunications network.
- Significant Cost Savings: A key outcome of this project was significant cost savings. By designing front-terminal lithium batteries that fit into the existing racks, Valen enabled One NZ to expand their energy storage capacity without the need for costly infrastructure modifications. This maximized the use of available space while reducing installation time and expenses, delivering an efficient and cost-effective solution.
“Valen were the only ones who could sort our issues out. Their solution not only fit seamlessly into our existing infrastructure but also gave us the tools we needed to enhance network reliability and optimise our operations.” — Client Representative
Valen’s tailored approach and innovative battery technology empowered One NZ to overcome their challenges, ensuring a resilient and efficient telecommunications network for their customers.
Reach out to the Valen team to discuss how we can help you increase reliability in your comms sites.