Back-up power supply for telecommunications equipment

Reliable power supply for continuous data and voice transmission

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Application

Base transceiver stations (BTS) are often located in areas with difficult access. They need a reliable back-up power supply in case of power failure so that the availability of public communications systems is guaranteed at all times. Critical infrastructure, such as digital radio for authorities and organisations with security roles, must continue to be supplied with unlimited power in the event of a mains grid failure.

Output requirement for low-power BTS Between 500 and 700 W
Power requirement per day 12.000 – 16.800 Wh
Autonomy requirement Back-up power of 3 to 5 days

The challenge

Reliable back-up power via an off-grid power supply that is easy to operate and requires little maintenance.

More about uninterruptible power supply

Continous power supply

The solution:
EFOY Pro 12000 Duo

With the EFOY Pro 12000 Duo, an uninterruptible power supply is guaranteed and large banks of batteries can be avoided. By connecting multiple modules in parallel, higher outputs are also available.

More about EFOY Pro 12000 Duo

“Maximum safety

The biggest advantages are maximum safety and the fact that complex and constant re-fuelling with diesel is avoided. In winter, in particular, it can get very expensive, if there is a lot of snow and a helicopter is needed to reach the site.

Andrea Comuzzi, CALZAVARA SpA

100 % reliable

EFOY & EFOY Pro fuel cells supply reliable, autonomous back-up power without user intervention for up to 10 days – enough time to restore power.

Find out more about additional benefits

EFOY energy solutions used worldwide

Back-up Power Supply

In this guide to back-up power supply hardware, we explain these devices’ characteristics, frequent applications and advantages. Please continue reading for more.

What is a back-up power supply?

A back-up power supply guards electronic equipment against sudden loss of mains power outages. Also known as a UPS (uninterruptible power supply), the unit switches in to deliver alternating current to connected equipment in the event of mains power failure.

In other words, a back-up power supply is a continuous power supply that starts operating – or ‘kicks in’ – when its circuitry senses a loss of power from the primary electrical source.

What are the applications of back-up power supplies?

Back-up power supply usage is widespread and extends to data centres, health care facilities, life-support and emergency equipment, industrial processing, telecommunications and on-line management systems. A back-up power supply provides continuous, reliable power for sensitive loads in these areas.

Nowadays, it would be almost unthinkable not to have a power supply back-up for network servers, hubs and routers in a data centre, server farm or computer room. Even a short power interruption could cause data loss and revenue shortfalls.

What advantages are there to using a back-up power supply?

Typically, it is possible to plug two or more devices into a back-up power supply or use an adapter bar within recommended power rating limits.

Back-up power supplies characteristically feature surge protection and electrical noise filtering. In computer workstations, this reduces the risk of data corruption and hardware damage during power cuts due to supply faults or thunderstorms.

Back-up power supply systems usually go unnoticed as they work in the background, providing reserve power when needed. Thus, they enable the connected devices or equipment to operate reliably.

What role does surge protection play in a back-up power supply?

When a back-up power supply senses a surge in the voltage on an electrical supply line, it filters out the transient spikes. That way, peaks and troughs do not damage sensitive components in the computers or other electronic devices. A power supply back up also protects against unacceptably low voltages.

Apart from lost working time, spikes and transients can damage sensitive components in electronic and computer equipment. Because back-up power supply units prevent such inconvenience through surge protection and filtering, the risks of downtime and financial loss are considerably lower.

Potential problems with mains electricity supply lines include surges, blackouts, brownouts, overvoltage [1] and frequency variations [2]. Momentary spikes or electrical surges usually follow lightning striking the supply network lines or switching large inductive loads due to the back EMF (electromotive force).

Brownouts are drops in the supply voltage in some countries with limited infrastructure. Temporary under-voltage or voltage ‘sag’ is usually short-lived, though in effect a short brownout. In contrast, overvoltage is when the power line voltage rises too high for an extended period, i.e., not a spike or a surge.

Finally, frequency variations sometimes occur with locally generated supplies such as diesel generators.

What is the useful life of a back-up power supply?

The size and design of a back-up power supply determine how long it will supply power. A back-up power supply allows for the safe, orderly shutdown of a computer or other equipment.

Components plugged into the back-up power supply receive power for a limited time, typically ten to forty-five minutes, depending on the power drain and device specification. Thus, the power supply back up covers short periods of mains failure, enabling computer users to save working files and shut down properly. [3]

What are the special features of the EFOY back-up power supply?

Available in various performance categories and as bespoke solutions to meet client requirements, EFOY fuel cells are clean and reliable with outputs from 40 Watts for small-scale systems to a 500 W back-up power supply with 120 to 240 hours of autonomy [4].

Advantages

  • Totally safe design.
  • Virtually maintenance free.
  • Long autonomy.
  • Lightweight and relatively compact.
  • Quiet in operation.
  • Remote monitoring function.

In addition, the integrated charge controller monitors the charge status of connected 12 Volt and 24V batteries. Below a set level, it charges the fuel cells automatically to maximise their service life.

Conclusion

Back-up power supply devices provide short-term emergency power to minimise service interruptions and prevent equipment damage. We invite you to browse the EFOY range including the models designed for consumer usage. Alternatively, please contact our approachable team to discuss your requirements.

Further questions and answers about back-up power supply

Why is a back-up power supply important?

Power supply problems are occurring more and more frequently, for example, due to:

  • Surges
  • Blackouts
  • Brownouts
  • Overvoltage[1]
  • Frequency variations[2]
How long can a back-up power supply operate?

The size and design of a back-up power supply determine how long it can provide power. A back-up power supply allows a computer or other equipment to shut down in a safe, orderly manner.

What solution does EFOY Pro 12000 Duo offer?

The EFOY Pro 12000 Duo ensures a stable and reliable back-up power supply. With the help of the parallel connection of several modules, higher outputs are also possible.