Temperature up, costs down: the influence of battery technology and thermal management in base stations

The battery is a vital component in powering wireless networks, and for efficient and safe operation lead-acid batteries are typically kept at controlled operating temperatures (20degC to 25degC). This is a major requirement for base transceiver station (BTS) air conditioners. However, recent developments in electronics allow all active equipment in the BTS to operate reliably at much higher temperatures than a lead-acid battery can. Therefore by considering more expensive but heat-resistant battery technologies, BTS thermal management can be totally re-defined. Operating costs and lives for air conditioning plant can be optimized, and equipment upgrades may be made simpler. This paper uses thermal models, international climate data and operator experience to construct a life cycle costing basis for the use of alternative battery technologies in BTS