Sodium-metal halide batteries in diesel-battery hybrid telecom applications

GE is commercializing the Durathon™* sodium-metal halide battery for stationary power and electrified transportation applications. Attributes of the technology, which include high energy capacity, long cycle life, safe failure modes, and compatibility with extreme operating environments, make it particularly suitable for applications such as stationary back up power in areas where the electrical grid is unavailable. In off-grid or weak-grid telecom applications, cell towers that rely on backup generators and batteries can operate more fuel-efficiently by utilizing Durathon batteries instead of lead acid batteries for energy storage, reducing fuel usage and associated emissions. This manuscript describes the battery technology, performance in hybrid telecom applications and demonstrates the value Durathon batteries bring to off-grid and weak-grid telecom customers.