EGE BATTERY INTERNATIONAL: Crystal-lead batteries for towercos and MNOs

Crystal-lead battery has been in existence for almost 20 years, and over the last ten years, one company in China has invested nearly CNY¥100mn (~US$15mn) to improve both its technology and production. EGE BATTERY INTERNATIONAL has enjoyed success over the years within its domestic market in China, working with clients such as China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, as well as the State Grid company. It also has a strong overseas presence worldwide, typically relying on distributors and agents to grow its footprint. With many energy solutions available on the market, read on to see how crystal-lead batteries compare against others.

TowerXchange: Please introduce your company – where do you fit in the telecoms infrastructure ecosystem?

Founded in 2003, EGE BATTERY INTERNATIONAL is a high-tech company based in Zhejiang China, providing patented lead-crystal batteries with superior performance to replace existing lead acid batteries in performance driven industrial applications. As an innovative, high performance and green lead-crystal battery supplier, we are committed to the research and development of safe, environmentally friendly, durable and sustainable battery products for today’s world.

With enhanced operational life, quicker charging time and a wider operating temperature range, the lead-crystal batteries are designed to perform exceptionally well in telecoms infrastructure ecosystem.

Integrating R&D, manufacturing and sales, the company occupies an area of 35,000 square metres, with the plant at over 20,000 square metres. We have almost 200 employees and an annual production capacity of two million units.

TowerXchange: What is your experience with the Asian market? Who are some of your customers?

Our products are currently distributed and in use across the globe, with applications in railway, mobile communications, UPS power supply, electric power, solar energy storage, electric vehicles, electric bikes and more. Our footprint covers over 30 countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Britain, France, the United States, South Africa, Australia and Malaysia. We’ve also established partnerships with Emerson and Philips.

In 2011 and 2012, the company won consecutive bids for Guangzhou city’s procurement of solar street lamp batteries. Our major clients include China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom, China State Grid, BT and Emerson.

TowerXchange: How do lead-crystal batteries compare to some of the other solutions on the market? 

Some of the strengths for lead-crystal batteries include zero to limited acid fog, long use life, a wide range of working temperatures, and limited environmental impact, so they are eco-friendly.

The batteries have 2/6/8/12V series, with capacity ranging from 7.2-3,000V, and 1,500 cycles at 80% DOD (depth of discharge). There is also less water loss associated, which prolongs battery life.

Lead-crystal batteries also have good charging capabilities, where after 100% deep discharge, it can be restored to capacity at the ambient temperature of 20°C ~ 30°C, with charging voltage set at 2.35V/cell ~2.40V/cell. In addition, it can accept charging at a higher current (0.35C10A), reducing charge time and improving charging efficiency. The batteries feature less self-discharge, with power maintained at 85%+ over a 12-months period.

The cost is around 20 to 30% more than traditional VRLA batteries. But this is outweighed by the enhanced lifecycle.

TowerXchange: What warrantee and after sales support do you offer?

While we currently do not have overseas service capacity, we are seeking potential partners to do so.