Alcatel‑Lucent ALU‑BZ74 99BC‑4 –48V Battery Cabinet
The Alcatel‑Lucent ALU‑BZ74, also designated 99BC‑4, is a robust battery cabinet designed for –48 V DC telecom power systems. This cabinet provides a secure, thermally managed enclosure for valve‑regulated lead‑acid (VRLA) batteries, ensuring reliable backup power for central offices, remote base stations, and outdoor shelters. It is engineered to meet the high‑availability requirements of modern communication networks.
Product Overview
The ALU‑BZ74 is a floor‑standing cabinet constructed from heavy‑gauge steel with a corrosion‑resistant powder‑coat finish. It accommodates up to four strings of batteries, each string typically consisting of 24 VRLA cells (2V each) to provide a nominal –48 VDC output. The cabinet includes integrated busbars, circuit breakers, and monitoring sensors for voltage, current, and temperature.
This model is specifically designed for use in Alcatel‑Lucent power distribution systems, offering compatibility with rectifier shelves and load distribution panels. The cabinet features front and rear access for easy maintenance, and its ventilated design ensures adequate airflow to prevent thermal runaway.
Technical Specifications
Product Name: Battery Cabinet
Model: ALU‑BZ74 / 99BC‑4
Nominal Voltage: –48 VDC
Battery Capacity: Up to 4 x 100 Ah strings (or equivalent, depending on cell selection)
Number of Battery Positions: 24 cells per string (2V each), configurable
Physical Construction: 19‑inch rack‑mountable or floor‑standing (adjustable feet)
Dimensions (H x W x D): 1800 x 600 x 600 mm (approximate)
Weight (empty): 80 kg; (loaded with batteries): up to 450 kg
Material: Steel with anti‑corrosion coating
Protection Rating: IP20 (indoor) with optional IP54 (outdoor with additional sealing)
Cooling: Passive convection with perforated doors
Busbars: Copper, rated for 400 A continuous
Monitoring Interface: Dry contacts and optional SNMP module for remote alerts
Operating Temperature: 0°C to +40°C (battery dependent)
Compliance: NEBS GR‑63, GR‑1089, RoHS
Key Features
Modular battery mounting: Holds standard VRLA cells with quick‑connect terminals.
Integrated overcurrent protection: Circuit breakers per string and main feeder.
Temperature monitoring: Sensors to adjust charging voltage and prevent thermal runaway.
Front‑accessible wiring: Simplifies installation and maintenance.
Cable management: Dedicated routing paths and tie‑down points.
Earth grounding: Integrated grounding busbar for safety.
Deployment Scenarios
This cabinet is typically installed in central offices alongside rectifier shelves and load distribution panels. It provides emergency power backup for switching, routing, and transmission equipment during commercial power failures. In outdoor shelters (e.g., cellular base stations), it is often paired with DC‑DC converters to ensure stable voltage to sensitive electronics.
The design allows easy scaling by adding more cabinets in parallel for increased backup time or capacity.
Installation and Maintenance
Installation requires secure floor anchoring and proper ventilation clearance. Battery connections should follow torque specifications. Routine maintenance includes checking terminal tightness, cleaning, and periodic capacity testing. The cabinet's monitoring interface can be wired to a site alarm panel or the NMS for remote notification of voltage/temperature alarms.
Compliance
Meets UL 1778, IEC 60950‑1, and Telcordia GR‑3171. The cabinet is also designed to withstand seismic zones per NEBS.
Conclusion
The Alcatel‑Lucent ALU‑BZ74 99BC‑4 battery cabinet offers a sturdy, reliable solution for –48 V DC backup power. Its flexible battery configuration, integrated monitoring, and robust construction make it a trusted choice for telecom operators seeking to maintain uninterrupted service.
