A manufacturer of outdoor telecommunications enclosures contacted Caliente about a more cost effective and reliable battery heater. The company had utilized a silicone pad construction that was expensive, and had field service issues due to leaking acid from the batteries degrading the silicone and shorting the heaters out.

Caliente first analyzed the required usage of the part, which occurred as the ambient temperature in the cabinet began to approach freezing. The heater wattage had been spec'd based on taking a cold battery from -40C to 0C, which was much higher than necessary, and was likely affecting the battery life by keeping the batteries too hot. 

The wattage was scaled back in order to keep the batteries warm as the ambient temperature dropped.  This allowed Caliente to use a more cost effective polyester material set. An added benefit to the polyester was the fact that it was also acid resistant, eliminating the potential for a short in case of an acid leak. 

Upon further review, it was determined that the wattage could be dropped by another 30% by adding foam under the heater and on top of the shelf to prevent heat from being sunk down into the shelf. The result was a more cost and energy efficient design, with the added benefit of acid resistance, and a very happy customer. Contact Caliente today to evaluate the thermal requirements of your battery or fuel cell backup system.