The Uptimax battery is a new generation of nickel batteries that can be fully charged at a single voltage level instead of two. As a result, E.ON will be able to upgrade batteries while retaining their existing charger.

Saft Uptimax nickel battery technology offers long-term value over the lifetime of an installation. It provides a long operating life, high availability, and robustness. Unlike lead-acid batteries, Uptimax nickel batteries do not experience sudden failure and require no maintenance. Furthermore, they can accept a rapid charge for a quick return to service after a power outage, reducing risk and backup requirements.

Previous nickel-based battery models required a higher charging voltage, necessitating the replacement of existing battery chargers or an upgrade to adjust the charging voltage. However, this is not required for the latest generation of Uptimax, simplifying installation and reducing the overall cost of DC systems.

Roland Knobloch, Saft's sales manager for Central Europe, said: “By installing the latest Saft Uptimax nickel batteries, E.ON will benefit from long-term reliability, maintenance-free operation, and a fast return to service, all without replacing or upgrading its battery charger. We believe this is the first of many successes for the new Uptimax.”
Saft is supplying two nickel battery systems, each comprising 170 Uptimax 195 Ah cells and manufactured at Saft's factory in Oskarshamn, Sweden, through Statron Hungary, the industrial power supply integrator. The two companies formed a partnership in 2017 to identify potential sites to replace existing lead-acid batteries in Hungary's 120 kV distribution network.

Substations require battery backup power systems to operate electrical switchgear, as well as monitoring and control systems, in the event of a power outage. The batteries provide the power to manage network configurations, eliminating faults and helping operators perform network repairs safely.