Equipment used in the telecommunications sector—whether for data access or transmission via cable, optical fiber, or radio—shares a key characteristic: a 48V direct current (48Vdc) power supply.
Partly, this choice has historical roots, dating back to early telephone exchange architectures in the 19th century, where lead-acid batteries provided a stable and safe voltage, ensuring service continuity even during power outages. Today, however, 48Vdc remains an optimal balance between electrical safety, energy efficiency, and equipment reliability.
It is therefore not an outdated standard, but rather a choice that continues to offer clear engineering advantages, as well as full compatibility with existing telecom infrastructures.
Thermal management in the telecommunications sector
This power architecture has direct implications for thermal management. So-called telecom shelters and roadside cabinets house batteries, electronic equipment, and control systems that generate significant amounts of heat.
These installations are often located outdoors, exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Temperature fluctuations, solar radiation, and the presence of batteries can lead to a substantial increase in internal temperatures, with potential risks of malfunction or service interruption.
Thermal management therefore becomes a critical factor, directly affecting both component lifespan and infrastructure reliability.
The advantages of direct 48Vdc ventilation
In other application sectors, such as power distribution or industrial control cabinets, ventilation systems typically operate at 230Vac or 24Vdc, requiring dedicated power supplies or conversion systems.
In telecom applications, however, ventilation solutions based on brushless technology are increasingly being designed to operate directly at 48Vdc. These systems can be integrated into enclosures without the need for voltage conversion and can be paired with control systems that modulate airflow based on real-time thermal load.
The result is effective thermal management without increasing energy consumption or requiring additional power supply components.
Designing electrical enclosures using ventilation devices and controllers specifically engineered for 48Vdc offers several advantages. Brushless motors with permanent magnet rotors and integrated electronic drivers ensure more efficient power management and improved operational control.
They also integrate easily with speed control systems, allowing airflow to be adjusted according to actual thermal demand. This approach optimizes energy consumption and enhances overall system reliability.
For telecom applications, the first step toward maximizing performance is therefore to adopt ventilation and control systems designed to operate directly at 48Vdc.
This leads to a significant improvement in the reliability of outdoor cabinets and telecom shelters, ensuring operational continuity even in demanding conditions.
Fandis Smartflow at 48Vdc
Fandis has long offered solutions dedicated to 48Vdc ventilation, with a wide range of compact fans and external rotor units, as well as complete ventilation systems with air filters for wall-mounted and roof-mounted installations.
In addition, these solutions are now complemented by the new generation of Smartflow temperature controllers, designed to automatically modulate airflow based on detected temperature.
Not only are the fans designed to operate at 48Vdc, but so are the control and regulation devices, enabling seamless integration into telecom systems.
Discover more about Fandis solutions for the telecom sector by visiting our website or contacting our technical team.