Hyderabad-based HBL Power Systems is an organisation engaged in design, development and manufacturing of specialised batteries, DC systems and other specialised products to the need of Indian industry. Mr Avnish Arora, Vice President, HBL Power Systems Ltd, talks to IPF regarding the special batteries for Solar applications the company has developed recently. Excerpts:

HBL Power Systems is a well-known manufacturer of batteries. What are the special batteries you manufacture?

The specialised batteries which we offer are:

• Nickel Cadmium: pocket plate, fibre plate, sintered plate and sintered plastic bonded
• Lead Acid: flat plate AGM VRLA, tubular gel VRLA, pure lead tin AGM VRLA, ultra low maintenance tubular, electric vehicle batteries and submarine batteries
• Silver: primary silver zinc, secondary silver zinc, silver aluminium and silver chloride Mg, and
• Lithium: primary, reserve, rechargeable and thermal batteries.

What are the special features of batteries meant for solar applications?

Solar application is one of the tough applications for batteries. Batteries are exposed to extreme environmental conditions like exposure to both low as well as high temperatures. Besides this batteries usually operate under partial state of charge condition due to limited availability of solar energy. Therefore, batteries should have features to withstand PSOC operation.

Other features include deep discharge capabilities, higher cycle life, resistance to overcharge, higher charge efficiency at low rate of charging, low self discharge, suitable for high temperature and preferably maintenance free.

Tubular gel VRLA batteries have got all the above features hence are ideal for all solar applications and these are Completely Topping Free throughout their life time.

The solar powered cycle rickshaw is a good concept. Can you explain the details about the concept and execution? What has been the initial response?

The Soleckshaw is an optimally designed, pedal operated, motor assisted, zero carbon emission pedicab with enhanced speed, better ergonomics (especially for the driver), superior balance and improved strength. Other desirable features include good looks and optional accessories.

There are a number of Societal Benefits:

• Enhancing the dignity of human labour by diminishing drudgery and exhaustion involved in pulling/pedalling traditional rickshaws
• Increasing self employment at grass root level
• Conserving natural petroleum resources
• Zero pollution
• Affordable prices, and
• Beats drudgery hands down

The initial response has been pretty good and we have received many enquiries from various State Governments. Some states are offering subsidy up to 25%.

How strong/effective is the after sales service?

One of the strengths perceived by HBL in its growth is having strong and dedicated team to take care of after sales. We have a nation wide service network (NSN) in every nook and corner spread across the country. HBL has 44 service centres equipped with full infrastructures and emergency spares and more than 200 service locations with zonal service heads for effective monitoring and control. Our Motto says it all - "We do not forget our batteries after you have paid for them".

How does the cost of ownership over the life cycle compare with competition?

The cost of ownership of using tubular gel batteries works out to be cheaper than VRLA (AGM) batteries offered by competition. This is due to the fact that cycle life of tubular gel batteries is significantly higher than cycle life of VRLA (AGM) batteries. Cycle life of tubular gel batteries is approx 2100 cycles at 80% DOD when compared with approx 1200 cycles of that VRLA (AGM). However, in practice VRLA (AGM) batteries fails to even deliver full service life due to hostile field conditions and thus using tubular gel batteries the life expectancy is doubled.

What is the Company's history?

HBL is an acknowledged leader in field of specialised batteries and DC power systems in India. The company is established in 1977 and is located in Hyderabad, India. The company is the result of merger in 1999 between Hyderabad Batteries Limited (1977) and SAB NIFE Power Systems Limited (1986). The product focus on batteries and electronics and customer focus on five sectors (Aviation, Telecom, Defence, Industry and Railways) gives HBL an opportunity to meet diverse customer needs.

HBL is listed on the Mumbai Stock Exchange, and on the National Stock Exchange. The company recorded annual turnover of around Rs 1300 crore during the last financial year.

What are the company's achievements?

HBL always focussed on in-house R&D and in-house capital equipment as a substitute to imported capital equipments and save capital cost. The company has also built wide sales and service network to cater focussed customer base.

Any breakthrough product launch that made a difference?

Tubular gel VRLA battery introduced to Indian market for Telecom and Solar power applications and PLT VRLA AGM SLI battery is the first for the automotive sector.

How is present business environment?

Telecom segment has currently slowed down due to limited rollout and is awaiting 3G expansions. However batteries for power segment, railways, automotive is increasing. Further margins are reducing due to frequent fluctuations in raw material prices and increasing competition.

What are the future plans?

The company plans to focus on railways and defence electronics. It has plans to set up manufacturing plant for SLI batteries for two and four wheeler market. We are also focusing on setting up of solar panel and windmill manufacturing unit at Hyderabad.

HBL Power Systems Ltd, Mahaboobnagar, Andhra Pradesh. Tel: 08548-240456-65. Fax: 91-8548-240472, 240474. Email: horail@hbl.in