READING, PA — EnerSys (NYSE: ENS) is developing a broadband network power system targeting up to 96% peak conversion efficiency, with commercial availability planned for 2027 as telecommunications operators seek to reduce electricity costs and maintenance requirements across distributed network infrastructure.
The company’s Alpha XM Edge system is undergoing development and validation, with its proposed efficiency improvements intended to reduce energy losses at powered broadband sites. The 96% efficiency target remains subject to final testing.
EnerSys recently received the highest possible rating of 5.0 Diamonds in the Active Network Hardware category of Lightwave’s 2026 Diamond Technology Reviews for the system.
The recognition comes before commercial deployment, with the product still subject to development, qualification and production-readiness requirements.
Broadband operators face increasing demands for network capacity while managing electricity consumption and operating expenses. Power-conversion losses at individual network sites can accumulate into substantial recurring costs across large networks.
EnerSys is designing the Alpha XM Edge to address those expenses through more efficient power conversion, modular components and remote monitoring capabilities.
“Operators have been clear that efficiency is now a much higher priority,” said John Hewitt, vice president of communications for the Americas at EnerSys. “We are designing the Alpha XM Edge power system to reduce conversion losses without compromising reliability, while also making the system easier to monitor and service.”
The proposed architecture includes hot-swappable power, standby, intelligence and control modules, allowing technicians to replace individual components rather than entire power units.
Integrated DOCSIS 3.1 communications, real-time diagnostics and analytics are intended to provide remote information about equipment performance, battery conditions and utility events.
Those capabilities could allow operators to identify equipment problems remotely and reduce unnecessary maintenance visits.
The system is also being designed to support conventional 60/90 VAC power distribution and synchronous switched direct-current configurations of up to 125 volts.
The higher-voltage architecture could reduce distribution losses and extend powering distances in suitable network configurations, providing additional flexibility in broadband equipment placement.
Lightwave’s Diamond Technology Reviews evaluates products through a panel of cable telecommunications engineering specialists. Assessment criteria include technical originality, customer impact, cost-effectiveness and the ability to address industry requirements.
The Alpha XM Edge received the program’s maximum score in its hardware category.
EnerSys previously scheduled a preview of the developing system at SCTE TechExpo26, held September 29 through October 1 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
The company is targeting phased commercial availability in 2027, contingent on completing validation, qualification and manufacturing-readiness activities.
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