4 Benefits Of Lithium-Ion Batteries For Ups Systems – And 3 Major Perceived Challenges

Lithium-ion batteries for UPS systems are smaller and lighter, last longer and can function at high temperatures. It’s a no wonder more companies are making the leap from traditional VRLA to lithium-ion batteries.



Data centers, industrial processes, critical buildings, and critical infrastructures are quickly embracing the new lithium-ion technology for the numerous benefits that it presents over the lead-acid storage technology that’s been around for the past four decades.

With the increased cost of living, companies are always trying to reduce their operating costs, and maximize on the resources they have, such as space, employees, and machinery. Meaning, they don’t want to waste space, so they are embracing compact size machines that can fit in a small space. They also are shifting to advanced technology to enhance their solutions. This is why most of them are considering the lithium-ion batteries for their UPS systems.

Lithium-ion UPS units are utilized for wide-ranging operations, including powering cell phones, laptops, computers and for life support machines in hospitals. They last up to two to three times more than their lead-acid batteries counterparts do.

That said, here are the top four reasons why you should buy lithium-ion battery storage

Compactness

Lithium-ion batteries have a footprint that is 50% smaller and weighs about 60 to 80% less than the lead-acid batteries. The smaller footprint translates to minimized cooling needs, and 2/3 reduction in weight. As a client, you have the flexibility when it comes to where you can install the system, cutting out the need to modify or create spaces.

Wider temperature range

These batteries can withstand wide temperature ranges than their VRLA counterparts. The golden rule is that the life of the lead acid battery is reduced to half for every 18 degrees Fahrenheit increase above 77 degrees Fahrenheit ambient temperature. Lithium-ion batteries can work within broader temperature ranges without any effect on battery life.

Reduced cost of ownership

Lithium-ion batteries last between 10 to 15 years, which is almost the same lifespan as the UPS. VRLA batteries on the other hand only last 5 to 7 years, so you’ll need to change it about 2 to 3 times over the lifespan of a UPS system. It makes sense to say that the UPS systems that are powered by lithium-ion batteries should outlast the average 10-year lease. So what you get is increased reliability, uptime and reduced total cost of ownership.

Doesn’t require ventilation

Lithium-ion battery storage doesn’t need ventilation or to be placed in a separate room, and can, therefore, work in the same space as the UPS. VRLA batteries need ventilation to get rid of hydrogen exhaust, so they require a separate room from the UPS. When using the latter, you end up with long conduits runs to connect the two. Besides, the cost of ventilation is expensive.

With the many benefits that these batteries present, the question then is why aren’t so many data centers and mission-critical companies using lithium-ion? Here are some of our findings.

• Initial cost – The initial cost of lithium-ion batteries is higher than the lead-acid batteries.

• New technology – many would prefer to work with the traditional VRLA batteries because it’s what they’ve used for a long time. They see it as a challenge to move to new methods.

• Perceived safety hazard