Lithium-ion batteries have many advantages over VRLA batteries:
Lasts longer – up to 2x
Lighter weight – easier to install
Smaller size – same performance [power] in a smaller package
Faster charging times – less time to prepare for another power outage
Total cost of ownership (TCO) savings of up to 50%
Able to withstand higher operating temperatures
Integrated battery management system (BMS) – remote monitoring
Green - safer for the environment
Lithium-ion battery technology is a disruptive battery technology for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. While valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries have been used in the industry for decades, the benefits of using lithium-ion batteries in UPS systems cannot be ignored.
Longer service life and less maintenance
Lithium-ion batteries last twice as long as VRLA batteries. VRLA batteries have a typical lifespan of 3 to 5 years, while lithium-ion UPS batteries can last 8 to 10 years (or more)—often as long as the UPS itself. This could mean you don’t need to replace batteries throughout the life of your UPS, saving operating costs and reducing the risk of downtime during maintenance. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries can withstand more charge/discharge cycles compared to VRLA batteries, i.e. 3,000 to 5,000 cycles versus 200 to 500 cycles, which in turn increases the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries by 8 to 10 years .
Higher temperatures, no performance degradation
Lithium-ion batteries can also withstand higher temperatures than VRLA batteries without performance degradation. For every 15°F increase in temperature (above 77°F), the life expectancy of a VRLA battery is reduced by about half, resulting in a significant decrease in performance. Lithium-ion batteries can operate in temperatures up to 104°F without performance issues. This means the ability to use UPSs with lithium-ion batteries in more non-traditional, harsh environments such as industrial and edge applications.
Smaller, lighter and more flexible
Lithium-ion batteries are 40% to 60% lighter and approximately 40% smaller than VRLA batteries. This makes it easier to mount the UPS and its batteries in a rack or elsewhere, providing flexibility in mounting options. The smaller size of lithium-ion UPS batteries also allows companies to get longer run times in the same space, or the same run time in a smaller space. Since edge computing and smaller data center space is at a premium, this can have a significant impact in securing these applications.
Charge faster
Once backup power is required, the UPS battery needs to be charged to full capacity as quickly as possible. A VRLA battery can take more than 12 hours to charge from 0% to 90% runtime, while a lithium-ion battery only takes 2 to 4 hours. This reduces the overall risk of another outage occurring before the UPS battery is fully charged.
Integrated battery management system (BMS)
Unlike VRLA batteries, lithium-ion batteries have an integrated battery management system (BMS) that protects the battery from temperature, current, and over- or under-charging issues. BMS continuously optimizes battery charging to maximize performance and extend battery life.
Lower total cost of ownership
Lithium-ion batteries can save up to 50% in total cost of ownership over their lifetime due to a number of factors:
Longer life compared to traditional VRLA batteries
Able to withstand more charge/discharge cycles and higher temperatures
Reduce maintenance costs - no need to replace batteries under normal circumstances
Smaller footprint – reduces space requirements and installation costs
Eliminate misunderstandings:
Yes, lithium-ion batteries are safe!
Maybe you've heard concerns about spontaneous combustion of lithium-ion batteries and are worried about the safety of the technology. Batteries with this type of overheating problem, known as hot runway, are primarily used in cell phones and electric scooters and are very different from those used in UPS systems.
One big difference is the battery pack packaging used in UPS lithium-ion batteries. The packaging is designed to provide an extra layer of safety by being able to contain any excess heat caused by hot tracks. Various standards and certifications exist to ensure that a given battery system includes such safety features.
In North America, UL1973 applies to battery chemistries and enclosures used in UPS and other "stationary" applications. Likewise, the UL1642 standard for lithium batteries defines specifications to reduce the risk of fire or explosion.
Other international standards include the International Electrotechnical Commission standard IEC62133, which covers the testing and operation of lithium-ion batteries, and the United Nations standard UN38.3, which covers battery transportation.
