The Best Lithium-Ion Battery Backup UPS

UPS, short for uninterruptable power supply, can be described as an electrical device that offers an emergency source of power to a load when the mains power fails. In other terms, have you ever experienced using a desktop computer, and the energy in the building goes out? In such incidences, the machine remains on, thus allowing you to save your work to avoid losing it. The device that provides such emergency power is hence known as a UPS.

Unlike a standby generator or any other emergency power system that needs to be turned on, manually or automatically, when power fails, the UPS functions differently. An uninterruptable power supply will provide immediate protection from input power interruptions by supplying the energy stored in its batteries to the computer. It is a form of continual power system with a relatively short on-battery runtime capable of sourcing power for a few minutes. This time limit is, however, enough to save work and shut down the protected device appropriately.

Devices protected by a UPS

A UPS is usually used to protect many hardware devices such as the following:

· Computers

· Televisions

· Gaming consoles

· Security systems

· Mobile devices

· Wireless networking devices such as routers

· Data centers

· Telecommunication equipment

· Servers

What is Lithium-ion battery backup UPS?

A lithium-ion backup UPS is an uninterruptable power supply device that incorporates lithium-ion batteries as the energy storage technology for its system. For many years now, lead-acid battery technology has much influenced the mass production of UPS technology. However, soon enough, lithium-ion batteries will completely replace lead-acid batteries in the UPS applications.

Many technological experts have been known to criticize the performance of valve-regulated lead-acid batteries used for the UPS system. Perhaps this may be the reason the UPS system has had limited application opportunities over the years. With lithium-ion batteries used in a UPS system; however, many benefits tend to present themselves.

Lithium-ion technology offers a web of advantages for UPS systems making it intriguing in their applications to any user. Such benefits that Li-ion batteries have over valve-regulated lead-acid one in UPS applications include:

1. Lithium-ion batteries have less weight and therefore occupy less space

This is evident in the fact that lithium is the lightest element on the periodic table. This makes the metal inside such lithium batteries impressively lighter than other battery technologies. This ultimately makes the Li-ion UPS easily transported, stored, or installed. The use of space is effectively maximized in this scenario.

The less space occupied by lithium batteries in UPS systems also indicates that less will be spent on cooling requirements as compared to lead-acid ones.

2. Lithium batteries have higher energy densities

Lithium batteries provide the highest amount of power as it has the highest energy densities among all other battery technologies. In comparison to the lead acid-based batteries, which are currently stocking the UPS production market, Lithium-ion cells for UPS provide more energy hence more emergency time.

3. Lithium-ion batteries have a higher temperature tolerance

Lithium-ion batteries can endure a broader range of temperatures as compared to valve-regulated lead-acid, VRLA, cells. A large percentage typically reduces a normal VRLA cell for every 10 degrees C increase on the average room temperature of 25-degree C. Lithium batteries tend to be less sensitive to temperature instability. They can also endure high ranges with little effects befalling its battery life.

4. A longer lifespan

Batteries manufactured for a UPS system should have been designed to offer maximum experience before a replacement is in order. A long-lasting battery, like lithium-ion ones, significantly lowers the maintenance cost for the UPS. Lithium-ion batteries manufactured for application in the UPS is expected to have a life expectancy of about ten years, which is higher than the VRLA cells.

5. Lithium-ion batteries come with pre-installed battery management systems, BMS

This BMS offers a monitoring opportunity for both the battery runtime and its health. While VRLA cells use outdated technology, whose accuracy cannot be relied on, Lithium-ion batteries allow you to monitor the life expectancy of the UPS appropriately.

The Cons of Lithium-ion batteries for UPS systems

However, much lithium-ion may carry many advantages as compared to their lead-acid predecessors; they have not been widely accepted for applications in the UPS. Here are a few reasons why:

· High initial costs

Lithium-ion batteries may be long-lasting and thus carry less of an expense when it comes to maintenance, but their price tags up front are costly.

· Seen as a safety hazard

Lithium-ion batteries have been perceived as a safety hazard due to reports of its dangerous failures. It’s true that lithium-ion batteries contain more active chemicals within it and hence give off that scary vibe.

· Reluctancy on new technology

Users may be reluctant to turn away from actual and tested battery technology for a new brand type that seems expensive to acquire and with fewer testimonials.

How can I avoid buying bad lithium-ion battery backup UPS?

A good UPS is essential to protect your electrical equipment from damage that could’ve been caused by a sudden power outage. To ensure you acquire a proper functioning lithium-ion battery UPS for purchase, you need to consider the following factors:

1. The warranty

A good standard-gauge warranty should last around 2 – 3 years for the UPS and batteries offered. This is how you can know whether or not the manufacturer is worth the investment. Extended warranties are even better as they tend to provide a replacement for the batteries as well.

2. Emergency backup runtime

A quality lithium-ion battery UPS should be able to offer a long backup runtime before the equipment shuts down. This allows the user to save files and properly shut down the device.

3. Amount of power needed

One needs to consider the amount of energy required to drive its devices and acquire the right lithium-ion UPS that can accommodate such quantities.

4. Cost incurred

Quality lithium-ion battery backup UPS systems might be pricey when purchasing, but the maintenance costs are meager.

How long should a UPS battery last?

The lifespan of a regular UPS may depend on a variety of factors, such as the conditions in which it is used. However, it is estimated that about 3 – 5 years should be the appropriate period for any UPS.

Conclusion

Valve regulated lead-acid batteries, VRLA, have long dominated the industry choice for UPS technology. However, the future seems to be in favor of lithium-ion technology as its benefits seem to overdo those of its predecessors. It’s time to migrate to a better battery technology solution for UPS systems with lithium-ion cells as our guides.