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Lithium-ion UPS explained
A UPS, or uninterruptible power supply, is a device that protects IT equipment and other electrical loads from problems that plague our electricity supply. A lithium UPS achieves this using a lithium-ion battery instead of the more common valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery.
Lithium-ion batteries have some significant advantages over conventional VRLA batteries. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two and offer some guidance when buying a lithium UPS.
A lithium battery is a type of rechargeable battery that uses lithium ions as a key component of its electrochemistry. During a discharge cycle, lithium atoms in the anode are ionized and separated from their electrons. The lithium ions move from the anode and pass through the electrolyte until they reach the cathode, where they recombine with their electrons and electrically neutralize. The movement of these lithium ions through the battery's circuit creates the electrical power supplied by the battery.
High energy density: Lithium-ion batteries can store more electrical energy for a given size. Two great examples of this are the BC36ML mini UPS and 1100W, 1U 5P1500R-L rack-mount UPS.
Memory effect: Some lead-acid batteries suffer from "memory effect" — if they're repeatedly recharged after being only partially discharged, they can "forget" that they can fully discharge. Lithium-ion batteries do not suffer from this problem.
Low self-discharge rate: All batteries self-discharge — they lose charge over time even when not in use. The self-discharge rate of lithium-ion batteries is much lower than that of other battery types.
Long cycle life: Lithium-ion batteries can be recharged hundreds, or even thousands, of times.
Fast charging: Lithium batteries typically charge faster than most other types of batteries.
Reduced weight: Lithium-ion batteries are typically lighter than other types of batteries with similar energy storage capacities.
Environmental impact: Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries are less harmful to the environment.
Safety risks: Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and cause a thermal runaway event if they are damaged or subjected to extreme conditions. To mitigate this risk, Eaton lithium-ion batteries have built-in safety measures.
Degradation over time: Like all batteries, lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, even when not in use. This means their capacity to hold a charge decreases over time.
Cost: Lithium-ion batteries are generally more expensive to produce than lead acid batteries. This is due to the complexity of their design and the cost of the materials used.
Environmental impact: While they are less harmful to the environment than lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries still pose environmental challenges. They contain materials that are difficult to recycle and can be harmful if not disposed of properly.
Transportation restrictions: Due to safety concerns, there can be restrictions on shipping lithium-ion batteries, especially by air.
This refers to the amount of power the UPS can provide, measured in volt-ampere (VA) or watts. The higher the capacity, the more devices it can support or the longer it can keep connected devices running during a power outage. Lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density than lead-acid batteries. This means that for a given physical size or volume, a Li-ion battery can store more energy. This higher energy capacity can translate into longer runtimes for UPS systems.
This is how long the UPS can keep your equipment running during a power outage. Make sure to estimate how much time you need to safely save your work and shut down your equipment. Lithium-ion batteries can be discharged more deeply than lead-acid batteries without significant damage. Typically, lead-acid batteries are recommended to be discharged only to about 50% of their capacity to preserve their lifespan. In contrast, many Li-ion batteries can be discharged up to 80% or even 90% of their capacity without significantly affecting their long-term reliability, allowing for longer runtimes.
Check how many outlets the UPS has and whether they match your needs. Some UPS units offer a mix of surge-protected outlets that provide battery backup and others that only offer surge protection. For their size, lithium-ion batteries can store more energy and support more connected devices than lead-acid batteries.
UPS units come in various shapes and sizes. Some are designed to sit on a desk, while others are intended to be rack-mounted. A lithium-ion battery’s higher energy density means it can deliver the same amount of power as a lead-acid battery while being smaller and lighter, making them easier to install and possibly freeing up rack space for other devices.
Some UPS systems offer USB or network connectivity for advanced features like remote management or automatic safe shutdown of connected devices during a power outage. This functionality is not determined by battery type.
Check the warranty period of the UPS. A longer warranty period often indicates the manufacturer's confidence in their product's reliability and durability. Lithium batteries have a longer lifespan and therefore a longer manufacturer’s warranty.
Choose a reputable brand. Reviews and ratings can help determine the reliability of the brand and the model you're considering. In particular, make sure the battery has built-in safety mechanisms to prevent issues like overcharging or overheating.
Check the type of battery used in the UPS. Lithium-ion batteries generally have a longer lifespan, better performance and require less maintenance.
Price can be a deciding factor. Lithium batteries are more expensive than equivalent lead acid batteries but have a number of compelling performance advantages. As always, look for a UPS that offers the best value for money based on your specific needs.
Consider your environmental conditions, such as the typical room temperature where the UPS will be located. High temperatures can shorten the lifespan of the UPS batteries. Lithium-ion batteries generally perform better than lead-acid batteries in a broader range of temperatures.
| Features | Lithium-ion batteries | Lead-acid batteries |
| Energy density | XXX | X |
| Efficiency | XXX
|
X |
| Lifecycle | XXX | X |
| Cost | X | XXX |
| Tolerance to abuse | X | XX |
| Availability and recycling | X | XX |
Energy density: How much energy can be stored in a given amount of space.
Efficiency: Usable energy relative to capacity and self-discharge rate.
Lifecycle: Number of charge and discharge cycles.
Cost: Initial cost to purchase.
Tolerance to abuse: For example, overcharging or deep discharging.
Availability and recycling: Availability of recyclers and recycling programs. Percentage of battery that can be recycled.
* Battery technology continues to evolve, and the advantages and disadvantages of each type may change over time as improvements are made.
High energy density: Lithium batteries have much higher energy density than other lead acid batteries. This means they can store more energy for their size, which makes them ideal for high-density server racks and other applications where space is at a premium.
No memory effect: Lead acid batteries can suffer from a 'memory effect' if they're repeatedly recharged before they're fully discharged. Over time, this can reduce their energy capacity. Lithium batteries do not suffer from this effect.
Low self-discharge: Lead acid batteries slowly lose charge over time, even when not in use. This isn't the case with lithium batteries, which have a relatively low self-discharge rate.
Long lifespan: A lithium battery can handle 2-3 times more charge/discharge cycles than an equivalent lead acid battery.
The answer to this question depends on your specific needs, the type of equipment you need to protect, and the environment in which the UPS will operate. Here are the main considerations:
Lifespan: Lithium-ion batteries have a longer lifespan than traditional lead-acid batteries. This means you won't have to replace the battery as often, which can offset the higher upfront cost over time.
Weight: Lithium-ion batteries are significantly lighter than lead-acid batteries. This could be a advantage if the UPS needs to be moved or if weight is a consideration for your installation.
Efficiency: Lithium-ion batteries are more efficient than lead-acid batteries. They have a lower self-discharge rate, meaning they retain their charge better when not in use.
Environmentally friendly: While both types of batteries have environmental concerns, lithium-ion batteries are generally considered less harmful than lead-acid batteries, provided they are disposed of properly.
Lithium-ion UPS systems tend to cost more upfront than those using lead-acid batteries. Therefore, whether a lithium-ion UPS is worth the extra money depends on whether these benefits outweigh the initial higher cost.
For example, if the UPS is protecting critical equipment and downtime is extremely costly, the longer lifespan and higher reliability of a lithium-ion UPS might be worth the extra expense. Similarly, if the UPS will be used in a high-usage environment where the battery will be cycled frequently, a lithium-ion battery's longer lifespan could also make it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Yes, lithium-ion batteries generally have a longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries in UPS (uninterruptible power supply) applications.
Lithium-ion batteries typically last for more charge cycles than lead-acid batteries. A cycle is defined as the process of charging a battery from 0% to 100% and then discharging it back to 0%.
On average, a lead-acid battery might last for 200-300 cycles, while a lithium-ion battery could last for 500-1000 cycles or more, depending on the specific chemistry and usage. However, these figures can vary widely based on the quality of the battery, the charging and discharging conditions, the depth of discharge, and other factors.
Additionally, lithium-ion batteries have a lower self-discharge rate, meaning they retain their charge better when not in use, which can contribute to a longer effective lifespan.
Keep in mind, though, that while lithium-ion batteries may last longer, they are typically more expensive than lead-acid batteries. The total cost of ownership, including the cost of replacement batteries and the value of improved performance, should be considered when comparing these two types of batteries for UPS applications.
Lithium-ion batteries in a UPS can indeed offer greater reliability compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, primarily due to the following reasons:
Longer lifespan: Lithium-ion batteries generally last longer than lead-acid batteries. They can typically handle more charge/discharge cycles, which means they don't need to be replaced as often.
Higher energy density: Lithium-ion batteries can store more energy for their size than lead-acid batteries. This makes them more efficient, especially for high-demand applications.
Better performance: Lithium-ion batteries can deliver their full rated capacity, unlike lead-acid batteries, which need to be oversized to deliver their full capacity. Lithium-ion batteries also handle high discharge rates better than lead-acid batteries.
Lower maintenance: Lithium-ion batteries typically require less maintenance than lead-acid batteries. They don't need periodic topping up of water, and they have a lower self-discharge rate.
Safety mechanisms: Modern lithium-ion batteries often come with built-in safety mechanisms to prevent issues like overcharging or overheating.
Temperature tolerance: Lithium-ion batteries generally perform better than lead-acid batteries in a broader range of temperatures.
However, keep in mind that while lithium-ion UPS systems can be more reliable, they are also typically more expensive upfront than their lead-acid counterparts. It's crucial to evaluate your specific needs, the critical nature of the devices you're protecting, and your budget to determine the best choice for your situation.
It's also worth noting that regardless of the type of battery, the reliability of a UPS system depends on proper use, maintenance, and management. Regular testing, correct loading, and keeping the unit in a suitable environment all contribute to the overall reliability of a UPS system.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) UPS systems can provide a longer runtime compared to lead-acid UPS systems, especially when considering their weight and size advantages. Lithium-ion batteries also have a longer lifespan, which can offset their initial higher cost over time.
Several factors contribute to these advantages:
Energy density: Lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density than lead-acid batteries. This means they can store more energy in the same amount of space, contributing to a longer runtime.
Depth of discharge: Lead-acid batteries typically only use about 50% of their rated capacity to avoid damaging the battery. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries can typically use up to 80-90% of their rated capacity, which means you get more usable power and hence a longer runtime.
Efficiency: Lithium-ion batteries are more efficient than lead-acid batteries. They experience less energy loss when charging and discharging, which can also contribute to a longer runtime.
Lifecycle: Lithium-ion batteries typically last longer than lead-acid batteries. They can withstand more charge/discharge cycles before their capacity begins to degrade.
It's important to note that while lithium-ion UPS systems have many advantages, they also come with a higher upfront cost compared to lead-acid UPS systems. However, the total cost of ownership can be lower for lithium-ion UPS due to the longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements.
As always, the specific performance can vary depending on the specific models and brands of UPS systems, so it's recommended to check the specifications and reviews before making a purchase.
Lithium-ion batteries are a valuable resource, and many of the materials used in them can be recovered and reused. However, because they can be hazardous if not handled properly, it's important to recycle them in the right way. Here are some steps to follow when recycling lithium-ion batteries:
Local waste facilities: Many local waste facilities have drop-off points for used batteries, including lithium-ion batteries. Contact your local waste management facility or municipality to find out if they offer this service.
Battery recycling services: There are companies that specialize in battery recycling. They have the necessary equipment and know-how to safely recycle lithium-ion batteries. You can usually find these services online.
Retailers: Many electronics retailers and some hardware stores offer battery recycling as a service to their customers. Look for collection bins in the store, or ask a member of staff.
Manufacturer take-back programs: Some manufacturers offer take-back programs for their products, including batteries. If you're disposing of a device that has a lithium-ion battery, check with the manufacturer to see if they offer such a program.
Special events: Some cities or municipalities hold special recycling events where they collect certain types of waste, including batteries. Check your local government website for information.
Before you recycle your lithium-ion batteries, make sure to discharge them completely to reduce the risk of fire. However, don't attempt to dismantle them yourself, as they can be dangerous if mishandled.
Recycling lithium-ion batteries helps to reduce the demand for raw materials, decrease the amount of waste going to landfill, and prevent the potential pollution that can result from improperly disposed of batteries. Remember, every effort to recycle contributes to a more sustainable and healthier environment.
No, you should not attempt to replace a lead-acid battery UPS with a lithium-ion battery. There are several reasons for this:
Charging parameters: Lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries have different charging profiles and parameters. They require different voltages and current limits during the charging process. Using the wrong charging profile can damage a battery, reducing its life, or in the worst case, cause a safety issue such as overheating or even a fire.
Battery management system (BMS): Lithium-ion batteries typically require a BMS to manage their operation, providing functions like overcharge protection, over-discharge protection, temperature monitoring, and balancing between cells. Most UPS devices designed for lead-acid batteries will not have a suitable BMS for lithium-ion batteries.
Physical compatibility: The physical size and connector types of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries can be different, making a direct replacement difficult or impossible without modification.
Regulatory and safety considerations: The safety regulations and requirements for lithium-ion batteries are different and generally more stringent than those for lead-acid batteries. The UPS device itself might not meet these requirements if it was not originally designed for lithium-ion batteries.
Warranty issues: Modifying the UPS or using non-approved batteries might void the manufacturer's warranty.
If you are interested in the benefits of lithium-ion batteries for UPS applications, purchase a new UPS system that's specifically designed to use lithium-ion batteries.
