Key benefits of Lithium-Ion batteries for UPS system batteries

Lithium-Ion batteries are seemingly everywhere these days. They are because their chemical makeup makes them practical and preferable for many purposes, from watches and phones to medical devices, to uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems made by Superpack.

But what makes Li-ion batteries preferable? It’s their characteristics.

Key Characteristics of Li-ion Batteries

Below are a couple of key points that make Lithium-Ion batteries the leading choice for UPS system batteries.

Lifespan: This is really the most important thing about a battery. Batteries should be designed for maximum life before needing to be replaced. The longer it can last without having to be replaced, the better, as it lowers maintenance costs and thus, lowers the total cost of ownership.

Space: Li-ion batteries have a higher power density and can store a larger amount of energy in a smaller space when compared to other battery chemistries.  Lithium-Ion batteries have over 5 times the energy density and take up about 1/3 the space of a valve-regulated lead acid based battery solution that delivers the same power. This means more power in the same or smaller footprint.

Weight: Lithium is the lightest metal on the periodic table of the elements, thus, the metals inside of Li-Ion batteries is markedly lighter than other batteries of the same energy capacity or voltage. Ultimately, this can make transportation, installation and storage much easier.

Safety: As with any other electronic device, safety is also a priority when using lithium-ion in UPS system. Superpack uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), which is shown to have good thermal stability, enhanced safety and tolerance if abused vs. other types of lithium-ion chemistries. Lithium iron is also more tolerant to full charge conditions and is less stressed than other lithium-ion systems if kept at high voltage for a prolonged time.

Recharge Cycles: With any rechargeable battery, there will come a day where it will no longer hold or accept a charge. Fortunately, that day comes much further along with a lithium-ion battery, which can handle 1000+ battery charges and discharges. They also have a longer “shelf life” and will be charge-able again if dormant for long periods whereas lead batteries need more frequent charging maintenance.

Temperature Tolerant: Lithium-ion batteries operate in a wider range of temperatures than lead acid or other battery chemistries.  UPS units can withstand working temperatures 32ºF to 140 ̊F. Where VRLA battery life is reduced by half for every 10 ̊F over 71ºF, Li-Ion battery life and performance is largely unaffected. This can lead to reduced cooling costs for rooms that house critical components connected to the UPS.

Put it all together: Lithium-Ion is the Ideal Chemistry for UPS Systems

When we talk about UPS systems, we are talking about something that is heavily dependent on batteries. It’s important to keep connected critical components protected during power outages, surges, sags and other battery problems. Now, you can have full protection for longer, with less temperature requirements, less weight, less maintenance, less cost with greater lifespan and recharge cycles with a lithium-ion-based UPS system from Superpack technologies.