The Types of UPS Batteries You Can Choose From
Uninterrupted power supply systems are widely used in data centres and other such places where power outages or power surges can have devastating effects. An UPS ensures continuous and optimal performance of key business devices and equipment even through power failures.
To know what type of UPS batteries are ideal for your business, here’s a guide that you can refer to:
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are a type of battery we are most familiar with, having been used for years in electronic devices. Lately, they have also become a popular choice to be used in UPS systems. Further, these batteries are also considered the ideal choice dealing with renewable energy storage.
Lithium-ion batteries are lighter with higher energy density. They are fast charging batteries with long cycle life, therefore longer lifespan compared to lead-acid batteries.
While the cost of a lithium-ion battery is still high, the overall cost is lessened comparatively with the benefits the battery offers.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries have been a widely used type of UPS battery that are both reliable and economical. Apart from being cost-effective, these batteries also have a high tolerance and low impedance.
When choosing a lead-acid battery, you have two options to consider:
VRLA or Valve Regulated Lead-Acid Batteries, also called SLA or Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries
Quite a number of modern UPS systems support this type of battery that is ideal in a room that is climate-controlled at about 20-25°C. The VRLA or SLA battery is designed with a lifespan of 5 to 10 years.
These batteries are called valve-regulated and sealed due to them being sealed in a case with valves to exude gas when the pressure increases beyond a certain level. With the batteries being sealed, they can be placed in any positions e.g. vertically or horizontally. and require no maintenance additionally carried out such as regulating the water level. VRLA batteries can therefore be used in cabinets, externally mounted and even in battery compartments.
VLA or Vented Lead-Acid Batteries
VLA batteries are also called flooded batteries due to their plates being flooded with electrolyte acid. These batteries are generally used in large installations where a high capacity is required and have a lifespan of 10-20 years. Unlike the VRLA batteries, VLA batteries are not sealed and can prove to be a safety hazard unless there is a carefully created ventilation system in place. These batteries cost more than VRLA batteries and cannot be used in enclosed spaces like an office, or in a cabinet or rack.
Depending on the nature of the work, the capacity of the battery required, and other relevant factors, you can identify the right UPS batteries by taking a look at the features provided by each type of battery. You can also take professional opinion by speaking to the representatives at Battery Guru for a better understanding so you can make an informed choice.
