Lithium-ion Batteries Increasingly Used as Backup Energy Source for Uninterruptible Power Supplies

Lithium-ion batteries are used in a variety of current consumer electronics. But the colocation industry is beginning to take note, too.

Now, the colocation and data center industry is discovering the possibilities of using lithium-ion batteries as backup energy sources for uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

A new white paper from LiiON outlines a variety of potential advantages of using lithium-ion batteries for both data center designers and operational engineers.

The technology behind lithium batteries has advanced to the point where they are   “superior” to lead acid batteries, in performance, practicality, and cost effectiveness, according to LiiON.

And the benefits and potential goals of using this power source are different for both date center designers and engineers.

First off, for data center engineers, using lithium-ion batteries can help in designing data center layouts for best use of space and organizing or redeploying IT footprints, according to the report. Lithium-ion batteries are smaller in size and weight than your average battery, making them easier to use and manipulate for data center applications. They also have a longer lifespan and cycle life than lead acid batteries or other types of lithium batteries.

On the other hand, for operations engineers, “lithium-ion batteries can help in ensuring uptime and continuity of critical systems, ensuring safety and security of IT infrastructure, and reducing maintenance, labor, and operations costs,” LiiON pointed out.

That said, that are several different lithium battery chemistries and battery types to choose them. According to LiiON, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries with cylindrical power cells are the best type of battery for use in UPS apps.

They provide a faster discharge rate, and are able to sustain a high-power discharge rate over their entire lifespan. Unlike lead acid batteries or other types of lithium batteries, these often have the tendency to fail as they reach end-of-life.

Lastly, the report points out that LFP batteries have a higher thermal runaway temperature, a more stable chemistry than other types of lithium batteries and can require less maintenance — ideal for use in data centers.

Download the new white paper, courtesy of LiiON, that shows readers how utilizing lithium-ion batteries can help them to achieve key efficiency and resiliency goals for today’s data center design engineers and operations engineers.