Using lithium-ion batteries for something apart from a remote-control car would have been laughed upon. But today, lithium-ion batteries are gaining traction as a viable data centre UPS option, thanks in part to consumer devices, cellphone, and electric vehicle makers pushing hard for li-ion innovation and development.

At the same time, VRLA technology hasn’t advanced much in recent years. Hence, many IT personnel are being frustrated with how their batteries are functioning in their mission-critical sites. In the data centre, a better power storage option is required.

Data Center and Lithium-ion Batteries

While being at the intersection of innovations and upgraded technologies enables data centre businesses to stay relevant, they must be ruthless in their engagement to any new infrastructure to help it not negatively influence operation or productivity.

As data centres around the world strive to reduce operational expense, improve efficiency, and maximize extra room without having to sacrifice facility or productivity, they’re discovering the many advantages of the latest generation of lithium-ion batteries, which are showing to be more effective, reliable, long-lasting, and cost-effective than their VRLA previous leaders.

Lithium-ion batteries are an alternative to lead-acid batteries in the data centre. They are set to revolutionize UPS systems for large and micro data centres, with features such as the capacity to fit considerably more battery power into the equivalent or smaller area, as well as longer battery life.

Read about “Are Lithium-Ion Batteries Compatible With a Sustainable Future?“

What are Lithium-ion Batteries?

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are high-performance batteries that utilize lithium ions as a significant component of their electrochemistry. Lithium atoms in the anode are ionized and segregated from respective electrons during a discharge cycle.

Developing high batteries as li-ion necessitates equilibrium in terms of the battery’s construction and the chemical characteristics and proportions utilized. This minimizes the chance of failure and tries to correct chemical inefficiencies that have afflicted certain previous lithium-ion batteries.

What are the Benefits of using Li-ion Batteries in UPS?

Large static UPS systems using Li-ion batteries will provide all of the advantages of static UPS technology while resolving the disadvantages of conventional batteries, such as ecological damage, carbon footprint, lifespan service, and cooling needs.

Since businesses are still beginning Li-ion battery technology’s beginning stages, the advantages will only grow with development. For example, for high-power, short-duration backups. Throughout, there are projected cost reductions at a quick rate. Rotary UPSs, on the other hand, will most certainly improve at the same rate as other big mechanical devices, which is to say slowly. In summary, for extremely big locations, static UPSs will become more competitive than before.

Further read: Are Lithium-ion Batteries “GREENER” than Lead Acid?

Benefits of Lithium-ion Batteries in Data Centers

  1. The weight reductions from a LIB solution against a VRLA can be up to 60%, while LIBs have greater energy concentrations than VRLAs, allowing the approach to be up to 70% more concise. As a result, a business can avoid maintaining a big battery room (s).
  2. LIB battery packs can reliably function at greater ambient temperatures without deterioration, reducing data centre cooling expenses.
  3. Another advantage of Lithium-Ion batteries is that they have a long shelf life. With minimal to no maintenance, LIB batteries may last up to 18 months.
  4. Li-ion technology may be utilized to store green energy for usage during peak hours as more power grids arise, some of which are fueled by alternative energy sources.
  5. Customers will be able to cope more efficiently with peak consumption situations thanks to technologies like this, and they will be able to cut or avoid exorbitant utility demand costs. Because of their restricted cycle capabilities, UPSs based on VRLA batteries can never fill that function.
  6. The initial investment of a Lithium-ion system is now roughly 1.75 times that of a regular VRLA. As the new technologies adoption rate increases, we may expect minor price decreases.

Pros of Lithium-ion Batteries from a Business Perspective

  • Lower operating costs

While a lithium-ion battery has a greater starting cost than a VRLA battery, the overall cost of operation is significantly lower over time, saving companies 30-50 per cent.

  • There are fewer updates

A lithium-ion battery lasts 15 years, but a VRLA battery usually lasts five years, leading to fewer battery changes.

  • There is less danger

Because fewer lithium-ion battery refreshes are necessary, the danger of accidents during battery replacement operations is reduced, resulting in increased dependability.

  • The footprint is smaller

The footprint of li-ion batteries is significantly smaller than that of a VRLA battery, with 60-70 percent less weight and 40-60 percent less overall size, providing data centres additional square footage for storage and IT operations.

  • It takes less time to recharge

Compared to a VRLA battery, which takes 10-12 hours to fully recharge, a common li-ion battery may be fully recharged in approximately two hours.

  • Costs of cooling are reduced

Li-ion batteries are intended to run at greater temperatures with less deterioration than VRLA batteries, enabling data centres to save money on grey cooling systems.

The process of switching from VRLA technology to Lithium-ion batteries

Because Li-ion batteries have a different charging circuit and management than VLA or VRLA batteries, data centre  owners/operators should confirm that the existing UPS system will work with Li-ion batteries.

If the UPS system is suitable, the next objective is to determine other aspects of the product, including efficiency, placement, and pricing. Then, after deciding the details, do a cost-benefit analysis.

Consider a modest test installation to determine if the technology operates as expected if there is a compelling justification for using Li-ion. This will validate whether the business function is upheld and assist in alleviating new technology mistrust.

In a small time frame, Lithium-Ion Batteries have gained momentum in the Data Center. Early consumers are now forging the way for the future of Li-on batteries in data centres. Since these early Lithium-ion battery implementations become effective, cost reductions will ensue, and investment in LIB will grow.

Visit Waaree ESS, India’s fastest-growing solar power company and a well-known battery manufacturer. In India, we supply the top Lithium-ion battery manufacturer. These batteries are all authorized to international standards, ensuring the greatest degree of client contentment worldwide. Contact us at +917069022124 or you can also email us your inquiries at crm@wess.co.in.

You can also read: Lithium ion Battery vs Lithium polymer Battery