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UPS Battery: Types and Applications

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that provides backup power to the connected equipment in case of power disturbances such as blackouts, surges, or fluctuations. A UPS is essential for protecting critical data and equipment from damage or downtime. However, a UPS is only as reliable as the batteries that support it. Therefore, choosing the right type of battery for your UPS is an important decision that depends on several factors, such as cost, performance, lifespan, and maintenance. This article will explain the types of batteries available on the market, their benefits, and applications [1].

UPS Battery Types

There are three main types of batteries used in UPS systems: lead-acid, lithium-ion, and nickel-cadmium. No one type of battery is the ‘best’ for UPS. The choice of battery depends on the application and usage. Below is the further explanation of each battery type:

  1. Lead-Acid Batteries

Lead-acid batteries are the most common type of UPS batteries and have been a preferred method of utilization in UPS applications. They store electrical charge through an electrochemical process of lead-acid compounds contained by their positive and negative electrodes. These batteries contain lead plates that are dipped with sulfuric acid in a water-based electrolyte. Lead-acid batteries are considered the most economical battery choice in UPS applications. They have a longer life span and are heavier in weight than other battery types. Lead-acid batteries can be recycled due to the easy availability of infrastructure.  [2].

Lead-acid batteries come in two variants: valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) and flooded or open-vented lead-acid (VLA) [3]:

  • Valve Regulated (VRLA): VRLA batteries are sealed and do not require direct maintenance or water refilling; therefore, they are also called 'maintenance-free’ batteries. They can be mounted in different orientations, either vertically or horizontally, in external battery cabinets or rack-mount trays. Due to the flexibility of installations, VRLA batteries are ideally suitable for office or data center environments. They have a lower upfront cost but a shorter life-span. VRLA batteries used in most UPS applications are absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries. These batteries are composed of special porous microfiber glass separators between the positive and negative plates. This glass mat prevents the battery's acid from flowing too freely by absorbing it between plates. 

  • Flooded or Open Vented (VLA): VLA batteries are flooded with electrolyte acid and require a dedicated room with ventilation and wash-down facilities. Due to their high levels of reliability, they have dominated the battery market in UPS applications. The initial cost of VLA batteries is high, but they usually have a longer service life-span of 12–15 years. They are typically used in large installations with high ampere-hour ratings. VLA batteries required periodic maintenance in the form of regular water topping for their cells.

  1. Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries are newer and more efficient than lead-acid batteries. They have longer life cycles and higher power density, which means they can store more energy in less space and weight. They also have lower self-discharge rates and do not suffer from memory effects. Their life-span is typically lower than lead-acid batteries, and they last for 5-7 years. However, Li-Ion batteries are more expensive and sensitive to temperature and voltage fluctuations. They also require special safety measures and monitoring to prevent thermal runaway or fire hazards. Due to their high energy density and fast charging times, Li-Ion batteries are the ideal choice for UPS systems, electric vehicles (EVs), and mobile devices [5].

  1. Nickel-Cadmium Batteries

Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries are durable and resistant to extreme temperatures and overcharging. The electrodes of these batteries are constructed with nickel hydroxide on the positive plate and cadmium hydroxide on the negative plate.  They have lower energy density and higher self-discharge rates than lead-acid batteries, but they have longer lifespans and do not suffer from memory effects. Due to their temperature resistance (-20°C to +40°C), Ni-Cd batteries are deployed in areas with high ambient temperatures, such as remote telecom installations. The cost of these batteries is higher than conventional lead-acid types. Since nickel and cadmium are toxic materials that pose environmental risks for disposal and the recycling processes [4]. 

Comparing The Pros & Cons

Each battery type has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages, as summarized in the discussion below and further tabulated in the later section [3]:

  1. Lead Acid Batteries

Standard VRLA batteries are still considered to be used in mission-critical installations due to their proven track record of reliability and lower upfront costs. The lead-acid batteries perform best in highly regulated, temperature-controlled conditions. Lead-acid batteries are rated to work between 20°C-25°C, and their performance declines as much as 50% with every 10% rise in temperature. To tackle temperature sensitivity, lead-acid batteries are deployed in environments with cooling systems. As compared to Li-Ion batteries, Lead-Acid batteries have shorter design, service, and shelf life. Standard VRLA batteries have to be regularly maintained with water topping, but AGM batteries have the advantage of maintenance-free usage.

  1. Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-Ion batteries have a longer life-span with greater design, service, and shelf life. Their high power density and faster recharge time make them ideal to be used in data center environments. The disadvantage of Li-Ion batteries is the higher upfront cost, but they provide a better return on investment in the long term. As compared to VRLA batteries, Li-Ion batteries are better tolerated at higher temperatures but are sensitive to voltage fluctuations. They can bear the temperature up to 40oC. Li-Ion batteries have a lower cooling cost since they generate less heat during operation. 

  1. Nickel-Cadmium Batteries

Ni-Cd batteries are considered to be tough and durable as compared to their other counterparts. They are designed to be operated in high-temperature environments. Similar to Li-Ion batteries, they also have a longer life span and a high upfront cost. Ni-Cd batteries have faster discharge rates but are bulky in size due to low energy density. Nickel and Cadmium are toxic materials, and recycling of these batteries exposes a serious risk. Therefore, Ni-Cd batteries are used in cases where there is no other option available, like harsh environments and remote areas.

Battery Type

Pros

Cons

Lead-Acid

  • Proven and reliable technology

  • Low initial cost

  • Large storage capacity

  • Heavy and bulky

  • Short lifespan (3-5 years)

  • Require regular maintenance and ventilation

  • Sensitive to temperature and overcharging

Lithium-Ion

  • Newer and more efficient technology

  • Longer lifespan (10-15 years)

  • Higher power density

  • Lighter and smaller

  • Higher initial cost

  • Sensitive to temperature and voltage fluctuations

  • Require special safety measures and monitoring

Nickel-Cadmium

  • Durable and resistant to extreme temperatures and overcharging

  • Long lifespan (10-20 years)

  • Lower energy density

  • Higher self-discharge rate

  • May suffer from the memory effect

  • Contain toxic materials

Factors for Choosing the Right Battery for UPS

The choice of the best battery type for your UPS depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some factors to consider are:

  • The size, weight, and space available for your UPS system

  • The power requirements and runtime of your connected equipment

  • The frequency and duration of power outages or fluctuations in your area

  • The ambient temperature and humidity of your installation site

  • The budget and maintenance costs of your UPS system

  • The environmental impact of your UPS system

Conclusion

UPS batteries are essential for providing backup power to various equipment and systems in case of power failures or fluctuations. There are three main types of UPS batteries: lead-acid, lithium-ion, and nickel-cadmium. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the cost, performance, lifespan, and maintenance of the battery. Lead-Acid batteries have low upfront cost but come with high maintenance and service life. Ni-Cd batteries are tough and durable but expose material toxicity risk in recycling. Li-Ion batteries are the best choice for Data Center environments but come with a high upfront cost. The ongoing technological advancements will make Li-Ion batteries much cheaper and more affordable. The choice of the best UPS battery type depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user. Therefore, it is important to understand the characteristics and applications of each type of UPS battery before making a final decision. By choosing the right UPS battery, you can ensure the reliability and safety of your critical data and equipment.

References

[1] A. S. Gillis and R. McFarlane, “What is an Uninterruptible Power Supply - Definition from TechTarget.com,” Tech Target. [Online]. Available: https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatacenter/definition/uninterruptible-power-supply

[2] HCI Energy, “What are the Different Types of UPS Batteries,” HCI Energy. [Online]. Available: https://www.hcienergy.com/blog/what-are-the-different-types-of-ups-batteries

[3] Riello UPS, “Whitepaper: Comparing Different Types Of UPS Batteries.” Riello UPS, Aug. 05, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.riello-ups.co.uk/news/16953-whitepaper-comparing-different-types-of-ups-batteries

[4] Riello UPS, “Different Types Of UPS Batteries,” Riello UPS. [Online]. Available: https://www.riello-ups.com/questions/60-different-types-of-ups-batteries

[5] L. Kelly, “Choosing the Right Type of Battery for your UPS,” Critical Power Supplies. [Online]. Available: https://www.criticalpowersupplies.co.uk/blog/choosing-the-right-type-of-battery-for-your-ups/
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