Lithium batteries for UPS systems
Lithium batteries for UPS systems - the power storage of the future
Technological advances are continuously increasing efficiency. Advances in technology are aimed at continuously increasing efficiency. Modern UPS systems, for example, are able to achieve efficiencies of up to 97 %. In contrast, hardly anything has changed in energy storage systems for UPS systems over the last 30 years. The same lead-acid or VRLA batteries are still frequently used.
used as emergency power storage because they fulfill their purpose. In view of this, the question arises: Why should we even consider a change?
Operating costs and CO2-reduce emissions
To make optimum use of VRLA batteries and maximize their service life, an ambient temperature of 20 °C is required. Depending on the environment, however, a high air conditioning capacity may be required to reach and maintain this temperature. Every 10 °C increase in temperature above the recommendation will halve the service life of a VRLA battery. Low or high temperatures affect the service life of lithium batteries much less, allowing them to last up to five times longer. In contrast to VRLA batteries, lithium batteries also do not need to be ventilated as no oxyhydrogen gas is produced. The longer service life of the energy storage system also has an impact on the total cost of ownership. By reducing or completely eliminating the need for air conditioning, not only is electricity consumption reduced, but also costs and CO2-As impact lowered.
In view of these properties, lithium batteries prove to be particularly attractive energy storage devices for your UPS applications.
Space-saving powerhouse
In view of these properties, lithium batteries prove to be particularly attractive energy storage devices for your UPS applications.
Efficient and durable
Why hasn't the switch to lithium batteries been made long ago if their advantages are so convincing? Previously, the high purchase costs were an obstacle to the switch. However, prices have fallen significantly in recent years due to further developments, particularly in the automotive industry. Lithium batteries are sometimes cheaper to purchase than lead batteries and in almost all cases pay for themselves over their service life.
Thanks to their very low self-discharge and low internal resistance, lithium batteries offer better energy efficiency and a significantly longer service life of up to 15 years, even at elevated temperatures.
Safety through innovation
In the past, safety concerns were another obstacle to switching to lithium batteries in addition to the purchase costs. However, the technology has since evolved. The monitoring and safety of batteries is specified by IEC 62619.
The battery management system (BMS) ensures that the lithium battery always works within the optimum operating range. It prevents overcharging or deep discharging of the cells and ensures an even state of charge. The BMS also monitors the battery temperature and the battery current. It also communicates the current battery status to both the UPS and the user. However, the safety of each individual battery is ensured independently of its communication interface in order to guarantee maximum availability and safety.
In accordance with IEC 62619, the behavior of a battery in the event of a thermal event is also tested by heating a battery cell to a high temperature in order to induce an exothermic reaction. This test ensures that such an event does not trigger a chain reaction and therefore does not cause a fire. To ensure this safety, the WP-LFP from Wöhrle has an additional system to immediately contain any fires that occur. Modern lithium batteries are therefore safer than conventional VRLA batteries and the best choice for production facilities, data centers and critical infrastructures.
LFP cells - a robust choice
Lithium batteries are manufactured using various active materials, with NMC, NCA and LFP being the most commonly used. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells are characterized by
their chemical stability and robust structure. Therefore, they are safer than other lithium batteries and do not tend to overheat and burn. The improved tolerance to overcharging, deep discharge and physical damage further contributes to safety during use. This is because in the event of a thermal event in an LFP cell, no oxygen is released and the exothermic reaction would only start at 480 °C
The future of UPS batteries and stationary storage systems
There is no question that lithium batteries will be increasingly used for UPS systems in the near future, but the basis for this is the compatibility of the UPS system and lithium batteries. Wöhrle Stromversorgungssysteme GmbH ensures this compatibility - our WP-LFP battery can communicate with Wöhrle UPS systems.
Currently, developing countries such as Africa or the Middle East are primarily relying on lithium technology for UPS systems. In particular, countries where the main power grid is less reliable than in Central Europe. Due to an unreliable main power grid, power outages are almost a daily occurrence. In these cases, UPS systems have to intervene several times a day to ensure an uninterrupted power supply. The increased use does not put additional strain on the emergency power storage of lithium batteries. This type of battery copes with cylization much better than VRLA technology.
Wöhrle perfectly matches its lithium energy storage systems to its UPS systems. This is the only way to create a harmonious unit. Our design enables uncomplicated integration into standard industrial or IT racks. With WP-LFP in particular, Wöhrle can individually adapt and configure the storage solution to any requirement, resulting in a customized solution tailored precisely to the customer's needs.
