FAQs - Lithium-ion UPS Batteries
Information on uninterruptible power supplies fitted with lithium-ion batteries and referred to as Lithium-ion UPS or Li-ion UPS systems.
Lithium batteries are known for their ability to recharge quickly and are suitable for applications requiring a high number of rapid charge/discharge cycles. Most lithium-ion UPS batteries can recharge within 1-2hours to full capacity.
The most common type of battery used in an uninterruptible power supply is a valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery. These are manufactured in high volumes and can be charged by a standard UPS battery charging circuit. Lithium batteries of the power used in a UPS system cost more and require a more sophisticated battery management circuit. These two factors add to the cost of the UPS which can be up to 20-30% more expensive than a UPS with a lead acid battery set.
The forecast working life of a lithium battery set for an uninterruptible power supply is 10 years. Lithium batteries lose their ability to store electric charge over time due to a parasitic solid that forms on the negative electrodes of the battery that prevents lithium-ions from moving through the plating. In comparison the standard lead acid battery has a design life of 5 years with replacement in years 3-4 or 10 years with replacement in years 7-8.