Your Guide to Lithium-Ion UPS Batteries

Have you ever thought about the differences between all of the different types of batteries available? We use batteries in so many applications every day, from our smartphones and our laptops to battery back-ups to protect against power outages. For most of these technologies, lithium-ion batteries are going to be your best bet. Let's take a look at that last example of battery back-ups, specifically, and examine the different types of batteries available and why lithium-ion is a solid choice. 

First, here's some background information. Most Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems contain either sealed lead-acid batteries (also known as SLA batteries) or lithium-ion batteries. While SLA batteries may be the more inexpensive option, they also come with some critical limitations. They're typically heavier, require more maintenance (and time!) and require more frequent replacement. 

So why doesn't everyone just use lithium-ion batteries instead? Well, for a while, they were more expensive, so it sometimes made sense to go with the cheaper SLA option instead. Now, though, lithium-ion UPS systems are seeing reduced pricing that brings them much more in-line with SLA UPS systems, thanks to advanced battery technology. 

Lithium-ion UPS systems bring so many benefits. Some of them feature a state-of-the-art lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) internal battery with longer life, more cycles and faster recharge rates. Sounds good, right? This type of battery more than doubles the service life of an equivalent lead-acid battery, and it even offers up to three times more charge/discharge cycles. With the ability to recharge to 100% capacity in less than two hours, the lithium-ion UPS system truly is the ideal solution to protect against potential power outages. And they're lighter, too, meaning you can really maximize your network rack weight capacity. That pretty much solves all of the problems with SLA batteries - and it makes the lithium-ion battery a very attractive option. 

Let's break it down. Here are the top four features of lithium-ion UPS batteries: 

1. Shorter discharge rate than lead-acid battery UPS systems
2. A typical lifespan of 8 to 10 years (about double the SLA batteries' lifespan!) 
3. Better performance at most temperatures than lead-acid batteries
4. Lighter and smaller than lead-acid batteries (ideal for mobile applications!)