Leading manufacturer of uninterruptible power supplies Riello UPS is introducing dedicated lithium-ion battery solutions across much of its best-selling range.
The move enables data centres and other mission-critical sites to capitalise on the many advantages of lithium-ion (li-ion) cells whilst also encouraging them to play a role in the ongoing energy transition.
Lithium-ion battery versions are now available across much of the Riello UPS product range, including its award-winning modular UPS Multi Power, super-efficient NextEnergy, and high-performing Master series.
The new solutions incorporate a wide range of runtime options (short, medium, and long autonomy) along with a sophisticated Battery Management System (BMS) that monitors and controls each individual cell using electronic circuits to maintain balanced states of charge.
Compared to the sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries typically used in UPS systems, lithium-ion cells have a much better power to weight ratio and far higher power density, meaning they can deliver the same power in 50-75% less footprint and weight. They also have a much quicker recharge/discharge time and offer around 50 times the cycle life.
In addition, li-ion batteries have a better tolerance to higher temperatures, meaning they can safely operate in environments up to 40oC compared to the recommended 20-25oC for SLA. This can significantly reduce expensive air conditioning or even eliminate the need for a standalone battery room.
While li-ion batteries have a lifespan of 15-20 years, SLA cells would probably need replacing two or three times during the same period. This equates to total cost of ownership (TCO) savings of between 10-40% over the course of a decade.
Leo Craig, Managing Director of Riello UPS, commented, “With their combination of long lifespan, reduced footprint, higher temperature tolerance, and real-time monitoring for enhanced reliability, lithium-ion solutions are fast-becoming an increasingly viable option across a variety of settings.
“They also transform a UPS from a purely reactive machine waiting to provide emergency power when there’s an outage into a dynamic device that can help balance the electricity grid in real time through peak shaving and mechanisms like frequency response.
“Their rapid charge/discharge and high number of cycles also make them an ideal solution for storing energy generated from renewable sources such as wind turbines or solar panels.”
For further information about the Riello UPS range of lithium-ion battery solutions visit https://www.riello-ups.co.uk/products/1-ups/142-lithium-battery-solutions