UPS Battery: Everything To Know Before Choosing A UPS System

Have you ever been working on a project with your desktop computer, and then suddenly, there is a power outage? The pain of dealing with the potential loss of data that you had not saved can be hard on someone. Sometimes, it means you get to start working on the project from scratch again.

Do you know what can remedy all this? Having a UPS battery system. The work of this system is to help keep your devices powered even in the event of a power outage.

We will discuss more details about the UPS battery, its functions, applications, types, and much more so that you can pick a UPS battery knowing it will be the best UPS battery back up system.

What is a UPS Battery?

This is a rechargeable battery that will continue to provide power to devices connected to it in case there is a power outage. The UPS battery is a key component of the UPS (uninterruptible power supply) system.

The UPS backup battery kicks in immediately once a power outage occurs. It is so fast you would not even notice the switch. The battery will keep providing power to the device until it runs out of charge or the mains power supply is restored. Depending on the UPS battery’s capacity, this battery life can last from a few minutes to several hours.

The best UPS battery backup will give you enough time to save your work or keep the device running long enough for you to finish whatever you are handling. This is why more people are investing in UPS batteries.

Functions of a UPS Battery

The function of a UPS battery is to power devices connected to the UPS system.

Other than providing power to devices, the same can also be used for power smoothing in case you have power fluctuations. The battery will come in to ensure smooth power delivery, thus protecting the device or equipment from potential damage.

When the UPS battery is also in use, it can protect the device or equipment from issues such as power surges, short circuits, and load shedding. You should end up with the best protection for your device if you stick with a good back up battery as part of the UPS system.

Common Types of UPS Batteries

When looking for the best UPS batteries, you will likely encounter three main options: lithium-ion, lead-acid, and nickel-cadmium batteries. We look at them in detail below.

1. Lead-acid UPS Battery

Lead-acid UPS batteries are known for being reliable in their power delivery. This is especially true where weight is not an issue; lead-acid batteries are an economical choice.

Other key qualities include having high tolerance and low internal impedance, which improve their performance qualities.

There are two main types of lead-acid batteries that can be used in UPS systems: valve-regulated (VRLA) and open-vented (VLA) batteries.

VRLA batteries are also known as sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries. This is because they do not need maintenance, such as changing or topping up the battery acid; hence, they are sealed.

VRLA batteries, with a 5—to 10-year battery life, are common in most modern UPS systems. Their good operating temperature makes them suitable for use in cases of high charge and discharge rates.

The VLA or flooded lead-acid batteries are different since they are not maintenance-free. You have to add electrolyte acid to the battery to maintain its performance. As much as they might need maintenance, they have a long life of up to 20 years. That is why they are used in large-scale installations where a higher ampere-hour rating is needed.

2. Nickel-Cadmium Batteries

These are nice alternatives to lead-acid UPS batteries because of their ability to work well in areas with very high ambient temperatures. You are likely to see them being used for telecom installations as backup batteries in interior places.

These batteries offer a 20-year battery life, which means you do not have to keep replacing them periodically. Still, they have a high cycle life and great tolerance for applications with deep discharges.

The nickel-cadmium batteries are more expensive than the lead-acid batteries. This has made more people opt for the VRLA options for common options and leave the nickel-cadmium batteries for specialized applications.

Also, disposing of and recycling these batteries is more expensive because cadmium and nickel are toxic materials.

3. Lithium-ion batteries

We mostly found lithium-ion batteries being used to power laptops, smartphones, and related devices. However, after a while, improved technology, such as battery management systems, allowed the use of lithium-ion batteries in UPS systems.

Expect lithium-ion batteries to offer higher reliability when compacted to VRLA and VLA batteries. This is because they pack a higher energy density while remaining small and lighter than counterpart batteries. They also offer faster charge times and longer cycles between charges.

You may end up spending more on lithium-ion UPS batteries than on the other options mentioned above. However, this high upfront cost is balanced out by their longer service life. Also, this UPS battery type generates less heat, which is vital for the battery’s longevity.

Applications of a UPS Battery

Before you can get that APC UPS battery, it is vital to know where such a battery can be used. This will help you appreciate more of what these batteries can do. Here are the common applications.

• Data centers for a reliable operation of the different IT equipment
• Hospitals for running life support systems
• In manufacturing for protecting critical applications
• In telecommunication systems, to keep them always powered
• For homes or offices to keep devices and appliances running even with a power outage

How to Determine the UPS Battery Runtime

A UPS with a battery backup is designed to run for a specific period. It could be a few minutes or several hours, depending on the battery capacity. That is not the only determinant, as the load applied to the battery can determine the battery runtime.

For you to get the battery runtime of a UPS battery, you need to use the following formula.

(Battery capacity (Wh) / load in watts) x battery efficiency

To get the battery capacity in watt-hours, you multiply the battery voltage and battery capacity in amp-hours. This figure is then divided by the load, which is the total watts the devices connected to the battery consume. Once you do that, multiply the resultant figure by the battery efficiency to get the final figure in terms of hours.

Let us take an example such as;

• Battery capacity – 120amp-hours (Ah)
• Voltage – 12volts
• Battery efficiency – 90%
• Load – 600watts

The runtime for this UPS battery will be:

((120 x 12) / 600 ) x 90% = 2.16 hours

Other factors, such as the capacity and load, can affect the run time. Older batteries significantly lower the runtime period, and extreme temperatures will also affect how well the battery works.

UPS Battery Lifespan: When To Replace It

The best battery backup in UPS will still have a lifespan that you should be aware of. Most manufacturers will give you an estimate of when you can expect to replace your UPS battery. However, that is not sufficient; there are other signs you can look out for to determine if it is time to change your UPS battery.

It has been five years since you started using the UPS battery. It is expected that such a battery will not perform as well as it did when it was brand new. You should start looking for a replacement when it reaches this point.

The UPS system is also designed to warn the user of a low battery. Low, in this case, means the battery can hardly keep charge. You would think it is already charged only for it to last less time than it was initially advertised. In such a scenario, it is best to replace the battery with a new one.

You may also notice bulging on the sides of the battery. This is common with lead-acid batteries. When they bulge, they can start leaking or heating up, which can be dangerous. To avoid explosions, you should replace UPS batteries.

Sometimes, a worn battery takes longer to recharge and loses its charge faster. This shows that it can no longer supply the capacity needed by the load, and it is time for a change.

Important Considerations for Choosing the Right UPS Battery

Choosing the best UPS battery can depend on a few things we will discuss below. These are key guidelines to help you end up with a good battery that supports your power needs.

• Look at the battery type. Each battery type has pros and cons. Take more time to compare them to see which offers the best value for money. Also, the cost, maintenance needs, and lifespan of the workers should be considered before making a decision.
• The runtime of a battery is critical, as you need enough power to keep the devices running until the power outage is sorted. Once you have calculated your power needs, this will definitely impact which battery you buy.
• Battery capacity is still important in addition to runtime. The capacity determines the load you can connect to the UPS system. So, if you need to run several devices, go for a battery with more capacity.
• How about the warranty? This is just as important as the manufacturer’s customer support. Choose a battery with a solid warranty and great customer support to ensure long-term performance.
• Look at how well the UPS battery can operate in different environments. Let us say you need a battery for areas with extreme heat. That is possible with nickel-cadmium batteries compared to VLA batteries. So, determine your working environment to guide choosing the right battery for the environment.
• Look at the battery’s scalability. Sometimes, you may have to connect several batteries to meet your power needs. Does the battery allow for connecting with others to increase capacity? This is what you should ask yourself when seeking a new UPS battery.
• Maintenance needs are also key to determining which kind of battery you will get. You can opt for VRLA batteries, which are maintenance-free but have a shorter lifespan, or get the VLA batteries, which need regular maintenance but have a longer lifespan.
• The battery size can determine its footprints. Some battery types will be bigger while offering similar capacity as smaller batteries. It depends on the battery technology and the designated space you have for the project.
• Look at the brand reputation as well. Buying from a good brand will save you a lot in the future. Read reviews and comments on products they sell to get a good understanding of what you are buying.

How to Replace a Worn UPS Battery

It is usually not a hard process to replace a UPS battery. We have a quick guide below to help you get started.

1. Turn off the UPS. You should not open a UPS while it is still powered. Unplug from the outlet to make it even safer.
2. With a screwdriver, open the battery compartment of the unit
3. Disconnect the old battery by removing the terminals
4. Remove the battery from the compartment. Most of the time, no screws are holding the battery, so it should be easy to remove it from the compartment.
5. Install the new UPS batteryin place of the old battery. Connect the terminals correctly to ensure the battery’s correct operation.
6. Secure the compartment with screws as it was before and you should be ready to use your UPS once again.

Troubleshooting a UPS Battery: Common Problems and Solutions

When you start experiencing issues with your UPS battery, you sometimes think of replacing it. However, it could be a simple fix, which is all that is needed, rather than replacing the battery.

Here are some common UPS battery common problems and potential solutions.

– Battery not holding charge

Check the battery connections to ensure they are connected securely and are clean.

Check the battery’s health to ensure it is in good working condition. If there are signs of leaks, it may be time to replace it.

Measure the battery voltage with a multimeter to check if it is within the manufacturer’s rated voltage. If it is significantly lower, it is time to replace the battery.

Check the charging voltage from the UPS display. If it is too low, it will not be good enough to charge the battery to capacity.

You can simply replace the old batteries since they are unlikely to hold enough charge for you to use them.

– Sudden power loss while using the battery

Check the overall battery capacity. You may be using too much load for the battery’s capacity. Change the load to the recommended limit to see if that improves the battery performance.

Still, if the battery keeps losing its charge too fast after an outage, it could be that the battery is old and worn. It is time for a replacement.

Inspect your UPS system to find any faulty components, including the battery.

– You have a low runtime while using the battery

Low runtime means that you have a lot more devices than recommended connected to the UPS battery. Reduce the number of devices and watch to see if anything changes.

Check to see if the UPS system is charging the battery correctly until it is full. This is key in ensuring you always get a fully charged battery in case of a blackout.

Conclusion

A UPS battery serves an important role in keeping the systems running in case of a power outage. The issue of power outage might not always happen, but you can be prepared in case that ever happens. Depending on the battery, you can get different capacities, runtimes, and performances. It is crucial that you take the time to find the right battery for your needs. This includes doing more research or comparing different brands until you find a suitable option for your application.