The choice of UPS battery type to use is dependent on the basis on efficiency and needs. A number of options are available after a cautious assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the battery type. The key factors to consider include operational and maintenance needs. The most widely used types of UPS batteries are the Vented/flooded lead acid batteries, sealed maintenance free batteries-the valve regulated lead acid batteries and the nickel cadmium-Ni-Cd batteries. The most used one among these is the flooded lead acid battery.
To the user, the most concerning issue is the lifespan and performance of the UPS battery. Everyone will want a device that is reliable and gives them a service in case of the primary power outage. This is the reason certain precautions should be observed when handling them to ensure they give a return of the investment.
The C&D batteries, for instance, have a unique design specially engineered for UPS uses. They have an oddity to last long and are made in the amenability with the standards of the industry. The single trait they possess is that they utilize a computer model, a great deal of material selection as well as an almost-flawless manufacturing skill. The Enersys batteries integrate chargers and management systems that provide trouble-free and economic performance under the most strenuous operational environments.
When we talk about the effect of hot and cold weather on UPS batteries, it goes the extra mile and nails down to both climatic and ambient conditions that are surrounding them. Prior to installation, the batteries need to be stored in climatically controlled units. The units ought to be well ventilated to maintain cool and dry conditions for the cells. Failure to do that will result reduced run-times and capacity. All batteries are designed with a shelf life of around six months.
The run-time and capacity potential are determined by performing acceptance tests on the batteries. This will indicate whether there are any factory flaws, storage or shipping and handling damages.
The life span of the battery will reduce with the increase in usage. In a cold weather, recharging is so frequent. Power outages tend to be frequent too. A process known as sulfation happens due to undercharging that lead to a persistent coating on the lead plates. This happened more in cold weather.
The ambient temperature is another factor affecting the UPS batteries performance and lifespan. The lead acid battery, for instance, is based on the ambient temperature of 25oC. A difference in this temperature, either positive or negative will affect the performance and reduce the lifespan of the batteries. The life of the battery reduces by half for every positive change in 15oC of temperature annually, whereas temperatures of below 25oC bring down the backup time.
Chemical reactions are facilitated by the temperature and voltage. A hotter battery will encounter faster reaction rates, meaning that there will be an increased performance. However, the rate of unnecessary reactions will be higher, signifying that there will be a corresponding reduction in the battery life.
The active chemicals in a cell undergo a series of reactions when they are exposed to varying conditions of pressure, temperature, electric field and the period of reaction. This means that the active compounds may at some point get depleted, resulting to reduction in the capacity of the battery. It, therefore, means that the effect of temperature hits both the shelf life, life cycle and ultimately the lifespan. No batteries, therefore, even those designed for high-temperature areas, are impervious to the damage caused by excess heat.
Battery designers endeavor to design their products through any compromises or abuse of any factors, but to ultimately provide the most crucial and desirable feature to the users- the battery life. Sure power, Inc happens to be one of the few battery designers that combine functionality and a desirable life. Moreover, although all batteries will eventually die out, it is worth to have a memento of the service you received from one that you acquired.
