Maximising UPS Battery Life

Vertiv UPS service partner

The life of your UPS batteries is a clear example of the fact that there is no such thing as everlasting. Extending the time we must endure the UPS's dreaded "beep" warning that our battery is running low is possible.


The average Amaron quanta battery lifespan is between three and five years, but how can we ensure that we can use them to their full potential and deliver the results they are capable of?


The article will go over a few care ideas right now. Keep in mind that the UPS's battery performance is affected by the UPS's current state.


What reduces the life of the UPS battery?

In UPS batteries, sulfation, an electrochemical reaction that occurs naturally, is the primary cause of battery failure. These are some examples:


  • A discharge that does not function normally
  • The impedance of the cells
  • Operating and storage temperature, respectively
  • Charger characteristics and the quantity and depth of discharges.

Sulfation: Lead sulfate crystals are formed during regular battery operation due to a chemical reaction between the sulfuric acid electrolyte and the lead plates. The crystals act as an insulator, making it difficult for the battery to accept a charge. Cell impedance rises as a result of sulfation. Higher temperatures, long-term storage without recharging, and storage in a discharged state increase the battery's susceptibility to sulfation.


Discharged but not operational: Although the UPS Series units are not in use, they still consume a small amount of power (between 300 and 500 A). UPS battery drawers are removable, but the batteries will continue to discharge themselves when they are not used. After a battery is used, the UPS must be recharged to prevent the battery from self-discharging further.


Cell Impedance: Device impedance. Increases in cell impedance due to sulfation eventually lead to a decrease in battery full-charge output voltage. The GUPS will ultimately run out of battery power.


Operating and storage temperatures: Sulfation is accelerated at higher operating and storage temperatures, resulting in shorter battery life.


Charging parameters such as voltage and amperage: The charge voltage must be temperature-compensated by reducing the voltage when running a UPS at higher temperatures to avoid an overvoltage. To avoid undercharging at lower temperatures, the charge voltage must be compensated by raising the charge voltage. The UPS system design considers these charger-related parameters, even though the end-user has no control over them.

Setup of the UPS unit

Ventilation openings on a UPS unit's front, back, and sides are critical for keeping the battery from overheating because they allow air to circulate. UPS units shouldn't be installed near windows or in the open air where moisture and dust are likely to accumulate. Corrosive substances should never be used near the equipment.

Maximum Temperature

Because UPS users are so confident that their usage will never exceed the maximum limit, they often overlook the importance of checking the optimal operating temperature. It's best to ask the technician about the recommended temperature range, which is typically 30 degrees Fahrenheit to just over 100 degrees Fahrenheit when making a purchase or receiving UPS service from Vertiv UPS service partner.

Discharge Cycle

Whenever the mains power fails, the UPS system automatically switches to battery power, which keeps the attached load powered. It is only after the power is restored that the UPS battery begins the process of recharging. This is known as a discharge cycle, and when it occurs more frequently, the battery has a greater chance of being depleted more quickly. The UPS battery must be cycled from time to time, but the user must be able to regulate the frequency and abnormality of the discharge cycle to extend the battery's life. Select uninterruptible power supply (UPS) models that automatically control voltage sags and other transient factors that cause frequent power trips. The intermittent voltage supply can be regulated to extend the battery's life.

Maintenance

"Maintenance-free" Although UPS batteries don't need to be refilled, they do need to be maintained. Remove any dust, dirt, or debris from the batteries after they have been visually inspected for cleanliness. Batteries that leak or swell excessively should be disposed of and replaced, not just thrown away.

Battery Storage

Many UPS owners purchase replacement batteries before they are needed to avoid the consequences of downtime. When storing batteries, recharge them every six months, or they will lose their capacity permanently in 18 to 30 months.

Energy-saving devices should be utilized

A final tip is to use energy-efficient gadgets to help your UPS battery last longer. The longevity of your battery can be increased by using low-power devices to keep your UPS cool. Use high-quality wires to keep your UPS backup from experiencing high resistance and, as a result, increased load.


The battery is critical to the UPS's operation, so you should always keep an eye on it, even though the UPS now lets you know when it needs to be recharged. You can get assistance from Universal Power System if you need it.