Single-Phase UPS Battery Lifecycle Management.pdf

Batteries store electricity that flows to devices when needed. A battery may have different capacities as the stored energy supply diminishes, ranging from full to partial. As batteries age, they have a depleted ability to carry capacity. This aging is caused by exposure to high temperature and general use of the battery. Essentially, your battery lifespan begins decreasing as soon as you begin using the UPS system. Life expectancy on valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries is generally from 3 to 5 years, depending on the temperature and cleanliness of the environment where it is located, as well the number of discharge and recharge cycles. Average UPS system life is 7 to 10 years or when you’re up to your third battery replacement.

Your UPS system and battery should be installed in a temperature-controlled environment if possible. The location should also be out of direct sunlight and free of excessive dust and other airborne particles. Ventilation openings on the UPS should be free of any blockage. When there is a power failure, or other power anomalies that are outside of normal operation, battery power will be called upon to properly power the protected equipment. When adequate power is restored to the UPS, the battery will automatically be recharged in preparation for the next outage.

A VRLA battery’s chemistry is such that it can only handle a finite number of discharge and recharge cycles (generally up to 300 full discharges) before it fails and must be replaced. In addition, the depth to which the battery is depleted during each discharge event will also affect its lifecycle. Low Maintenance Isn't No Maintenance: While most of the batteries used in single-phase UPS systems are considered maintenance-free, it is still necessary to monitor and maintain them. The maintenance-free description is referring to the fact that these batteries do not require electrolyte fluid replenishment.

Every 3 to 6 months, a periodic maintenance inspection of the UPS and battery should be performed to accurately determine the state of battery health. Accumulated dust, dirt, or debris should be removed to avoid any short circuits or ground fault conditions. The UPS battery should be inspected for any leaking or swelling, and if these conditions exist, it should be replaced and recycled properly. As defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the end of life for a VRLA battery is when it can no longer supply 80 percent of its rated capacity.

The degradation process speeds up as the battery nears end-of-life and must be replaced. Even though a battery at this point may still be able to provide adequate runtime, the internal deterioration of the battery will increase the likelihood of sudden failure. Maintaining the health of a UPS system in a variety of locations may require more time or resources than an organization is able to allocate. While small UPS systems typically utilize user-replaceable, plug-and-play type batteries, maintenance requires manpower and management.

This becomes especially challenging for locations without qualified staff and/or with larger quantities of units. This is where it makes sense to consider the battery service options available today. UPS and battery management services can be valuable in keeping systems operating at a peak performance level. This type of service offers various ways to handle the UPS and battery lifecycle maintenance program depending on user needs. Ideally, your UPS should be in a space that is cool and dry with proper ventilation. If possible, the temperature where the UPS is located should not exceed 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius). Excessive heat has a detrimental impact on overall battery life.