Intelligent Data Centres Issue 18 | Page 15

LATEST INTELLIGENCE PRESENTED BY LITHIUM BATTERY APPLICATION IN DATA CENTERS Lithium-metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries are both categorized as lithium batteries. However, the term lithium batteries generally refers to lithium-ion batteries, which contain no metallic lithium and support cyclic charge and discharge. In 1991, SONY launched its first commercial lithiumion battery. In 2009, Huawei began large-scale use of lithium batteries in communications base stations. Since 2016, the electric vehicle market, which uses lithium batteries, has been growing exponentially. To date, the power output of power batteries sold by the world’s top ten lithium battery manufacturers is equivalent to 90 GWh. As the energy density and safety performance of lithium-ion batteries continues to improve – and as the cost declines – demand for lithium-ion batteries is increasing, across communications, electric power, electric vehicle, and data center fields. They are becoming a next-generation, mainstream source of energy. 1. Why Are Lithium Batteries Needed? Lead-acid batteries have dominated the communications industry for decades. But, due to disadvantages such as a short cycle life, large size, heavy weight, and environmental pollution in the production process, the development of lead-acid batteries is shrinking in several countries. Indeed, telecoms giant China Tower has even decided to halt bids for lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries offer several advantages, such as high energy density, a small footprint, and a long cycle life. As the market share of lead-acid batteries decreases rapidly, lithium battery usage is increasing around the globe. ◊ www.intelligentdatacentres.com Issue 18 15