Five reasons why lithium ion
batteries are best for data centres
Lithium ion is far superior to lead
acid as a battery chemistry for data
centre applications because it
delivers higher performance and a more
reliable power supply, says temporary
power solutions specialist, Aggreko.
Uninterruptable power supply (UPS)
batteries are useful means of ensuring
power to a data centre is constant and
unfluctuating, on top of providing a costeffective
bank of energy during times of
higher grid demand.
Power demand and the supply from
its energy source must be at equal
levels to ensure the data centre runs
effectively, therefore, a battery can work in
conjunction with the generators to provide
consistent output and avoid downtime.
While some organisations have recently
suggested the more traditional lead acid
battery chemistry is the best option for
data centres, Aggreko believes that the
benefits of lithium ion batteries make
them much better suited to the growing
market for five key reasons:
1. Superior capacity, depth of
discharge and efficiency
centres for longer and don’t require costly
replacement as often.
3. Better software optimisation
Lithium ion batteries can be optimised
using dedicated software, which can
ensure the battery is charged and
delivers its output in the most efficient
way, while preserving the unit’s lifespan.
For a data centre, this means the power
output can be monitored and the battery
can be operated within its most optimal
charge range of 30–80%.
4. Electricity savings
To save on overall electricity costs, UPS
batteries can be used as demand side
response (DSR) units, when demand on
the grid is exceeding supply.
Additionally, they can be used as spinning
reserve energy banks, using excess
generator system energy. Lithium ion’s
higher capacity, depth of discharge
and efficiency make them ideal for this
application, with more energy stored.
This ultimately translates into better cost
savings from using less grid or generator
power in high-demand periods.
5. Continued research
and development
Lithium ion technology is constantly
undergoing development and being
optimised, both in the static battery and
automotive industries, and so using this
battery chemistry means data centres
will benefit from innovations at the
forefront of the energy storage industry,
on top of the cost reductions that come
from added investment.
Often, data centres require generator
systems and batteries for a limited
time, for example, when waiting for grid
connection. To avoid unnecessary capital
outlay, data centre providers can enlist
companies such as Aggreko to provide
modular rental solutions to be integrated
into any size of facility, in many regions
across the globe. ◊
intelligent POWER AND COOLING
Lithium ion technology tends to have a
much higher energy density, can achieve
an 85% depth of discharge compared
to lead acid’s 50% and is usually 95%
or more efficient, meaning almost all of
the larger amounts of energy stored in
the battery can be harnessed. For a data
centre, this higher availability of power
means that supply is readily available for
longer and can keep up during periods of
increased demand.
2. Longer lifespan
Lithium ion batteries can achieve up to
eight times the amount of cycles than
their lead acid counterparts, therefore
they can be implemented into data
54 Issue 19
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