A Much Cheaper Grid Battery Comes to Market | MIT Technology Review

A Much Cheaper Grid Battery Comes to Market | MIT Technology Review

What are UPS System batteries?

Millions of people all over the world rely on UPS batteries.

 UPS simply stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply. The function of these batteries is to provide a backup cover system for many different types of installations, in case of a power outage from the mains electric grid. One of the key types of system is to cover for data systems and provide an emergency backup; these systems are now part of everyday life, including major hospitals, banks, small to large companies and even ships, in fact anything that stores its information from a computer.

These UPS battery emergency backup systems are very important and consequently have to be included in a very strict maintenance procedure. In fact this is one of the main causes of down time and service call outs than any other type of electrical component in the backup system.

It is therefore very important that the correct and best UPS batteries are supplied when setting up a new system and the correct maintenance procedures implemented, this is the first step. These systems are more important than ever and good care is vigilance is essential; to ensure that the backup system is in order and the data system is fully operative all the time.  By performing regular preventative maintenance the UPS system should perform as intended as a backup unit and help to protect sensitive equipment (such as computer systems in banks and industry) and maintain up time.

One of the main considerations is the room temperature where the UPS back up system is installed. Unknown to most people most type of batteries are sensitive temperature fluctuations and it is important that a stable ambient temperature is maintained. The recommended temperature of the backup storage room should be the 77 degrees Fahrenheit mark and the room should also be fitted with temperature sensors in order to keep the room at the correct setting, any temperature rise will then set off warning alarms. The UPS batteries are sensitive to temperature change; in fact a rise or fall of say 15 degrees can alter the UPS batteries performance capacity of 10%.

Where possible individual UPS batteries should be checked

Regular checks should be carried out on individual batteries, even though some of these UPS battery banks may contain many of the XV31MF battery, (one bad apple could spoil the whole bunch) springs to mind. If you batteries are not sealed then it is important to check the water levels in the UPS battery, it is very likely though that your batteries will be the sealed type.

You should look out for any signs of corrosion on the battery connecting wires on the battery terminals or posts, extra weight may be imposed on the terminals by loose hanging connecting wires, this may cause the battery to leak acid in the terminal area, this looks like a white powdery substance that will be familiar to many car drivers on their discount car battery terminals.

A large UPS battery backup installation

Another important thing that will be visible on inspection is to look out for a warped or distorted battery casing, if you spot this then the battery needs replacing as the battery was probably distorted through a faulty cell or connection and has overheated, distorting the battery casing.

If all the batteries look clean and in good order then check the voltage of each cell, this should read 2.5 volts per cell. If the voltage of the UPS batteries has dropped below 2.2 volts them the battery should be put on an equalizing charge. An equalizing charge can be better explained by this useful link to Battery University... http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/equalizing_charge

If the battery is at the correct voltage after 100 hours equalizing charge, then it can be used again on the system, if it does not then the battery should be replaced. I would recommend that this should be recorded in case of future problems with the same battery; also any issues that the battery company may have corrected are better recorded for future use. Sometimes the battery maintenance schedules are carried out by the battery company that supplied the batteries.

Most companies or institutions that carry out battery maintenance should keep spare and re-tested batteries in a separate area, this should include some new batteries that are exactly the same the ones fitted in the backup system. Good quality Lucas UPS batteries can be purchased from UK battery supplier  https://www.batteriesontheweb.co.uk/alarm-batteries-ups. These batteries should also be kept away from a direct heat source such as a radiator or any other type of heater and also away from direct sunlight; this could also shorten a batteries life.

Also I have a few good housekeeping tips when handling batteries. Never lift your batteries by the terminal or post as this could cause a leak in this area, this includes lifting them out on their connecting cables and wires.

Always wear some protective clothing when handling any type of UPS or  lead acid battery

They can and sometimes do explode, so eye protection in the form of goggles are required.

When working with any battery you should use the correct insulated tools in case you accidentally short out the terminals.

Do not clean them car batteries with solvents or any other similar chemicals as these can cause the casing to melt, just use a clean damp cloth.

Disclaimer

Please note these are the words and opinion of the author (Eric Roberts) only. Neither the author nor the website can be held responsible for any errors or omissions. You should seek professional assistance if in doubt about your choice of battery. The article contains a link to Batteriesontheweb where you can buy all of the products mentioned online.