When it comes to UPS (uninterruptible power supply), the most concerning thing for everyone is how long old batteries can last. Especially for the most common lead-acid batteries, everyone wants to know how long their lifespan is, and what can be done to make them "last longer".
90% of UPS systems on the market use valve regulated sealed lead-acid batteries (VRLA), with a typical design lifespan of 3 to 5 years. However, this is only an ideal number for the laboratory, and in the hot and humid environment of Hong Kong, the actual lifespan is usually even shorter.
The lifespan of lead-acid batteries is mainly affected by the following four factors:
1. Environmental temperature
Temperature is the most critical factor affecting battery life. The ideal operating temperature for lead-acid batteries is between 20 ° C and 25 ° C.
That is to say, the battery can last for 4 years at 25 ° C, but if it operates in an environment of 33 ° C for a long time, it will last for 2 years. Hong Kong's summer is in its thirties, and if UPS is still placed in poorly ventilated areas, the old power will definitely have a short lifespan.
2. Discharge habits
Remember, UPS is designed to cope with sudden power outages, not to be like a mobile power source that runs out and out every day. Daily deep discharge can accelerate battery vulcanization and significantly shorten its lifespan. Regularly conducting discharge tests to check the backup time of the alarm system, one to two times a year is sufficient.
3. Improper storage
If you buy a new UPS or a new battery but don't use it immediately, the old battery will still slowly drain on its own. The new battery has about 80% of its capacity when it leaves the factory, and it is best to use it within six months after purchase. If you really need to store it, remember to charge it regularly.
4. Natural aging (vulcanization)
Even if you do all the above things well, lead-acid batteries themselves will naturally age. This process is called "sulfurization", which means that lead sulfate crystals will harden on the battery plates, causing the charging and discharging efficiency of the battery to deteriorate. This is a chemical reaction that cannot be avoided.
##Summary: Lead acid vs lithium battery, sample picking?
Overall, the lifespan of traditional lead-acid batteries is generally 3 to 5 years. If well maintained or using high-quality batteries, there is a chance of using them for 8 to 10 years.
If you find it troublesome to replace lead-acid batteries every day, you can consider the newly released lithium UPS. Although the initial investment is higher, the lifespan of lithium batteries can reach 5 to 8 years, and they are half the size and half the weight. In the long run, it can save a lot of time and money on battery replacement.