UPS Battery Systems
General:
Proper maintenance will extend the useful life of the UPS battery backup system and ensure that it is capable of supplying power to the UPS module during an outage.
Proper maintenance should provide sufficient data to aid in determining the condition of the string and need for replacement. Maintenance should be performed by trained personnel using calibrated test equipment and required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Common Battery Failures:
- High ambient and internal temperatures
- The age of the system
- Improper float voltage
- Lack of maintenance
- Manufacturing defects
- Thermal runaway
- Over cycling – Excessive use
Typical Service Life:
- Sealed Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA): Design Life of 10-years typical replacement: 4-5 years
- Flooded (wet) Cells: Design Life of 20-years. Typical replacement: 12-18 years
Leading Causes of UPS Battery Failures:
- High Ambient / Internal Temperatures: prolonged ambient temperatures above 77 degrees F can shorten the life of the string. High internal temperatures are often attributed to excessive charger AC ripple current.
- Age of the String: The recommended replacement for VRLA batteries is 4 years.
- Improper Float Voltage can lead to premature failure. Consult OEM-recommended float charging guidelines.
- Lack of Maintenance: VRLA battery systems should be inspected on a bi-annual or quarterly basis and flooded cells should be inspected every quarter.
- Manufacturing Defects: typically include poor-quality materials and post-plate connection defects.
- Thermal Runaway: Usually attributed to an internal short circuit and in some cases results in a fire.
- Over Cycling: Usually attributed to poor utility reliability or excessive open transition testing. Even though the ATS transfer time is short, you also need to factor in the UPS rectifier walk-in or ramp-up time which is typically 30 seconds for each transfer of the ATS (Normal – Emergency and Emergency to Normal).
Please contact us to get a quote for ups maintenance or battery replacement.
PAUL GOMMO
pgommo@uptronix.com
Paul is an industry veteran with over 40 years’ experience working on Mission Critical Power Systems. He began his career in 1979 working as a Field Service Engineer for KW Control Systems, Inc. His primary responsibilities included start-up, commissioning, maintenance and emergency service on rotary power systems manufactured by Piller. Paul performed the successful start-up and commissioning of the first Uniblock Uninterruptible Power System installed in North America, manufactured by Piller. Paul attended factory training on GE, Cyberex, Mitsubishi, Gamatronic, Controlled Power, Piller, Kohler and Baylor UPS systems. You can find Paul on Linkedin
