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The Importance of Getting the Maximum Value From Your UPS Battery

If the main power fails then a UPS system relies on an alternative energy source to support the critical load, commonly supplied by lead-acid batteries.
These batteries consist of numerous cells which connect together and deliver the needed capacity and voltage for the critical load.
Typically a 12 V block is used by connecting six 2V batteries in series.
These are usually open-vented or valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries.
VRLA batteries are the popular choice as they are more environmentally friendly in comparison and have a lower requirement for routine maintenance.
There are three things that confirm a VRLA battery has been installed correctly.
The capacity requirements for the battery need to be determined and catered for by deciphering all relevant problems.
The users must understand and be able to recognise factors that can limit or end a battery's life and successfully get rid of them.
A maintenance plan which will include routine check ups must be created and implemented.
The capacity for the battery will depend on the load size and back-up/autonomy time.
The kW load size for the battery is based on the kVA critical load.
The autonomy time is the period in which the load should be supported, plus the generator start up and stabilisation time.
When choosing the load support time 95% off all mains interruptions last for 5 minutes or less - with anything longer lasting numerous hours.
Installing the battery consists of one or more serial strings where the voltage of the string battery equates to the UPS float voltage setting.
Two or more serial strings can be paralleled to increase the battery bank's Ah capacity.
This can increase the battery bank's resilience meaning an individual battery fail will not deprive the UPS of all its back up power.
A battery manufacturer will quote a finite design life for their UPS batteries.
This is based on ideal charging conditions, temperature and charge/discharge cycles which probably won't be met in real use.
Lead sulphate crystals form when a battery is left discharged for a long period of time meaning it cannot be recharged.
Recovering the battery is possible by constantly charging the battery at a high voltage.
A battery's life will be reduced if it is deeply discharged and its on-load voltage sinks beneath a predetermined level.
In extreme cases the battery has to be replaced and is not recoverable as it will not recharge.
It is important to get power protection for your UPS system.
Head to a good supplier who stocks products you may need such as apc 1500 battery and offers services like UPS hire and repair.


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