Eaton 9PX lithium-ion UPS batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are gaining in popularity for applications such as electric vehicles, portable electronics and renewable energy systems. One reason for this is the low total cost of ownership (TCO) over the lifecycle of the battery, which takes into account their minimal maintenance, long lifespan and high efficiency. More than one lithium-ion battery chemistry is available in the market. Eaton uses a Lithium-ion Phosphate (LiFePO4 or simply “LFP”) chemistry that creates a stable and safe battery for UPS applications.
LFP is a cathode material used in lithium-ion batteries. It is known for its safety and high thermal stability. LFP’s unique crystal structure allows for efficient intercalation and deintercalation of lithium ions during the charging and discharging processes that does not create oxygen as an off-put should there be a thermal event (i.e., battery overheating, also known as “thermal runaway”), reducing the battery’s igniting potential.
• Anode material: The anode of a lithium-ion battery is typically made of graphite, which can also intercalate lithium ions during operation.
• Electrolyte: A lithium-ion battery’s electrolyte is typically a lithium salt dissolved in a solvent, which allows the transport of lithium ions between the cathode and anode during charging and discharging.
• Operation: During discharge, lithium ions move from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte, and electrons flow through the external circuit, creating an electric current. In the charging process, the lithium ions move from the cathode back to the anode.
Because LFP is less prone to thermal runaway reactions and has a high thermal stability, it is considered a safer cathode material than other lithium-ion chemistries like cobalt oxide.
LFP batteries are tolerant to voltage variation and can be more cost-effective than some other lithium-ion batteries because they use less expensive materials.
While other lithium-ion compounds excel in specific energy, they lack the safety and longevity of LFP, making LFP the optimal choice for critical IT power protection. See diagrams to the right.
Valve regulated lead–acid (VRLA) batteries, also known as a sealed lead–acid (SLA) batteries, have been used in UPS systems for years and are still a common choice. Lithium-ion UPS batteries, especially LFP batteries, however, are lighter and longer lasting and are gaining ground in the UPS market. Here are some advantages lithium-ion batteries hold over comparable lead-acid batteries:
Eaton’s 9-series UPS includes ten LFP-battery models boasting all the lithium-ion power protection benefits described above. This single-phase, double-conversion UPS offers 1-6 kVA battery backup that IT professionals can rely on to keep mission-critical infrastructure operational—all within a safe, lightweight, easy-to-manage UPS.
The 9PX UPS offers a battery management system (BMS) that works in tandem with lithium-ion’s strengths for optimal safety and peace of mind:
The 9PX lithium-ion UPS battery management system is designed in-house by Eaton engineers to ensure seamless integration between battery and UPS. Additionally, the 9PX lithium-ion UPS offers: