VRLA batteries : Cement proactive habits this year to keep your batteries fresh and business out of the dark.
No one likes being overworked, including VRLA batteries. While the life expectancy of Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries (commonly used in uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)) is 3 to 5 years, there are several factors that contribute to the longevity of your VRLA’s.
1.) Ambient Temperature: The rated capacity of a battery is based upon an ambient temperature of 77°F (25°C). If a battery is operated at higher temperatures, its usable life will be shortened. Maintaining ambient temperature may not be a problem for UPS batteries used in air-conditioned data centers/computer rooms, but it can cause issues in industrial locations, electrical rooms, or unprotected environments.
2.) Number of Discharges: Over time, the number of discharges will impact the overall lifespan of a string of batteries. The more discharges, the deeper the discharges, the shorter the battery’s life will be.
3.) Load Sizing: It’s important to verify battery sizing with a load vs. run time calculator to ensure you have a properly sized battery bank for your current load. If a battery is undersized for a load its run time and life expectancy will be shortened.
4.) Age: Ultimately (and unfortunately) no matter how carefully you use a battery, at some point it will be time to replace it. Batteries themselves are electrochemical energy storage devices that convert chemical energy into the electrical energy that UPS units need to operate. But, even with battery charging, over time the chemicals in the battery deplete, which cause the battery to deliver less power and for shorter periods of time for a given load.
In conclusion, it’s important to note that most UPS’s use sealed, valve-regulated, lead-acid (SVLRA) batteries, which are commonly called “maintenance-free.” Beware! The maintenance-free feature actually refers to the fact that they are sealed and don’t require the addition of electrolyte, as would flooded, wet cell batteries that are used in very large UPS systems. Even maintenance-free batteries need to be inspected to see whether there is corrosion buildup or leaks, and the terminal connections are tight. Without any kind of maintenance, your batteries often will have a shorter life…or worse yet, not allow the UPS to support your critical operations during a power disturbance.
Odyssey Power is here for you. Call us with your VRLA batteries questions or preemptive maintenance concerns.