Batteries for emergency power and UPS systems

SSB Battery SBL-HR Xtreme

The High Rate Xtreme series is ideal for use in emergency power and UPS systems thanks to its particularly high discharge current.

SSB Battery Pure Lead Power

The SSB Pure Lead Power series boasts a long service life thanks to TPPL technology.

SSB Battery Grid Power


The products of the Grid Power series are particularly suitable for use at high temperatures.

LiBrick Standard


Our LiBrick Standard series has a wide range of LiFePO4 batteries perfectly suited for UPS applications.

What is an emergency power system?

There is always the possibility of power failures or voltage fluctuations. To prevent the loss of data or machines in this case, an emergency solution is required. This job is performed by reliable emergency power or emergency power systems. They provide an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and are only used when they are needed. There are different types. The UPS system is usually used by large data centres or IT service providers to prevent server failure and thus data loss. There are different types of back up systems:

  • The UPS system is usually used in large data centres or IT service providers, for example, to prevent server failure and thus data loss.
  • The BSV system is used especially in hospitals and doctors' surgeries to save lives in the worst-case scenario.
  • The emergency power system is often installed in large production facilities to prevent or limit the failure of production machines and the associated economic damage.

A UPS system that ensures a continuous and reliable power supply is therefore indispensable for many companies.

What exactly is a UPS battery?

Battery-supported UPS systems are the most widespread. These often contain AGM batteries or lead batteries, power converters and an electronic control system. UPS batteries therefore act as a secondary power supply in the event of a power failure. There are no delays between switching from a primary power source to the UPS battery and there is a seamless transition.

However, UPS systems not only protect against power failures, but also against inferior power quality. This emergency power system also protects against voltage peaks and harmonics.

In normal operation, the consumers are supplied directly from their supply network. The control unit monitors the power quality and reacts to fluctuations so that it can intervene in the event of a fault. The UPS system then switches to the internal battery and supplies the loads with power as a replacement. The direct current is then converted back to alternating current before the devices are supplied, and this happens without delay. The consumer receives a message about the interruption in the power supply and can act accordingly.

The emergency power system is simply inserted into the power supply line of the system to be secured and ensures proper functioning and, in the event of a power failure, provides sufficient time to complete work in progress and switch off the devices correctly.

How long does an UPS battery last?

In an uninterruptible power supply, the UPS battery is at the centre of the UPS system. This means that the reliability of the system is directly linked to the quality of the battery used. In order to guarantee an uninterruptible power supply, battery tests and timely battery replacement are essential.

UPS batteries serve as energy storage in the UPS system. A distinction can also be made here between AGM batteries, pure lead batteries and LiFePO4 batteries. If you would like to find out which battery is the right one for your UPS system, please contact us at any time.

Manufacturers specify a service life for their UPS batteries, which is usually 5 years. However, this service life only applies under optimum conditions. To optimise the service life of AGM UPS batteries, the following points are important:

  • Operating temperature: 20 °C to 25 °C is considered the optimum temperature for UPS batteries. Temperatures that are too high or too low can even halve the service life of the UPS batteries. Temperature fluctuations and excessive humidity should also be avoided.
     
  • Charging/deep discharge: The nominal capacity should not exceed 80%, as UPS systems discharge the UPS batteries very quickly in the event of an interruption and thus significantly reduce the life expectancy of the UPS battery.
     
  • Storage: UPS batteries should not be stored for longer than 6 – 12 months (see manufacturer's instructions). If UPS batteries are stored for too long without periodic recharging (every 3 – 6 months), this reduces the service life of the UPS battery and can lead to faulty performance.

If you observe these points, you will be able to enjoy your UPS battery for a long time and thus optimise the service life of the battery.

Our bestsellers for UPS systems:

SSB Battery SBL9-12L

AGM battery | OGiV |
12 V | 9 Ah (C20) | 
sealed | maintenance free |
10-12 years |
measurements:
151 × 65 × 100 mm |
T2 (6.3 mm) connector |
weight: 2.6 kg

SSB Battery SBL150-12HR V0 Xtreme

AGM battery | OGiV |
12 V | 33 Ah (C10) |
High Rate Xtreme Series (high current capacity, 152 W/15 min., 1.6 V/cell) |
sealed | maintenance free |
>12 years | measurements:
195 × 130 × 168 mm |
F-M6 connector |
weight: 11.5 kg

SSB Battery SBL560-12HR V0 Xtreme

AGM battery | OGiV |
12 V | 140 Ah (C10) |
High Rate Xtreme Series (high current capacity, 564 W/15 min., 1.6 V/cell) |
sealed | maintenance free |
>12 years | measurements:
341 × 173 × 283 mm |
F-M8 connector |
weight: 41,0 kg

LiBrick S24-10 CAN

Type: LiFePO4
Nominal Voltage: 25,6 V
Capacity: 10 Ah @ 0.2C
Connection: M5
Housing: ABS, UL-94 V-0
Serial connection: max. 2
Parallel connection: max. 4
Size: 181 x 77 x 168 mm (+15-65mm Weipu)
Weight: 2.7 kg

When and why should a UPS battery be replaced?

AGM batteries are usually used in UPS systems. These are maintenance-free and sealed gas-tight. A chemical-physical process takes place inside the battery, which is also exposed to certain external influences.

As described above, temperature, charging and storage influence the service life of a UPS battery. However, the operating mode, maintenance intervals, the number of discharge cycles and the length of time during which the discharge has taken place also play a role.

Manufacturers specify the service life under the EUROBAT standard. EUROBAT 5 means 5 years under optimum conditions. For safety-relevant systems, the EUROBAT 5 battery should be replaced after 3 years, for example, as a precautionary measure.

Batteries are subject to wear, even if they are not under load. If the UPS battery is used in a well-functioning network and is not required in this case, this can also have an influence on the service life. If the battery is charged and has been switched to a trickle charge state, the battery is kept at full capacity with a low charging current.

In the deep discharge protection range, a chemical process occurs whereby sulphation takes place on the surface, forming a crust. If the crust is too thick, the battery voltage can collapse in the event of a power failure and the UPS will no longer function as it should.

To avoid faulty performance in an emergency, a regular test run every six months is recommended. This can already be automated with some UPS systems.

Where are UPS batteries used?

UPS batteries and emergency power batteries are mainly used in hospitals, banks, control centres, computer centres and signal boxes. The main areas of application are

  • PC, server and IT rooms
  • LAN nodes
  • Telephone systems
  • Cash register systems
  • Monitoring systems, access control systems
  • Emergency power supplies (e.g. emergency lighting)
  • Alarm systems

The selection of UPS systems depends on the type of devices that need to be supplied. However, the user's security requirements and the place of use also play an important role.

We would be happy to advise you personally on this topic. Please feel free to contact us here.

Are you also interested in other areas of application? Please find more information here:

Hazard alarm systems
Emergency and safety lighting
Intralogistics