Lithium-ion Batteries and UPS Systems

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries require a more complex battery monitoring unit (BMU) and temperature sensing than the Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries traditionally used with Uninterruptible Power Supplies. The Eco Power Projects team can design and delivery Li-ion UPS systems by matching an appropriately sized uninterruptible power supply, lithium-ion battery set and battery management system. As well as use within uninterruptible power supplies, Li-ion batteries can be used as part of an off-grid or on-grid energy storage system for solar PV systems, energy storage systems, grid balancing, transportation, gantry cranes and broadcast systems.

Yuasa manufactures the LIM range of Li-ion battery cells and supplies a battery monitoring unit (ACS) with temperature sensors. The ACS unit monitors battery block voltage and temperature and performs cell balancing as well as detecting abnormal operating conditions including high and low voltage. The battery management system has an LCD touch panel, displaying battery voltage, current, temperature and cell voltages, state-of-charge (SOC) and alarm conditions. If a fault or alarm occurs the battery monitoring unit shutsdown current to protect the Li-ion battery set.

Yuasa Li-ion LIM series batteries offer a number of advantages. The batteries use lithium transition metal oxide as the positive active material and carbon as the negative active material to provide a higher energy density compared to lead-acid, nickel-cadmium and nickel-hydrogen batteries. The Li-ion LIM batteries are a complete sealed structure, with outstanding cyclic characteristics, high charging efficiency characteristics (reducing energy usgae). The batteries do not suffer from ‘memory effect’ eliminating the need for a complete discharge or for spare batteries and a more rapid charging than traditonal lead acid batteries.

Most Lion-ion UPS applications are custom solutions matching a modified UPS or inverter system with a lithium-ion battery and management system. Below we also list standard UPS and inverter systems available with lithium-ion battery packs. For more information contact the Eco Power Projects team for a quotation, site survey or general technical review.