DATA CENTERS
The Data Center has an essential and expanding role in most aspects of the modern world. Inevitably, the approach of data center operators to sustainability, achieving environmental goals and supporting power grid stability is being increasingly scrutinised and re-evaluated. Innovations in UPS lead-acid battery backup technology are providing new solutions to meet these challenges.
The UPS battery is no longer simply a data center’s emergency power supply. Many other factors – including energy costs the need to operate sustainably and increasing environmental awareness – are driving new ways of using batteries, and new developments in lead-acid battery technology.
For example, reduced data center cooling cuts energy consumption, but affects back-up battery performance and longevity. Choosing the right UPS power supply is therefore crucial.
Renewable energy can reduce costs and offer environmental benefits, but also relies on the correct battery.
And for today’s data center operators, battery end-of-life management begins with the initial battery selection.
Data center operators are increasingly seeking to do more than simply meet their back-up power requirements. This includes seeking lower energy costs, capitalising on under-utilised storage capacity, and maximising battery circularity. Battery technology has the answers.
Battery storage utilisation
Energy stored in lead-acid batteries ensures a UPS for the data center and can be assigned to grid balancing. This helps maintain grid stability and provides additional operator revenue.
Higher-temperature operation
Our patented Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology enables batteries to function in higher-temperature environments – reducing energy required for cooling. Up to a 4% cut in energy costs is possible with just a 1°C / 34°F rise in server inlet temperature¹.
Maximised recyclability
TPPL technology utilizes one of the world’s most recycled materials: pure lead. A lead battery is up to 99% recyclable², and TPPL batteries also have a service life of up to 25% longer than traditional lead-acid versions.
¹ Mark Monroe, Director of Sustainable Computing, Sun Microsystems (JAVA)
² Lead industry life cycle studies: environmental impact and life cycle assessment of lead battery and architectural sheet production Alistair J. Davidson, Steve P. Binks, Johannes Gediga, 22/1/2016
Despite the 25% longer lifespan of our TPPL batteries than lead-acid alternatives, ultimately, they will need to be decommissioned and disposed of. So how can you be sure to minimise the impact of disposal on the environment, and optimise their end-of-life value?
The growth in renewable energy means an increase in the unpredictability of the power supply. With the right battery technology in place, your data center can help to balance the grid, maintain optimal frequency values – and turn underutilised energy storage capacity into additional revenue.
Data centres are significant consumers of electricity. While meeting carbon reduction goals can be a challenge, small changes can have a significant impact. Choosing batteries able to operate at higher temperatures, with a longer lifespan and up to 99% recyclability, is one easy step to take.
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RANGES FOR DATA CENTERS
Data centers require large amounts of power. When there is a utility feed interruption, mission-critical systems must stay online. With a complete range of backup power solutions, EnerSys® meets the growing demands of modern data center environments.
Batteries
Next-generation Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) batteries have several significant benefits. TPPL batteries operate at elevated temperatures, compared to standard energy storage products. The batteries support a much longer float life, which translates into extended service life. They also have low self-discharge characteristics, allowing them to be stored for prolonged periods of time. Meanwhile, the fast-charge capability of batteries with TPPL technology means that they can be recharged quickly and are ready to respond again within a very short period. This means they can deal with situations where multiple outages could occur. In most scenarios, the best approach will be to migrate to TPPL, with its design simplicity and operational safety advantages.
Data center outages have a financial impact, reduce productivity and consumer perception. That's why the UPS battery in a data center can never fail.
Paul Willoughby, EnerSys Sales Manager