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Is it possible to use Ni-MH or Li-ion for UPS applications?

April 26, 2017applications li-ion Ni-MH possible UPS

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Is it possible to use Ni-MH or Li-ion for UPS applications?

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Most UPS uses lead-acid battery. Under the same energy capacity (Watt*hour), lead-acid battery is about 4 times bigger and 4 times cheaper than li-ion battery. The problem is that UPS requires 6CA~10CA discharge current. But lead-acid battery can provide only less than 1CA current if cycle life is not to be sacrified. As a result, after about 10 times of 6CA charge/discharge, lead-acid battery become dead. To increase its cycle life, UPS manufacturer must use bigger lead-acid battery (losing some advantage in price and getting worse in weight and volume) or use high C rate batteries, such as Ni-MH or Li-ion. So, a 6CA discharge rate li-ion or Ni-MH battery has the potential to dramatically change the cycle life and dimensions of future UPS.