What kind of preventive measures can completely shield a facility from unwanted downtime due to power supply issues ? How to identify a dip in performance of a battery grid and how to devise a backup plan to get uninterrupted flow of battery energy ? All such queries and more, answered below with clarification.
Why UPS Battery Health Matters
Continuous operation of critical infrastructure becomes possible only with good battery backup. Bridging the gap between outages makes the primary objective of an efficient battery backup. IT infrastructures are deeply affected due to data corruption during an unexpected shutdown and hence the battery grid system is held as an integral part of their power backup to maintain data integrity and to have a graceful shutdown process. Besides emergency backup, regulating the input power during power surges and steeping up the output during low power supply is also achieved by battery systems. Manufacturing units need adequate backup to avoid shutdown and loss in productivity. Hence it is imperative that a battery backup system should be in place in any official environment.
What is UPS Battery Overheating?
Batteries are technically designed to run from 15 to 25 degree celsius and any increase of over 10 degrees can definitely result in UPS battery overheating. The increase in temperature may also be due to internal heat production of chemical reactions and this is often associated with a critical status that may end up in fire. The batteries can also emit smoke prior to bursting in flames due to overheating. Sometimes during charging the batteries they leave out a burning smell indicating something is overheating inside them. Further there will be a bulging in the battery surface indicating gas buildup which will heat up the whole unit once it crosses a threshold. There will be reduced output once a battery loses shape.
Causes of UPS Battery Overheating
Major UPS battery overheating causes are listed that can be easily avoided if identified earlier:
- Inadequate capacity calculation for the battery backup unit will lead to 100% capacity running at all times which will induce overheating of batteries.
- While designing the battery storage unit, the air circulation vents and airflow calculation are important and if they are inadequate then the battery will get overheated.
- Using technically advised charging practices using authentic internal circuit chargers avoids overheating and any compromise in the charging circuitry will render excessive heat.
- If the battery has reached its prescribed lifetime then the overheating will happen automatically. They are internally calibrated to withstand a particular number of charges and discharges and once they cross this limit they start to overheat.
- When the output demand is more than what the battery is capable of catering to, then it will overheat leading to warning messages, frequent shutdowns and switching to bypass modes.
- The external environment plays an important role and if there is excessive heat for a prolonged period of time then the battery is sure to overheat.
Signs of UPS Battery Overheating
Even though there is lesser maintenance requirement in modern batteries, it is always advisable to look for physical deformities on a routine basis which will give away internal problems before they become more severe. Swollen batteries are signs of internal circuitry failure and fumes or foul odor coming out of the battery storage room indicates overheating of the batteries. Accidental and frequent shutdowns are indications of battery failure and often associated with overheating. Modern batteries come with alert systems, usually alarms or digital display, embedded in them and flashing warnings on a frequent basis gives away the poor status of the battery. Reduced backup time and battery resets indicate that the battery is struggling to provide the output it is designed for, usually because of overheating.
UPS Battery Failure Symptoms
- Even when there is no overloading the battery may struggle to either get fully charged or provide consistent output showing that the battery is losing its designated power to overheating.
- The battery may deliver inconsistent output, much lesser that its specification if it gets overheated
- Internal circuitry damage makes the battery not take the load automatically when there is a power shutdown, indicating malfunction in the core.
- Leakage, spills, rotten egg smell indicates the battery is nearing its end and before major shutdown happens they have to be serviced or replaced.
Impact of Overheating on UPS Batteries
Battery degradation is a direct result of overheating and it is a norm that every 10 degree rise in the operating temperature, more than the specified one, will render the battery lifespan by 50%. Premature battery failure due to any other reason can be manageable but due to overheating means replacement is the only option and hence has a direct impact on maintenance cost. Risk of fire is directly proportional to the increase in temperature of the battery and there is a very good possibility for other good batteries nearby to get affected too, increasing the damage manifold. On many storage rooms the batteries are arranged in racks and if there is overheating issue then the facility can also be damaged along with the battery going haywire. The whole impact is felt in the production lines and the downtime may cause huge operational costs loss. These thermal runaway risks have to be addressed before they can cause considerable damage.
UPS Battery Safety Tips & Maintenance
Batteries need to be housed in a clean, dry environment with 15 to 25 degrees room temperature. The nodes need to be cleaned and tightened on a routine basis to remove dust which is the primary heat accumulator. Proper and thorough load tests need to be scheduled at least once every two months to ensure proper working status of the batteries. Air vents should be properly spaced and in case of air conditioned rooms the temperature must be optimized for a consistent temperature. Regular physical inspection to ensure the batteries are not having any bulging issues and scheduled preventive maintenance ensures good practice and avoids unwanted surprises. Overloading on a frequent basis makes the battery to age more quickly than the designated lifetime. If there is damage or the battery crosses 5 years, it is replacement time irrespective of how good it is. Using high-quality batteries is always recommended because of the resistance they offer against wear and tear.
Choosing the Right UPS Battery Supplier
Avoiding sub standard batteries is the top most priority while selecting your battery partner and usually going for certified ones will save operating costs on the longer run. Going for a battery partner where they prioritize quality assurance and test each and every battery before delivery will pay rich dividends. AAGE International is the best battery supplier in the Middle East having an after sales support team that have won them many accolades. Their industry experience is unmatched and the reputation they have created for themselves in Qatar, Bahrain and other GCC country is beyond par. Their presence in major infrastructure developments across Qatar and Bahrain speaks of their expertise and the customer-centric approach makes every client comfortable working with them. They supply premium, certified battery products customized to customer requirements and duly tested for performance.
Battery overheating not only brings downtime and productivity loss but also is unsafe for staff members and maintenance personnel. Always choose industry experts like AAGE International for consultation on your requirements to get precise quotes and quality products. Their preventive maintenance solutions often rule out majority calamities in the long run as they identify flaws in batteries at early stages.
FAQ:
What causes UPS battery overheating?
Inadequate ventilation, frequent overloading, excessive atmospheric temperature, poor maintenance, wrong charging methods contribute to battery overheating.
How do I know if my UPS battery is overheating?
Bulges on the sides, leaks, foul smell, fumes from terminals are all signs of overheating
Can overheating damage a UPS battery?
Most definitely yes, they cause damage beyond repair.
How can I prevent UPS battery overheating?
Use certified products, experienced battery supplier team and diligently follow their maintenance schedules and recommendations.
When should I replace an overheating UPS battery?
Whenever the battery malfunctions or after 5 years even if it is working fine.
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