4 Ways to Reduce the Risk of UPS Battery System Failure
Nearly every industry today relies on critical systems to function and remain highly available, and any significant disruption has a profound impact.
While IT managers rely on UPS systems to mitigate downtime risks, there are still components that are sometimes overlooked or underestimated, such as batteries.
UPS batteries are life-limited, and their design determines the potential a battery can perform when operating under ideal battery conditions. Application, installation design, operating conditions and maintenance practices impact battery aging.
Through implementing preventive maintenance strategies of UPS batteries, managers can take a proactive approach to minimize disruption.
Consider these steps to reduce the risk of UPS battery system failure.
1. Regular Battery Testing and Storage
Batteries require regular checkups to ensure they continue to protect data center and remote critical systems. Test the batteries using a monitoring product like the Albér Cellcorder CRT-400 Cell Resistance Tester and assess the performance to identify any potential weaknesses.
Regardless if they’re a few weeks to a few months old, batteries should be inspected for corrosion semi-annually as part of a preventive maintenance strategy.
If a battery is being stored and unused, its lifetime decreases. To extend battery storage life, try charging inactive batteries every couple of months.
2. Battery Capacity & Cycling
A battery can only undergo so many discharge/recharge cycles before it reaches the end of its life, and must be replaced.
Each discharge and recharge slightly decreases battery capacity. While cycling is a necessary part of UPS operation, maintaining a detailed record of the cycling frequency will help predict the life of a UPS battery.
3. Evaluate the Infrastructure’s Environment
Excessive dirt dust, and other contaminates can cause a premature failure of UPS batteries. Buildup can affect ventilation, causing the temperatures to rise, ultimately shortening the life of the operating battery.
To ensure a well-functioning infrastructure that promotes availability, data center managers should create a maintenance routine and assign responsibilities to IT or facility staff.
4. Keep Detailed Records of Battery Maintenance
In addition to scheduling maintenance, keep records of the type of maintenance performed and the condition of the equipment during inspection.
Battery maintenance documentation can help when planning for equipment replacement or unscheduled repair and when troubleshooting the UPS. In addition to keeping records, be sure to keep them in a consistently accessible and well-known location.
Consider our Performance Optimization Services
As your local Vertiv partner, Tech Plan is here to help you get the most out of your UPS battery investment. Our factory-trained specialists will install new batteries following manufacturers’ and IEEE standards and recycle batteries in accordance with government regulations. Contact us today to learn more.