Suggestions for extending APC UPS battery life (Part 2)

Battery cycle

When a power outage occurs, APC UPS automatically switches to battery power supply to provide energy for auxiliary equipment (loads). Once the mains power is restored, the APC UPS battery will automatically charge to prepare for the next power outage, a process called a discharge cycle. The chemical properties of VRLA batteries, like those used in single-phase UPS, indicate that the battery can only undergo multiple discharge/charge cycles before reaching its service life and must be replaced.

During installation, the battery is at 100% of its rated capacity, but each discharge and subsequent charge slightly reduces the relative capacity of the battery. The length of the discharge cycle will depend on the degree of reduction in battery capacity. Although cycling is a necessary part of APC UPS operation, understanding the cycling frequency will help predict the service life of APC UPS.

Battery degradation

When a battery reaches the end of its service life and is determined to need replacement, it is defined as being unable to provide 80% of its rated capacity. When the battery reaches the above point, the degradation process will accelerate and the battery needs to be replaced. It should be noted that although the lifespan of a battery is defined as a loss of 20% or more of its rated capacity, the impact on the actual APC UPS operating time may be much greater.

Battery storage

APC UPS owners may seek to purchase replacement batteries before they are needed to avoid potential consequences of downtime. Although this is an acceptable and even recommended practice, there are some important factors to consider when storing batteries.

Inevitably, unused batteries will experience a shortened lifespan. The lead-acid batteries used in APC UPS will automatically discharge, so it is recommended to charge the stored batteries every 3 to 4 months. Failure to maintain the power of the UPS battery will result in permanent capacity loss within 18-30 months.

If you are unwilling or unable to charge the battery during storage, it is recommended to store the battery at a temperature of 10 ° or lower. Doing so will slow down the battery’s degradation cycle and help maximize its life expectancy.

The design of APC UPS and its related batteries is durable and long-lasting; However, maximizing the lifespan of the device requires appropriate care from the user. Most users know that batteries ultimately need to be replaced, but many overlook the importance of battery maintenance. Temperature and cycle frequency are the two characteristics that should be closely monitored, but the importance of regular inspection, placement, and storage cannot be ignored.