Compact installation
Assess cabinet space and the installation layout together, using modules suited to the energy and power requirements.
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Lithium-ion battery systems for industrial energy storage and uninterruptible power applications. Assess cell chemistry, BMS, power electronics and operating conditions together to select a suitable solution for your project.
LITHIUM-ION TECHNOLOGY
More than a battery: an integrated energy system
Cell capacity alone does not determine Li-Ion performance. Every component, from cells to protective devices, must operate together.
Lithium-ion batteries store electrical energy electrochemically. During charging and discharging, lithium ions move between the electrodes. Cells connected in series and parallel form modules that provide the voltage, capacity and power required by the application. Together with monitoring, protection, communication and connections, these modules become a battery system.
High energy density, modular construction and fast-charging capability in suitable designs make Li-Ion an option for projects where space is limited and energy continuity matters. However, two systems with the same nominal capacity may differ in usable energy, permitted current and cycling performance. Selection must use product technical data and the actual load profile.
Monitored operation
The BMS tracks cell voltage, temperature, current and system status.
Project-specific configuration
Autonomy, cycling frequency, ambient conditions and equipment compatibility form the basis of selection.
CELL CHEMISTRY
LFP or NMC?
Li-Ion does not refer to one cell chemistry. Selecting a suitable chemistry is the starting point for system design.
LFP — Lithium iron phosphate
LFP is often considered for stationary energy storage because of its thermal stability and characteristics in cycling applications. It can be a suitable option for systems with regular charging and discharging. Safety, however, depends on more than chemistry: cell quality, protection, cabinet design and operating conditions also matter.
NMC — Nickel manganese cobalt
NMC can be considered where energy density and compact design are priorities. Space, weight, discharge power and temperature conditions must be assessed together. General chemistry characteristics provide guidance; the final decision must use the offered product’s datasheet, warranty conditions and performance verified for the application.
The same chemistry will not provide the best result in every project. Usable capacity, protection architecture and system compatibility matter alongside cell chemistry.
APPLICATIONS
From power continuity to daily energy management
- UPS and data centres: Support for critical loads during power outages, including high power requirements and short-duration discharge conditions.
- Telecom and communications: Backup energy, remote monitoring and efficient use of limited space in communications infrastructure.
- Industrial facilities: Application-specific backup for control, automation and critical auxiliary systems.
- Renewable energy storage: Storage and planned energy use where generation and consumption occur at different times.
- Energy management: Management of the consumption profile and peak power demand with suitable power electronics and controls.
UPS backup and an energy storage system with daily cycling have different requirements. Short-duration high power may dominate the first, while usable energy and cycling conditions may dominate the second. Asking only “how many kWh?” is therefore insufficient.
BMS AND SAFETY
Control at cell, module and system level
The battery management system (BMS) supports operation within the battery’s defined limits.
Measurement and monitoring
Cell voltages, temperatures and system current are monitored. State-of-charge and health indicators are provided according to the product’s measurement and calculation methods.
Protection coordination
Defined protection actions respond to overvoltage, undervoltage, temperature and current conditions. Fuses, contactors and other protective devices are designed together.
Cell balancing
Managing differences between cells helps keep modules within appropriate limits. Balancing method and capability vary by product.
Communication
Required status information is exchanged between the BMS and UPS, inverter or energy management system. Protocol and alarm behaviour are verified with the equipment.
A BMS alone is insufficient for safe installation. Electrical protection, cabinet layout, thermal management, monitoring and the facility emergency plan must be considered together. Check applicable product and project testing, certification and local requirements at selection stage.
SIZING
How do kW, kWh and autonomy relate?
kWdescribes the instantaneous power requirement; kWh describes the energy required over a period. Ah describes electric charge and is insufficient on its own to compare batteries operating at different voltages. Check power and energy requirements separately when selecting capacity.
Example: Theoretically, supplying a constant 20 kW load for 30 minutes requires 20 × 0.5 = 10 kWh at the load. This is not directly the nominal battery capacity to purchase.
Actual sizing accounts for UPS or inverter losses, permitted operating range, discharge power, temperature and expected end-of-life capacity. Starting currents and short power peaks must also remain within the system’s permitted current. Verify selection using manufacturer discharge tables and equipment operating limits.
A larger nominal capacity does not always mean a more suitable solution. A high-energy system may not supply the required short-duration power. Similarly, a high-power battery may not provide sufficient energy for a long autonomy target.
EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY
Can a Li-Ion battery be connected to an existing UPS?
A Li-Ion battery should not be treated as a universal direct replacement for an existing lead-acid battery. The UPS model must support lithium batteries, and compatibility with the selected battery system must be verified.
- DC operating voltage and permitted voltage range
- Charging profile, charging current and recharge target
- BMS communication, alarm transmission and controlled shutdown behaviour
- Discharge current, protective devices and connection architecture
- UPS and battery manufacturer approval and warranty conditions
Connecting a system before completing compatibility checks can cause performance and protection problems. For conversions, include the equipment model, battery voltage and required autonomy in the quotation request.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Correct installation and regular monitoring
Qualified teams must install the system according to manufacturer instructions. Assess cabinet dimensions, floor load capacity, service access, cable routes and ambient temperature in advance. Ventilation or cooling requirements depend on system heat losses and operating conditions.
At commissioning, check connections, protection, communication, alarm transmission and system behaviour. During operation, regularly review alarm history, temperature trends, module condition and manufacturer-recommended checks. “Low maintenance” does not mean a system can operate without inspection.
Life is affected by calendar age, temperature, state of charge, depth of discharge and usage frequency. Cycle counts are meaningful only alongside the stated test conditions. Plan replacement, transport and end-of-life procedures according to manufacturer instructions and applicable requirements.
TECHNOLOGY SELECTION
Comparing Li-Ion and lead-acid systems
| Criterion | Li-Ion | Lead-acid |
|---|---|---|
| Space and weight | Can provide compact solutions; depends on the product and power requirement. | May require more space and weight for the same objective. |
| Control and monitoring | BMS, protection and communication are core system components. | Monitoring scope depends on battery type and the installed system. |
| Equipment compatibility | Charging and BMS compatibility require separate verification. | May be established in existing equipment; voltage and charging compatibility still require checking. |
| Total cost | Assess initial investment, service, energy losses and replacement planning together. | Assess maintenance and renewal costs alongside initial investment. |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions about Li-Ion batteries
Are Li-Ion and LFP the same?
LFP is one cell chemistry within the lithium-ion family, which also includes chemistries such as NMC. Selection assesses the product’s technical characteristics rather than the technology name alone.
How many years does a Li-Ion battery last?
No single duration applies to every product. Ambient temperature, usage and manufacturer conditions are decisive. Review design life, warranty duration and end-of-life capacity separately.
Will it work with any UPS?
No. The UPS model must be compatible with the selected battery system for voltage, charging, protection and required communication. Check manufacturer approval.
Why is a BMS needed?
The BMS monitors cell conditions, performs balancing and protection functions and shares information with other equipment. It works with other protective components to support system safety.
How long does charging take?
Battery capacity, initial state of charge, permitted charging current and the charger determine charging time. Verify a fast-charging target against both battery and equipment limits.
Can it fit in an existing battery cabinet?
Dimensions alone are insufficient. Check load capacity, connections, insulation, thermal conditions and service access. Follow module and cabinet manufacturer requirements.
Can capacity be expanded later?
This is possible in some modular systems. Assess module compatibility, age differences, parallel connection limits, BMS and power electronics capacity under the manufacturer’s expansion rules.
What information is needed for a quotation?
Initial assessment requires load power, target autonomy, equipment model, DC voltage, daily cycling requirements, ambient conditions and layout information.
LET US ASSESS YOUR PROJECT
A Li-Ion solution suited to your application
Share your application’s power, energy and compatibility requirements with EKA System. We can review the data needed for technical selection together.
- Load power and target autonomy
- UPS or inverter brand, model and DC voltage
- Cycling frequency, ambient temperature and installation conditions
- Monitoring, communication and expansion requirements
Explore other battery technologies
This information is a general selection guide; the product technical datasheet and manufacturer instructions take precedence.