Valve-regulated lead-acid batteries are common in three-phase data center back-ups, according to Delta Power. However, their weight and dimensions may require structural support, while their tendency to warm can add load to air-conditioning services. Data center designers have worked around these issues, thanks to affordable lead battery prices. More expensive lithium-ion alternatives are making inroads. Do lead or lithium-ion make better data center batteries in these times?
Lead, Lithium-Ion and Data Center Fires
Network World took a newsworthy angle on the lead or lithium-ion debate, on March 30, 2023. Data center fires are not common, they confirm, but when they ignite the consequences can be devastating.
Lithium-ion batteries occasionally overheat, and spark extremely hot fires that are difficult to extinguish. Therefore we need to be aware of the risk, Network World recommends.
A Case in Point with the Maxnod Fire
A devastating fire broke out on March 28, 2023, at the Maxnod Data Center in Saint-Trivier-sur-Moignans, Ain, France. The 8,611 square-foot facility was seriously damaged, and all equipment entirely destroyed. DGTL Info confirms a lithium-ion battery ignited the facility’s solar panels, disrupting customer data access.
Do Lithium-Ion Batteries Lead to More Data Center Fires?
Network World suggests via Uptime that 7% of data center outages are caused by fires. None the less, lithium-ion batteries could power as much as 38% of data centers by 2025. Key decision criteria include smaller footprint, simpler maintenance, and longer lifespan compared to lead-acid batteries.
DGTL Infra provides a detailed breakdown of 22 major data center fires between 2014 and 2023, and the service disruptions these caused. Their article concludes that the four main causes were electrical failures, overheating lithium-ion batteries, inadequate maintenance, and human error.
Measures to Curtail Battery Fires in Data Centers
Network World concludes its analysis by confirming that intelligent charging circuits mitigate over-heating, and potential thermal runaway in lead-acid batteries. Whereas controls in lithium-ion batteries are unable, “to cope with them all”.
“If you are looking at using lithium-ion batteries,” they recommend, “then definitely look at segregating them into their own battery room. A battery room should have at least a couple of fire-rated walls and ceilings, and operators should consider using a foam fire-suppression system.”
More Information
Lead-Acid Batteries’ Role in Data Centers
Storing Green Energy in Data for Future Use
Preview Image: Data Center Battery Rack
Lithium-Ion Batteries in Data Centers
