Data center administrators are pulled in two directions, writes Eric Hill in Data Center Dynamics. He is marketing director at CSB Energy Technology, a global manufacturer of valve-regulated lead-acid batteries. On the one hand, data centers need more energy storage, while on the other, their authorities demand greater environmental responsibility. This brings data center battery sustainability under the spotlight.
Recycling Data Center Batteries for Greater Sustainability.
There are three main types of storage batteries in North American data centers. These are lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and nickel-based batteries. Sustainability means preserving natural resources by recycling them, or finding other alternatives. So how good is our battery industry at doing that?
Lead Acid Batteries Are the Gold Standard for Recycling
Without a doubt, lead-acid batteries are ahead of the game. Close to 95% recovery of materials keeps our prices low, and so there is willing customer cooperation. Lead-acid recycling technology follows high standards in North America, but this may not always be the case in other parts of the world.
Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Is Improving at Data Centers
Eric Hill contests the view that lithium-ion battery recycling is in the doldrums. In fact, he insists the activity is occurring in volumes. However, there has been a slowdown as lower metal prices make it more difficult to financially cost-justify the activity. New technologies and procedures are evolving to close this gap.
Data Center Battery Sustainability and Nickel Based Products
Nickel-based batteries may represent a threat to data center battery sustainability, depending on their type, Eric Hill concludes. Nickel-cadmium varieties are a challenge, because they contain ‘toxic and hazardous cadmium’. Whereas dry-cell types are simpler and easier to process.
Lead-Acid Battery Makers Should Maintain the Pressure
Our industry should never cease refining our environmental responsibilities, throughout the product cycle. This is our duty as responsible citizens. We must strive to leave a better world behind us, than the one we inherited.
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