Fluctuating solar and wind power require lots of energy storage, and lithium-ion batteries seem like the obvious choice—but they are far too expensive to play a major role.
Why do we need lithium-ion batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries have reshaped how we use and store energy. You'll find them everywhere from aircraft and satellites to laptops and smartphones. Their technology also plays a pivotal role in our transition to cleaner energy use, such as in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
Are lithium-ion batteries the future of energy storage?
Lithium-ion batteries stand at the forefront of modern energy storage, shouldering a global market value of over $30 billion as of 2019. Integral to devices we use daily, these batteries store almost twice the energy of their nickel-cadmium counterparts, rendering them indispensable for industries craving efficiency.
Are lithium-ion batteries a good choice?
However, lithium-ion batteries defy this conventional wisdom. According to data from the U.S. Department of Energy, lithium-ion batteries can deliver an energy density of around 150-200 Wh/kg, while weighing significantly less than nickel-cadmium or lead-acid batteries offering similar capacity. Take electric vehicles as an example.
"Recycling a lithium-ion battery consumes more energy and resources than producing a new battery, explaining why only a small amount of lithium-ion batteries are recycled," says Aqsa Nazir, a postdoctoral research scholar at Florida International University's battery research laboratory.
Are lithium-ion batteries a good option for a back-ups system?
Lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries could address all of these needs. In fact, APC by Schneider Electric has already introduced li-ion batteries to its Back-UPS Pro line of UPS systems. The key difference between a lithium-ion battery and a lead-acid battery is the mix of chemicals used in the electrodes and electrolyte within the battery.
UPS systems that use lithium-ion batteries instead of lead-acid can benefit data centers by reducing costs, saving space, and improving overall performance. There are a number of different li-ion chemistries available, and the chemical make-up of the battery can affect overall performance.