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Living in South Africa means planning your life around Eskom’s power outages. From cold dinners to disrupted business, the constant load-shedding has become more than an inconvenience– it’s a daily struggle impacting homes and livelihoods. As power cuts become the norm and electricity prices rise, it’s time to embrace innovative solutions and take control of power needs.
For many, backup power supplies are no longer an option; it’s essential. Keep reading to discover how to choose the perfect battery to keep your home or business running smoothly during power outages.
Which Types of Batteries Are Suitable for a Backup Power Supply?
For a backup power supply, you’ll want to stick to batteries designed for uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). These batteries are considered deep-cycle batteries and can provide steady power over an extended period. A UPS provides businesses enough time to shut down sensitive equipment properly. For households, this means essential appliances remain running during short outages. There are three popular choices for UPS-compatible batteries.
Lead-Acid
There are two kinds of lead-acid batteries: Flooded Lead-Acid (FLA) and Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA).
- FLA batteries are the most traditional form, offering low upfront costs and tolerance for overcharging. However, they require regular maintenance by refilling water and monitoring electrolyte levels. They have to be stored in a well-vented area due to hydrogen gas release when operating.
- SLA batteries are maintenance-free and sealed, preventing leaks. SLA utilises either a glass mat to absorb the electrolyte or a gel-like electrolyte interior to be spill-proof. Both types of SLA are compact and do not release significant gas when in use. However, they have a short lifetime like FLA.
Nickel-Cadmium
This material is less common in everyday UPS systems, but it’s known for its durability and ability to operate in extreme temperatures. It can handle frequent discharges and has long life cycles. However, it is more expensive than Lead-Acid types, and the cadmium content is not environmentally friendly.
Lithium-Ion
Lithium-ion batteries have become popular due to their lightweight design, long lifespan, and safety features. There are three common types: lithium cobalt oxide, lithium, manganese oxide, and lithium iron phosphate (LFP). LFP batteries have higher energy density, longer lifespans, and enhanced safety compared to other UPS systems. However, they have a higher initial cost, and LFPs require additional cells to compete with voltages of other lithium-ion materials.
What Size Battery Do I Need for a Backup Power Supply?
Many variables come into play when choosing the right battery size, but the most critical factors are your power requirements and the battery’s ability to supply current (AC output).
Consider the total wattage of all the devices and appliances you want to keep running for power requirements. The battery’s capacity is typically measured in watt-hours (Wh), which indicates how much energy the battery can store and supply over time. Calculate the total energy required in watt-hours (Wh) by multiplying the total wattage (W) by the desired runtime (hours).
This is the minimum battery capacity you’ll need. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro offers 3600Wh, powering a 1200W appliance for 3 hours. If you need more power, add more batteries. Multiple power stations can be integrated into a business or home to meet power requirements.
In addition to capacity, the battery’s AC output determines if it can supply the power your devices need. The AC rating indicates how much power the battery can provide at once, typically measured in watts (W). Continuing with the EcoFlow DELTA Pro, this battery has an AC output of 3600W. This means it will provide up to 3600W of continuous power.
If the total wattage of your appliances and devices is greater than 3600W, the battery will not be able to supply enough power simultaneously.
Other Considerations
Environmental Factors
Lithium-ion batteries are more environmentally friendly. They don’t contain toxic heavy metals like lead, cadmium, or mercury. They have a longer lifespan, reducing the need to replace them as often. When charging and discharging, they waste less energy as heat, resulting in higher energy efficiency than lead-acid and Nickel-Cadmium batteries.
Take an extra step towards eco-friendliness with EcoFlow Solar Generators. A solar generator combines an EcoFlow portable power station with EcoFlow solar panels, directly utilising solar energy to generate electricity.
Budget
The cost of a battery depends on the type, capacity, and brand. Lead-acid batteries are generally the most affordable option upfront, making them a budget-friendly choice for those looking for a lower initial investment. Lithium-ion batteries are generally the most expensive upfront. However, the initial outlay is offset due to their longer lifespan, higher efficiencies, and lower maintenance.
Space and Weight
If space and weight are important considerations if they will be used in a confined area or need tobe portable. Lead-acid batteries are bulky and heavy. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries are more compact and lightweight. With their high energy density, they can still offer a lot of battery capacity while not taking up a lot of space.
The smallest in the EcoFlow DELTA Series Portable Power Stations is the DELTA 2, but it still offers a storage capacity of 3kWh and weighs only 12 kg (27 lbs).
Maintenance
Different battery types require varying levels of maintenance. Flooded lead-acid types require regular maintenance. They contain a liquid electrolyte solution made of water and sulfuric acid. During charging, the water breaks down into flammable hydrogen and oxygen gas, requiring the water to be replaced.
The released gas can also cause corrosion on the terminals, which need to be cleaned off. In sealed lead-acid batteries, the electrolyte is immobilised in gel or absorbed in a mat, reducing water evaporation and making them maintenance-free. Lithium-ion types are also maintenance-free.
Recharging
All batteries in a UPS system require recharging, but the speed varies by type. Lead-acid batteries, with their lower energy density and higher internal resistance, typically take longer to recharge. Nickel-cadmium batteries offer a moderate recharge speed. However, lithium-ion batteries recharge the fastest, thanks to their high energy density and low internal resistance, allowing them to absorb energy efficiently.
EcoFlow’s LFP batteries can be recharged via an AC outlet or solar panels. For added reliability, the EcoFlow Smart Generator (Dual Fuel) provides backup charging for DELTA Series portable power stations using either propane or unleaded gas.
Final Thoughts
The right battery is the foundation of a successful backup power supply. To back up devices, electronics, and appliances, you’ll need a deep-cycle battery designed for an uninterruptible power supply. These batteries are commonly composed of lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or lithium-ion interiors.
To find the right one, consider the battery capacity and AC output required. Also, evaluate the watts and amps of the devices that will be backed up.
After calculating those values, consider the pros and cons of each battery type. Lead-acid batteries are cheaper upfront but can be bulky and heavy, require regular maintenance, and are not as eco-friendly. Lithium-ion batteries may have higher initial costs but require no maintenance, last longer, recharge the fastest, and are the most environmentally friendly.
Start powering your devices with reliable EcoFlow Portable Power Stations featuring advanced lithium-ion battery technology.