How to Increase Lead Acid Battery Life Used in UPS

How to Increase Lead Acid Battery Life Used in UPS

Lead acid batteries are the backbone of most UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems. They provide reliable backup power for homes, offices, hospitals, banks, and data centers. However, without proper care and use, these batteries can degrade quickly. Extending the lifespan of your UPS battery involves controlled charging, avoiding deep discharges, temperature management, regular maintenance, and choosing high-quality batteries like those offered by Lento. With Lento’s robust lead-acid battery range—including tubular and sealed maintenance-free (SMF) models—you can ensure long-lasting performance for any UPS application.

Introduction

UPS systems rely heavily on their batteries to ensure uninterrupted power during outages. A failing battery means backup failure, leading to potential data loss, downtime, and system damage. Most UPS systems use lead-acid batteries due to their reliability and affordability. However, improper use, neglect, or poor environmental conditions can drastically reduce their lifespan.

Increasing the life of these batteries isn’t difficult—it just requires following a few key practices and using batteries built for long-term performance. In this guide, we explain how to increase the lifespan of lead acid batteries used in UPS systems and how Lento's advanced battery technology supports this goal for businesses, hospitals, and industrial sites.

1. Use the Right Type of Lead Acid Battery

Choosing the correct battery type is the first step in increasing battery life.

Types of Lento Lead Acid Batteries for UPS:

• Sealed Maintenance-Free (SMF/VRLA) Batteries
  • Models: LSB42-12, LSB65-12, LSB100-12, LSB150-12, LSB200-12
  • Design: Sealed, spill-proof, maintenance-free
  • Best For: Office UPS, telecom, ATM backup, indoor applications
  • Cycle Life: Up to 2,100 cycles at 20% DoD
• Tubular Lead Acid Batteries
  • Models: TGS150-12, TGS200-12, TGS220-12
  • Design: Flooded, heavy-duty tubular plates
  • Best For: Larger UPS systems, industrial and rural backup
  • Cycle Life: 1,200 cycles at 50% DoD

Why it matters: Using a battery not suited for your UPS's load or usage pattern can result in faster aging or capacity loss.

2. Maintain Proper Charging Practices

Charging has a direct impact on battery life.

Tips to Follow:

• Use a good quality charger with multi-stage charging: Lento batteries are compatible with chargers that follow Bulk, Absorption, and Float stages.
• Avoid overcharging: Overcharging causes gassing and water loss in flooded batteries and swells sealed batteries.
• Don’t undercharge: Sulfation occurs when batteries are kept undercharged for long periods. This is a major cause of premature failure.
• Match charger voltage with battery type: For example, Lento SMF batteries should float at 13.5–13.62V and bulk at around 14.4V.

3. Avoid Deep Discharges

Lead-acid batteries should not be deeply discharged regularly, especially in UPS systems.

Why it’s important:

• Discharging below 50% Depth of Discharge (DoD) shortens battery life.
• Frequent full discharges lead to sulfation and capacity loss.

Solution:

• Size the battery correctly so it only discharges 20–50% during normal power outages.
• Install battery management systems or voltage alarms to prevent over-discharge.

4. Control the Temperature

Temperature is a silent killer of lead acid batteries.

Ideal temperature: 20–25°C

Effects of High Temperature:

• Increases chemical activity
• Accelerates grid corrosion
• Shortens lifespan (each 10°C rise above 25°C can cut life by half)

Effects of Low Temperature:

• Reduces capacity temporarily
• Slows charging

How to manage it:

• Install batteries in well-ventilated rooms
• Avoid direct sunlight or proximity to heat sources
• Use thermal insulation in cold regions
• For large setups, consider battery enclosures with temperature control

5. Regular Maintenance (for Flooded Batteries)

Flooded batteries like Lento’s tubular models require basic maintenance, which helps them last longer.

Checklist:

• Water Top-Ups: Only use distilled water. Check electrolyte levels every 3–6 months.
• Clean Terminals: Prevent corrosion by cleaning and tightening terminal connections.
• Check Specific Gravity: Use a hydrometer to monitor the state of charge.
• Perform Equalization: Every 3–6 months, apply an overcharge to equalize the cells and prevent stratification.

Note: Lento’s AGM/SMF batteries are maintenance-free and do not require any of these tasks.

6. Monitor and Test Batteries Periodically

Preventive checks catch issues before they become problems.

What to check:

• Voltage readings
• Capacity tests using load testers
• Signs of swelling, leakage, or damage

Tools to use:

• Battery monitoring systems
• Handheld voltmeters
• Thermal sensors

Frequency: Every 3–6 months

7. Proper Storage Practices

If your batteries are not in regular use, they still require attention.

Storage Tips:

• Charge before storage: Batteries must be at 100% SoC (state of charge) before long-term storage.
• Re-charge every 3–6 months: Even sealed batteries self-discharge and can suffer from sulfation.
• Store in cool, dry conditions: High humidity or temperature affects longevity.

8. Avoid Mixing Old and New Batteries

Using old and new batteries together can reduce the performance and life of the entire bank.

Why:

• Old batteries charge/discharge at different rates
• They can cause the new batteries to age faster
• Imbalance may trigger UPS alarms or shutdowns

Recommendation: Replace the entire battery bank at once, not individual units.

9. Choose a Reputable Brand Like Lento

Using high-quality batteries is just as important as how you use them.

Why Lento?

•  Long cycle life
• Precision engineering for float voltage, discharge rate, and low self-discharge
• Wide range: SMF/AGM, tubular, and even lithium-ion batteries
• Global presence and B2B support
• Warranty support and post-sales technical training

Lento batteries are built with premium plates, high-purity acid, and advanced separators, ensuring consistent performance even in critical UPS scenarios.

10. Educate and Train Your Staff (B2B Focus)

If you're managing UPS batteries in an office, hospital, telecom center, or commercial building, training your staff on battery best practices will reduce failures.

B2B Tips:

• Create a battery maintenance SOP
• Keep a logbook of checks, water top-ups, and equalizations
• Schedule regular preventive maintenance visits

If you're a distributor, offer maintenance services as an added value when selling Lento batteries.

Conclusion

Lead acid batteries are reliable and cost-effective for UPS systems, but they need the right care to deliver a long and productive life. From choosing the correct battery type to controlling temperature, avoiding deep discharges, and following proper maintenance practices—every step contributes to better performance.

Lento provides UPS-specific batteries that are engineered for longevity, safety, and consistent backup power. Whether it’s their sealed AGM/VRLA models for commercial buildings or tubular batteries for industrial backup, Lento helps you maximize battery life while keeping your UPS system dependable.

Call to Action

If you’re planning to upgrade or maintain your UPS system, trust Lento for powerful and long-lasting battery solutions. Whether you need sealed batteries for office use or heavy-duty tubular batteries for industrial sites, Lento offers the right product with unmatched reliability. Contact Lento now to explore our full B2B battery range, secure distributor pricing, and get expert support to optimize your energy systems.

FAQs

1. How often should I top up water in Lento tubular batteries?
Every 3–6 months, depending on usage and temperature.

2. Are Lento AGM batteries suitable for UPS systems?
Yes, Lento AGM/SMF batteries are maintenance-free and perfect for indoor UPS applications.

3. Can I use Lento tubular batteries in air-conditioned server rooms?
Tubular batteries should be used in ventilated battery rooms. AGM batteries are more suited for indoor, sealed environments.

4. How many years do Lento UPS batteries last?
With proper care, Lento batteries can last 3–5 years or longer, depending on usage and maintenance.

5. Can I use solar batteries for UPS?
Yes, as long as the charging parameters match, Lento’s tubular batteries rated for solar are suitable for UPS applications.

6. Do Lento batteries come with warranty support?
Yes. Warranty varies by model (typically 24–36 months), with technical and replacement support for B2B clients.

7. Can I use Lento batteries in high-temperature areas?
Yes, but proper ventilation and cooling are recommended to avoid reduced lifespan.

8. Does Lento offer lithium-ion batteries for UPS?
Yes, Lento offers 100Ah to 300Ah lithium-ion batteries suitable for advanced UPS and solar systems.