Selection and Sizing of

Batteries for UPS Backup

875 Dearborn Drive

Columbus, Ohio 43085
Tel: (614) 846-7500
Fax: (614) 885-3990
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Selection and Sizing of Batteries for UPS Backup

Abstract

Until only a few years ago, the types of batteries for use with Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS) were limited to
perhaps two or three. This made the selection rather simple. Over the past few years, a number of different types of
batteries have appeared on the market. They exhibit varied specifications, environmental requirements, are
available in a wide price range, require varying degrees of maintenance and have different warranty periods and life
expectancies from two or more than twenty years.

Choosing the proper battery for the application then becomes one of examining these various parameters and
choosing the one most suitable for the particular application. The following paper is a comprehensive analysis of
various battery types and methods for sizing these batteries utilizing the various battery manufacturers’ data
available for sizing.

Introduction

As a UPS manufacturer, SCI often supplies batteries with a UPS and aids customers with their decision on battery
selection. The following types of batteries are generally selected for use with a UPS:

1) Lead Acid/Plante’

2) Lead Acid/Antimony

3) Lead Acid/Calcium

4) Lead Acid/Calcium, Maintenance-free Liquid Electrolyte

5) Lead Acid/Calcium, Maintenance-free Gelled Electrolyte, Sealed

6) Lead Acid (Special Alloy), Suspended Electrolyte, Maintenance-free, Sealed

7) Nickel Cadmium, Pocket Plate Liquid Electrolyte

An understanding of the various operating parameters, maintenance requirements and cost is vital in choosing the
most advantageous battery for the application. This paper does not favor one battery type over another, but only
presents alternatives for consideration. Sizing information charts which show manufacturers’ names are used for
illustrative purposes only. Where an example of various types are referenced, some of the suitable sized batteries
available are reflected for a moderately sized UPS (In the range of 10 - 200 kVA.)

Battery Type

Lead Acid Plante’ This battery is manufactured by utilizing a lead grid framework into which lead oxide paste or
pure lead is applied. The plates are then formed by applying an electric current (charging) which forms lead dioxide
on the positive plate and sponge (porous) lead on the negative plate. Since lead paste and the grid framework is
rather soft, special care must be exercised in the construction of these batteries. As a result, these batteries are
more expensive than some other types (For example 2-2 1/2 times the cost of lead acid/calcium battery). Note:
Since the lead acid/calcium battery is the most commonly used battery for UPS back-up in the U. S. today, this
battery will be used as a reference for comparing the other battery types.

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The Plante’ battery is both mechanically and electrically durable. It is able to provide approximately 1,000 - 1,200 full
discharges during its 25 year warranted life. This battery will also likely deliver its full rated capacity after 25 years of
operation. Maintenance, especially watering, is low and the Plante’ battery can tolerate operation at high
temperatures better than the various lead acid alloyed types, i.e., calcium, antimony, etc. (Note: Batteries are
normally rated at the nominal temperature of 77° F (25°C). Because this type of battery generates hydrogen gas
when charging and because the sulfuric acid electrolyte does evaporate to some extent, these batteries must be
used in a room which is well ventilated to the outside and kept away from delicate electronic equipment. Examples
of some available types include Chloride type YAP, YCP, YHP, Yuasa-Exide type, Manchex DMP, EMP.

Lead Acid/Antimony This battery is manufactured by utilizing a lead antimony allow in the grid construction which
increases the strength of the plates. Thus, special and expensive mechanical construction is not necessary. This
lead acid/antimony battery is able to provide approximately 1,000 - 1,200 full discharges during its 15 year warranted
life. Hydrogen gas generation and consequential water usage is approximately ten times that of the lead acid/Plante’
and the lead acid/calcium battery. Adequate ventilation becomes more important. The frequency of maintenance,
water addition, also increases. There is also a need for periodic monthly equalization. At the end of 15 years, the
lead acid antimony battery will have lost approximately 20% of its original capacity. This battery may be selected
where frequent discharging is expected. Initial cost is approximately the same as the lead acid/calcium battery.
Examples of some available types of lead acid/antimony batteries include Chloride type FAP, FCP; C&D type DU,
KC, KCW LCW, LC; Yuasa-Exide type CA, ET, EA, GT, GA; GNB type MAT, NAT, DS, DKR, MAX, NAX.

Lead Acid/Calcium The lead acid/calcium battery is manufactured by utilizing a lead calcium alloy grid in the grid
construction to increase the strength of the plates. Hydrogen gas generation and consequential water consumption
is the same as the lead acid/Plante’ battery. This battery, when maintained at a float voltage of 2.25 volts/cell, does
not require routine equalization and it is capable of only approximately 100 full discharges during its 20 year
warranted life. As with most UPS applications, the battery will be floating on the charger most of the time, and even
when discharged, may not normally be fully discharged. This battery offers an excellent cost versus service reliability
advantage. It is, in fact, the most popular battery in the United States for UPS back-up. At the end of 20 years, it will
have lost approximately 20% of its original capacity. Examples of some available types of lead acid/calcium batteries
include: GNB type DSC, MCX NCX PDQ; C&D type DCU, XT; Yuasa-Exide type CC, KU, EC, DX, FTC, GU, GC.

Lead Acid/Calcium Maintenance-Free Liquid Electrolyte The lead acid/calcium battery is designed for 3-5
years of maintenance-free operation. It utilizes a high specific gravity electrolyte with a large electrolyte capacity.
This battery carries one year full replacement warranty and a five year expected life when used in a float application
such as a UPS back-up. This battery will gas the same as the lead acid/calcium battery, consequently, ventilation is
required. Initial cost compared to an equal size lad acid/calcium (20 year life) battery is approximately 35 - 50%. This
battery is presently manufactured in only a limited number of sizes; therefore, it becomes necessary to parallel
banks for longer back-up times or for larger UPS equipment. Since it is more expensive to parallel smaller battery
banks than to supply a single large bank, the price advantage is quickly lost when a system would require a large
number of parallel banks. Example of an available type of maintenance-free lead acid/calcium batteries is: Delco-
Remy.

Lead Acid/Calcium Gelled Electrolyte (GellCell) Sealed The gelled electrolyte sealed lead acid/calcium
maintenance-free battery is designed for up to 20 years of operation requiring no routine maintenance and carries a
one-year full replacement warranty. Because this battery is sealed, it vents no gas into the atmosphere under
normal operating conditions. The batteries will vent to release pressure as a safety precaution when a specific
internal pressure is reached. Because the battery is sealed, the hydrogen and oxygen gas generated during
charging recombines immediately within the cell. This sealed battery can safely be used in an unventilated room
making it suitable for applications where ventilation would be expensive or impractical. Since it is sealed and has a
gelled electrolyte, it can be used in any position and will not leak electrolyte even if the case becomes cracked. Cost
is approximately 60-70% of the standard lead acid/calcium battery of equal size. This battery also has a high energy
density, meaning it is physically smaller than an equal lead acid (liquid electrolyte) battery. Examples of some
available types of gelled electrolyte sealed lead acid/calcium batteries include: Johnson Controls type UPS.

Lead Acid (Special Alloy), Suspended Electrolyte, Sealed The lead acid (special alloy) battery is the newest
sealed battery appearing on the market utilizing an electrolyte that is suspended in porous material. There is no

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liquid to spill. It is completely sealed venting gas only as a safety precaution under high internal pressure. This
battery can be used in an office environment or in an unventilated room. It is totally maintenance-free battery with a
warranted life of up to 20 years and an expected life of approximately 10 - 14 years. It has a high energy density and
is physically smaller than an equal lead acid battery. Its cost is approximately 1 to 1.2 times that of the lead
acid/calcium battery. Examples of this type of battery include: (Hawker) Chloride type VA, VC, VB.

Nickel Cadmium - Pocket Plate, Liquid Electrolyte Nickel cadmium or NICAD batteries are the most
expensive of the various types of batteries previously discussed. Initial costs are approximately three times that of
the lead acid/calcium battery. Although 92 cells of nickel cadmium are required to equal 60 cells of lead acid, this
battery still has the advantage of being smaller in size and weight for a given capacity. These batteries do not
experience the severe shortening of life when operated at elevated temperatures and performs better at low
temperatures than do the lead acid batteries. NICAD batteries do emit hydrogen and oxygen gas, products of
electrolysis, but there are no corrosive gases as it true with lead acid types. Consequently, they can be installed
directly next to delicate electronic equipment. When maintained at the recommended float voltage, periodic
equalization is not required. Water consumption is relatively low and, consequently, so is maintenance. Normal
service life should extend beyond the warranted 20 years. Examples of some available types of NICAD batteries
include: Chloride type VHP, MP, EP, LP; Saft/Nife type H, M, L.

Figure 1 summarizes the features of the various types of batteries discussed in this paper. Remember that these
batteries require routine maintenance and have costs associated with that maintenance over the life of the battery.
Maintenance can range from none at all for maintenance-free types, to monthly visual checks and quarterly
measurements of voltages and specific gravity, all of which must be completed and recorded in order to maintain the
warranty.

FIGURE 1
Approximate Initial Cost
Hydrogen Gas Number of Deep Comparison to
Battery Type Typical Life Expectancy Evolution Discharges Lead Calcium
Warranty
Lead Calcium- Low To
Flooded Cell 20 Years 20 years Moderate 100 100%
Lead Calcium-
VRLA 10 Years 5 years None 200 30-50%
Lead calcium-
VRLA 20 years 12-15 Years None 200 80-120%
Lead Antimony-
Wet Cell 15-20 Years 15 Years High 400 100%
Nickel Cadmium-
Wet Cell 20-25 Years 20-25 Years Low 1000 200-300%

It should be noted that in the same installations, for example an EDP installation, a four or five year life may be all
that is required with the thought in mind that in four years the entire computer system may be outdated and replaced
with a new “state-of-the art” device requiring a different size UPS and battery.

Battery Sizing

Battery manufacturers provide various types of information for sizing batteries. All battery sizing calculations in this
paper have assumed a standard room temperature of 77° (25°C). Batteries which will be operated at higher or lower
temperatures continuously should be calculated specifically for that temperature. Your UPS or battery supplier can
assist you with these calculations. Generally, this information is supplied in one of three ways:

1. Kilowatts per cell

2. Kilowatts per bank

3. Ampere per cell

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Normally information supplied for lead acid batteries designed for short discharge times (5-120 minutes) is in the
form of kilowatts per cell tabulated for various back-up times. Therefore, it is important to first calculate the total
kilowatts required to operate the particular UPS at a given load (usually assuming full load).

Equation 1

KVA x PF
KW/cell = + AL
EFF x Number Of Cells
KVA = KVA of the load

PF = Power factor of load

EFF = Efficiency of the UPS at the given load

No. Cells = Number of cells required. The number of cells required will be specified by the UPS
manufactured.

AL = Any additional loads on the battery expressed in kilowatts.

Example Calculation:

Determine the battery required for a 20 kVA UPS operating at full load with an efficiency of 86%, a load power
factor of 0.8 and no additional DC loads. The UPS is a 130 VDC system requiring 60 cells of lead acid batteries and
requiring 30 minutes of back-up time. Utilizing the preceding formula, the kW / cell equals .310.

Equation 2

kW / cell = 20 x .8 = .310 kW
.86 x60

The UPS manufacturer will also recommend the battery be discharged to a specific end voltage per cell. For a 60
cell lead acid battery, this will normally be 105V per bank or 1.75 volts/cell.

Utilizing the battery manufacturer’s supplied information, such as that in Figure 2 for this 20 kVA UPS, 60 cells of
either 3CX-11 are required which will supply 19.4 kW (0.324kW x 60 cells) for 30 minutes.

FIGURE 2

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Long term discharge lead acid batteries and most nickel cadmium batteries are sized using charts expressed in
available amps for specified periods of time. The battery supplying a UPS will be delivering less current when the
batter is at 120" than will be necessary as the battery discharges down to a lower voltage. Consequently, one must
determine an “average current for the particular UPS. For these calculations, it is recommended that one calculate
battery current based upon 104% of the final end voltage of the battery bank. For example, 60 cells with an end
voltage of 1 .75V/cell will equal 105V/Bank. Consequently, 104% of 105V equals 109V. An average current will be
calculated at this voltage.

Equation 5

DC Amp = KVA x PF x 1000 + AL

EFF x DCV

KVA = KVA of the load

PF = Power factor of the load

EFF = Efficiency of the UPS at the given load

DCV = Average Discharge Voltage - For a 130 VDC system, this is 109V

AS = Additional loads expressed in amperes

Example Calculation:

Determine the battery required for a 20 kVA operating at full load with an efficiency of 86%, a load power factor of
0.8 and 30 amps of additional DC loads. The UPS is 130 VDC system requiring 92 cells of nickel cadmium batteries
and requiring three hours of back-up time. Utilizing the preceding formula:

Equation 6

DC Amps = 20 x .8 x 1000 + 30 = 200.68 Amps

.86 x 109

The UPS manufacturer has recommended an end voltage of 105V per bank or 1.14V per cell for the 92 cell bank.
Using Figure 3 for this 20 kVA UPS and additional 30 amp DC load, 92 cells of HB705P are required which will
supply 213 amps for three hours.

Figure 3

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Battery Charger Sizing

Once a battery has been discharged, it is important to restore the battery to full charge as quickly as possible in
order to be prepared for the next power outage and, in the case of all lead acid batteries, to prevent permanent
damage to the battery. In general, a short term discharge battery can be recharged to 85% capacity in 8-10 times
the discharge time. A long term discharge battery can be recharged to 85% capacity in a minimum of 8 hours
provided the charger is sized properly.

The following formula can be used to calculate battery charger size. Assuming the UPS is a float configuration
where the charger also supplies the inverter with DC power.

Equation 7

I xT xK
Charger size in Amps = B D +I +I
I A
TR

Where:
Inverter VA x Power Factor
I = Battery Current Required =
B
DC to AC Efficiency
DCV

Inverter VA x Power Factor

I = Inverter Current Required =
I
DC to AC Efficiency
Float Voltage

I = Any additional DC Loads in amperes

A

T = Battery Discharge (Run) Time in hours

D

T = Battery Recharge Time in hours

R

Example Calculation:
Determine the charger required for a 20kVA UPS with a 60 cell lead acid battery, no additional DC loads, 1 Hour
backup and 8 hour recharge time.

I = 20,000VA x 0.8 PF = 171A

B
0.86
109V

I = 20,000VA x 0.8 PF = 143A

I
0.86
130V

Then: I = 171A x 1Hr x 1.15

C + 143A
8Hr
I
C = 24.6 + 143 = 167.6Amps

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References:

Stationary Battery Division Johnson Controls, “Sealed Lead Acid Batteries For UPS Application”,
Publication 41-3116

Stationary Battery Division Johnson Controls, “Rechargeable Batteries And Chargers - GeVCell”,
Publication 41-2635R, November 1980

Stationary Battery Division Johnson Controls, “Lead Calcium Battery System Cell Equalization”,
Publication 41-30, 2R, November 1978

Stationary Battery Division Johnson Controls, “Recommended Periodic Inspection And Maintenance
Activities”, Publication 41-3162

C&D (Charter) Batteries “Stationary Battery Installation & Operating Instructions”,

Publication 12-800.

C&D (Charter) Batteries “Stationary Batteries, C&D Presents”,

Publication 12-610

Saft/Nife Incorporated “Nife Block Battery Technical Data”,

Publication V4537-2-E

Chloride Standby Batteries “Float Plate Standby Power Batteries,

Instructions For Installation & Maintenance”, Publication SEE-1195

Chloride Standby Batteries “Chloride Powersafe Batteries”, Publication SPUK21

Chloride Standby Batteries “Stationary Lead Acid Battery Systems”,

Publication 50.00, Form 7636, January 1983

Graham, Alvin G., Chief Engineer

“ The Battery Handbook”, Ratelco, Inc.