Understanding Lithium-Ion, Lead-Acid and the Future of Stored Energy
Batteries power far more of our daily lives than most people realize. From smartphones and laptops to data centers, emergency backup systems and critical infrastructure, batteries quietly support many of the systems we rely on every day.
But not all batteries are created equal.
As energy storage technology evolves, organizations, especially in mission-critical environments, are evaluating how newer battery technologies compare to traditional solutions.
What Is a Battery?
At its simplest level, a battery stores chemical energy and converts it into electrical energy.
Batteries are commonly grouped into two major categories:
Primary Batteries (Single-Use)
Primary batteries are designed for one-time use and cannot be recharged.
Common examples include:
- Alkaline batteries
- Flashlight batteries
- TV remote batteries
- Disposable consumer electronics batteries
Once depleted, the battery is discarded because the chemical reaction cannot be reversed.
Secondary Batteries (Rechargeable)
Secondary batteries can be repeatedly charged and discharged.
Examples include:
- Vehicle batteries
- Laptop batteries
- Smartphone batteries
- UPS batteries
- Stationary battery systems
Rechargeable batteries restore the original chemical composition of their electrodes using electrical current.
What Are Stationary Batteries?
Within rechargeable batteries, there is another important category:
Stationary Batteries
Unlike portable batteries, stationary batteries remain permanently connected to electrical systems in fixed locations.
These batteries are commonly used in:
- Data centers
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems
- Emergency backup power systems
- Generator starting systems
- Telecommunications infrastructure
Because they remain continuously charged and ready for use, stationary batteries provide power during outages or interruptions.
For example, when you access online banking or digital systems, the servers storing that information are often protected by UPS systems backed by stationary batteries.
Even a momentary power interruption could disrupt access or create larger outages without reliable backup power.
A Brief History of Battery Evolution
Battery technology has changed significantly over time.
In mission-critical facilities, the conversation often centers around three major technologies:
- Vented Lead Acid (VLA) batteries
- Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries
- Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries
Each comes with advantages and tradeoffs.
Vented Lead Acid (VLA) Batteries
For decades, Vented Lead Acid (VLA) batteries were the standard in telecommunications and UPS environments.
Benefits of VLA Batteries
- Proven technology
- Long operational history
- Well-understood performance
- Reliable backup power
Challenges of VLA Batteries
- Heavy equipment
- Dedicated battery rooms required
- Routine maintenance
- Water replacement requirements
- Difficult installation and replacement
Because these batteries used visible electrolyte solutions, regular monitoring and maintenance were necessary.
Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) Batteries
In the 1980s, the industry introduced Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries as an improvement over the traditional lead-acid system.
VRLA batteries were sealed and marketed by some as “maintenance-free.”
Benefits of VRLA Batteries
- Sealed construction
- Reduced maintenance
- Smaller footprint
- Easier operation
Challenges of VRLA Batteries
- Monitoring requirements increased
- Specialized testing became necessary
- Performance concerns required greater oversight
Over time, users realized these batteries still required careful management, just in different ways.
Lithium-Ion Batteries in Mission Critical Facilities
Today, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are increasingly being adopted in UPS systems and mission-critical facilities.
The electric vehicle market accelerated widespread adoption of Li-ion, but mission-critical applications bring different requirements.
Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Are Attractive
Li-ion batteries offer:
- Higher energy density
- Reduced footprint
- Lighter weight
- Longer lifecycle potential
- Improved efficiency
For data centers and UPS systems, these advantages make Li-ion technology especially appealing.
However, there are also important risks to understand.
Are Lithium-Ion Batteries Safe?
One of the biggest questions surrounding Li-ion battery technology is safety.
Lithium-ion systems contain highly energy-dense materials that can increase fire risk if improperly managed. Potential causes of Li-ion battery safety incidents include:
- Overcharging – Excessive charging can destabilize battery chemistry and increase risk.
- Overtemperature – Excessive heat can trigger failures.
- Mechanical Damage – Physical abuse or structural damage can compromise battery integrity.
Understanding these risks and designing systems to manage them is essential to safe deployment.
What Is a Battery Management System (BMS)?
Unlike older battery technologies, Li-ion batteries require a Battery Management System (BMS) to operate safely.
A Battery Management System (BMS) is an electronic control system that:
- Monitors battery performance
- Protects against unsafe operation
- Tracks battery condition
- Balances battery cells
- Controls operating environments
- Reports system health
Without an active BMS, many lithium-ion battery systems will not operate safely.
Codes and Standards for Battery Safety
As lithium-ion adoption grows, battery safety codes and standards continue evolving rapidly.
Examples include:
- NFPA 855 – Provides standards for the installation of stationary energy storage systems.
- UL9540A – Tests thermal runaway fire propagation risks in battery storage systems.
- UL1973 – Addresses battery system safety requirements.
These standards are helping manufacturers, engineers, and facility owners better manage risks associated with energy storage technologies.
What Is the Future of Battery Technology?
While lithium-ion batteries have gained significant momentum, the future will likely involve multiple battery chemistries rather than a single solution.
Factors influencing battery selection may include:
- Safety requirements
- Energy density
- Sustainability goals
- Lifecycle cost
- Reliability
- Application type
- Environmental impact
Questions about mineral sourcing, environmental impacts, and recycling infrastructure continue to shape conversations about long-term battery adoption.
Lead-acid batteries remain widely used and well understood, making them unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
Why Battery Evolution Matters for Mission Critical Facilities
In mission-critical environments, power reliability is non-negotiable.
As organizations adopt newer energy storage technologies, balancing innovation, safety and reliability becomes increasingly important.
Battery evolution brings exciting opportunities but also new responsibilities.
The key is making informed decisions grounded in operational requirements, safety expectations and long-term performance.
At GBA, we help mission-critical clients evaluate infrastructure systems that support reliability, resilience and long-term operational success. Understanding evolving technologies, such as battery systems, is essential to helping facilities prepare for the future.