If you are DIYing your own home backup power system or UPS, server rack batteries are one of your options. How do you choose a battery that you can rest assured will provide a stable and safe current for your home in an emergency? The following key information can help you.
1. Size
Server rack battery are divided into 3U and 4U, and you can choose according to your rack height. The height is measured in U (1U=1.75 inches=44.45 mm). Consider the space for battery storage and the number of batteries used and calculate the total height of the battery system to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
3U is: 5.25 inches=133.35cm
4U is: 7 inches=177.85cm
2. Battery capacity
The capacity depends on whether the LFP cells used are 100AH or 200AH. Multiply them by the voltage and you can calculate the capacity of each server rack battery. When the battery is 100AH 48V, the peak capacity is 4.8kwh. When using 200AH cells, it is 9.6kwh.
Using a larger capacity can store more power, but the price will be more expensive.
3. Cost
Although the price of rack batteries is very close, the materials used by different brands are different, and there will still be differences in cost. Choose according to your budget. Among them, the most valuable part of the battery is the cell it uses. When its price is much lower than others, you need to consider whether the LiFePO4 it uses is of high quality.
In addition, the casing and screen used by the manufacturer are also a factor affecting the price.
4. Cycle life
The cycle life of server rack batteries is between 4000 and 7000 times, and the actual service life is related to the DOD set during use. However, thanks to the high stability of lithium iron phosphate cells, they can usually be used more than 4000 times. At the same time, the manufacturing process of each manufacturer will also affect the life.
5. Voltage
Server rack batteries have two specifications, 48V and 51.2V. The difference is that 51.2V will have one more battery cell. Although it has less impact on the capacity, if there is a requirement for voltage, it is necessary to clarify how many volts of battery is needed.
6. BMS
BMS is a necessary part of every energy storage battery. The quality of BMS determines the customer’s experience. Some BMS can be connected via Bluetooth, while some cannot. Consider it according to your usage habits.
BMS can effectively extend the service life and safety of the battery. Avoid overcharging and discharging of the battery. Different battery manufacturers use certain differences in the BMS. Pay attention to whether they are compatible with the inverter you choose. If you are not sure about this, please consult the manufacturer.
7. Maximum parallel number
The parallel number of most server rack batteries is 16. Users can connect according to their actual needs. If more quantities are required, they need to ask the corresponding manufacturer to ensure the safe operation of the battery.
8. Cyclelife
The shelf life set by different brands is different, usually in the range of 5 to 10 years. Choosing a company with a longer shelf life is more beneficial to users. In a sense, the length of the shelf life also reflects the company’s strength and the product’s quality.
9. After-sales service
Different companies provide different after-sales services, online or face-to-face. Choose products with a complete after-sales service system to avoid being troubled by problems that cannot be solved when they arise. Before buying, you can check whether the company provides installation videos, product manuals, warranty cards, etc. for their products.
10. Company evaluation
Good company evaluation is a guarantee for the product, and they will pay more attention to the quality of the product. Using batteries that are recognized by the public can save you a lot of time.
Conclusion
Choosing a suitable server rack battery can provide you with the ability to resist power outages and avoid economic losses and safety issues caused by sudden power outages. Give full consideration to the ten questions mentioned in the article and then cast a critical vote for your choice.
FAQ:
Are rack-mount batteries from different brands compatible?
Usually not, because different brands of batteries use different BMSs, which may cause short circuits and affect battery life.
Advantages of LiFePO4 rack-mount batteries?
Easier to install, takes up less space, and is cheaper than wall-mount batteries.
What does a server battery do?
It can be used as a UPS and energy storage battery to ensure the operation of off-grid power systems during power outages.
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