UPS makers have long been searching for an alternative standby power technology that’s smaller, simpler and “greener” than lead acid batteries, yet no more expensive to operate. Today, that hunt just may be nearing its end. Several exciting new standby power solutions, all rapidly approaching mainstream commercial viability, appear poised to give the lead acid battery a run for its money.

The long quest for a viable alternative to the lead acid battery is closer to conclusion than ever before. Flywheels, ultracapacitors, fuel cells and lithium ion batteries all offer important advantages over lead acid batteries as a UPS standby power solution. However, they also have serious drawbacks at present. In particular, they are all far more expensive technologies than lead acid batteries—and cost reigns supreme as the top consideration for most UPS buyers.

Still, this picture is changing rapidly. Already, flywheels and ultracapacitors are practical, cost-effective options in a limited set of scenarios. And with demand growing for more efficient, environmentallyresponsible energy storage solutions, manufacturers are working diligently to shrink the cost and address the shortcomings of the alternative standby technologies discussed in this white paper.

As a result, if one thing is certain in the standby power arena, it’s that tomorrow’s technologies will look different, operate more reliably and offer lower cost of ownership than today’s systems. And “tomorrow” may be right around the corner.

Learn more. Download a white paper that explores the strengths, weaknesses and future prospects of four such technologies: Flywheels, ultracapacitors, fuel cells and lithium ion batteries.

Mark Bell – mbell@empoweret.com
Empower Energy Technology