The value of battery backup power for critical systems is that it can provide reliable and uninterrupted power to essential equipment and devices that cannot afford to lose power in the event of a utility outage or disruption. Some examples of critical systems that may require battery backup power are:
- Servers and medical equipment: Battery storage has long been used as an uninterruptible power source (UPS) for critical loads like servers and medical equipment. In this application, the battery is typically kept at or close to 100% state of charge, and the battery is not used for additional revenue-generating purposes1.
- Fire pumps, emergency lighting, elevators, fire alarm systems: Emergency and standby power systems are an integral part of the fire and life safety approach within a building because they provide backup power to these critical building systems during a utility interruption. These systems are required to comply with NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, which covers installation, operation, maintenance, and testing for the proper performance of the emergency power supply system2.
- Communication, information and manufacturing equipment: The Critical Power Company states that these equipment are the nerve center of many businesses and industries, and they need reliable backup power solutions to prevent data loss, downtime, or damage. These solutions include UPS, UL924 emergency lighting, radio, VOIP and communication power, industrial 12VDC, 24VDC, 48VDC and 120VDC battery systems and battery chargers3.
The value of battery backup power for critical systems can be measured by the benefits it provides, such as:
- Resilience: Battery backup power can enhance the resilience of critical systems by enabling them to operate during grid outages or disruptions caused by natural disasters, cyberattacks, or human errors. This can prevent loss of life, property, or revenue due to power failures.
- Efficiency: Battery backup power can improve the efficiency of critical systems by reducing the dependency on diesel generators or other fossil-fuel based backup sources that are costly, noisy, polluting, and require frequent maintenance. Battery storage can also provide ancillary services to the grid such as frequency regulation or demand response that can increase grid stability and lower electricity costs.
- Sustainability: Battery backup power can support the sustainability of critical systems by enabling them to integrate more renewable energy sources such as solar or wind that are intermittent and variable. Battery storage can smooth out the fluctuations in renewable generation and provide backup power when needed. This can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint associated with critical systems.