Are you still using SLA batteries?

Did you know that the lead acid battery is over 160 years old?  Since its invention there have been many improved variations, including the first sealed, or maintenance-free, lead acid (SLA) that was introduced in the mid-1970s.  However, in 1996, an alternative chemistry – Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) – was introduced that can serve the same applications with significant advantages.

Lower Cost

When total cost of ownership (TCO) is considered, Sealed Lead Acid batteries have a much higher TCO than Lithium Iron Phosphate.  The main expense with SLA is the frequent need for maintenance and a high self-discharge rate that causes the need for trickle charging.  With LiFePO4 batteries, maintenance charging only needs to be performed once every four to six months, which also saves energy.

Additional cost savings can be had with LiFePO4 batteries thanks to their extended service life.  Where SLA may need replacing on a yearly or even bi-yearly basis, in applications such as security and alarm panels, Lithium Iron Phosphate can last for up to 7 years.  Yet the advantages go even further, as runtime is also 40% longer than current SLA batteries in medical carts, powered scooters, small motives and UPS lead acid markets.  Not only can cycling reduce to 100% depth of discharge but cycle life can exceed 1,500 cycles (compared to just 300-500 for the best ‘cyclic’ lead acid batteries).

Easier Device Integration

In addition to cost, time is a major factor in the product development lifecycle, with OEMs endeavouring to streamline the process from concept to launch.  Sourcing the right battery for the demands of the application can be time consuming, so ensuring the correct system voltage and/or capacity is critical.  LiFePO4 batteries simplify the process as they can be connected in a variety of series and parallel arrays to make different voltages and capacities available.  Take the URB121000 for example, up to five of these batteries can be connected in series and up to four in parallel.

(OEMs considering using multiple batteries should contact Ultralife for advice)

Once the battery has been selected, it also needs to be integrated safely into the product.  Ultralife LiFePO4 batteries contain built-in protection electronics to prevent over-charge, over discharge or over-temperature. This makes the battery self-dependent and robust enough for use in medical or government and defense equipment.

Weight Reduction

‘Lead acid is heavy and is less durable than nickel- and lithium-based systems when deep cycled.’ (British Battery Industry Federation)

Ultralife LiFePO4 Lead Acid Replacement batteries are three times lighter than lead acid batteries of the same energy. Replacing lead acid with Ultralife LiFePO4 will significantly reduce the weight of an existing system and have operational benefits in mobile/transportable equipment such as medical carts and robotics.

The table below shows Ultralife Corporation’s range of SLA replacement products that are suitable for such applications, their associated weights and other key specifications.

All of the above Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries offer the lower cost, easier device integration and weight reduction advantages; making them the perfect portable power option for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who are looking to replace sealed lead acid alternatives.