Lithium-metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries are both categorised as lithium batteries . However , the term lithium batteries generally refers to lithium-ion batteries , which contain no metallic lithium and support cyclic charge and discharge .

In 1991 , Sony launched its first commercial lithiumion battery . In 2009 , Huawei began large-scale use of lithium batteries in communications base stations . Since 2016 , the electric vehicle market , which uses lithium batteries , has been growing exponentially . To date , the power output of power batteries sold by the world ’ s top ten lithium battery manufacturers is equivalent to 90 GWh .

As the energy density and safety performance of lithium-ion batteries continues to improve – and as the cost declines – demand for lithium-ion batteries is increasing , across communications , electric power , electric vehicle , and data centre fields . They are becoming a next-generation , mainstream source of energy .

Analysis on lithium batteries application in data centres

Lead-acid batteries have dominated the communications industry for decades . But , due to disadvantages such as a short cycle life , large size , heavy weight and environmental pollution in the production process , the development of lead-acid batteries is shrinking in several countries . Indeed , telecoms giant China Tower has even decided to halt bids for lead-acid batteries . Lithium batteries offer several advantages , such as high energy density , a small footprint , and a long cycle life . •

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Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 59 | Page 22

LITHIUM BATTERY APPLICATION IN DATA CENTRES

Lithium-metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries are both categorised as lithium batteries . However , the term lithium batteries generally refers to lithium-ion batteries , which contain no metallic lithium and support cyclic charge and discharge .