> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.techstories.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Readers ask: Should we even use LI batteries in data centres?
- URL: https://www.techstories.co/readers-ask-should-we-even-use-li-batteries-in-data-centres/
- Published: 2024-09-27T10:19:00.000Z
- Updated: 2024-09-29T10:23:08.000Z
- Description: Relatively low risk but wicket high impact.
- Author: Paul Mah
- Tags: Data Centres, Unfiltered

It's Unfiltered Friday, and it looks like some of you are not done with lithium-ion battery fires yet.

Coincidentally, a container truck carrying lithium-ion batteries overturned on a highway in San Pedro, Los Angeles, just hours ago.

A battery exploded and the whole rig caught fire. Part of the freeway is now closed, and firefighters say they will let the fire burn out - estimated at 24 to 48 hrs.

Thankfully, there are no injuries.

**Lithium-ion batteries on fire**

We know that lithium-ion battery fires are almost impossible to put out once they start as it is self-oxidising, meaning they can burn without air.

As Eric F Harris wrote in a comment: "Maybe a low risk (of fire) but wicked high impact."

So why put them into data centres?

According to a respected veteran in the data centre industry:

- Valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries developed a bad reputation when UPS makers went for low-quality options due to cost pressures.
- So along came lithium-ion batteries which promised bigger margins and an (apparently) cheaper TCO due to a lifespan of up to 15 years.
- These were sold without enough focus on the fire risk, using skewed TCO comparisons by adding battery monitoring systems to VRLA batteries - which they don't need.

Do you agree?

**A cost consideration**

At the W.Media - Global gathering last week, I spoke with a specialist whose firm offers laser detection equipment they claim can detect lithium-ion battery fires early enough to make a difference.

Unfortunately, he also noted that most customers lose interest the moment they start talking about the cost.

- In his view, lithium-ion batteries can be safely deployed in data centres with the right fire detection equipment (Though of course, he'll say that).
- Separately, I received an email from another vendor with a gas detection system that claims a 5-10 minute early warning.

I don't have the ability to determine if these solutions really work. But one thing's clear - Lithium-ion battery deployments aren't as cheap as they seem initially.

**Should we use it in data centres**

I'll point out that regulations continue to evolve. I just looked at the SCDF guidelines for energy storage systems (ESS):

- ESS must be at the same story as fire engine access.
- Ventilation must meet stipulated standards.
- Max stored energy per compartment.

These regulations are not retroactive, so there will be installations that don't conform.

So should we use lithium-ion batteries in data centres? I suspect the market will eventually be the judge.

What do you think? Look forward to hearing your thoughts.