Readers ask: Should we even use LI batteries in data centres?

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.