Toshiba SCiB™ Rechargeable Batteries

Back in 2008, Toshiba launched its own battery technology called SCiB (Super Charge Ion Battery). While this technology has been available for many years, it’s a dependable option for high-demand applications. As the UPS industry has evolved, more questions have been asked about Lithium technology and safety. In this article, we’ll discuss the specific chemistry of the SCiB UPS battery, and its main advantages in comparison to similar battery technologies.

• SCiBs is one of the safest lithium battery available in the UPS energy storage market today. Unfortunately, when lithium chemistry is considered, many people think of large – uncontrollable fires that occur when lithium batteries are damaged or catch fire.  However, the battery chemistry that makes up the SCiB Lithium battery is based on a different chemistry than the classic lithium iron phosphate, known as lithium titanium oxide (LTO)  both the anode and the cathode of the battery are comprised of LTO, eliminating the carbon from the cell and greatly reduces the dangers battery fires.
• SCiBs can perform well in both very high and very low temperatures. It will perform in temperature ranges as low as -22 Fahrenheit, and as high as 131 Fahrenheit. They work well for many applications exposed to low temperatures, such as outdoor equipment. It can also be specified for warm environments that are not conducive to a standard lead acid cell.
• SCiBs can charge very rapidly. Typical recharge to 80% or better in 6 minutes. Allowing a data center or other critical infrastructure a rapid recharge once power is restored, giving you peace of mind in the event of multiple outages. Rapid charging also typically does not degrade battery performance.
• SCiB batteries have a high level of safety. The SCiB uses oxide-based materials that are specifically designed to prevent thermal runaway situations. SCiBs are often used for applications requiring high safety and reliability, such as automobiles and industrial equipment. Battery monitoring to the cell level also allows for a constant screening of the health of each cell, and in the event of an issue or failure, allows a damaged cell to be isolated, further improving safety.
• SCiBs have a large available capacity, or State of Charge range. This range makes it possible for companies using them to reduce the battery capacity or number of batteries needed for a system.
• SCiBs have a long life cycle. Lithium-Ion battery life cycles often exceed 20,000 charge and discharge cycles. This is over 20 times greater than a VRLA battery’s lifetime. SCiBs also require little maintenance, even when used in applications that perform frequent charging an discharging.
• SCiBs are light! Typical cells are half the weight and volume of VRLA batteries.

If you want to learn more about whether your facility should consider a Lithium-Ion UPS, or  SCiBs in general, contact QPS today.  Our power quality experts will help you evaluate options that are the best fit for your environment and application.