Battery reliability refers to a battery’s ability to consistently perform as expected over time, without unexpected failures or degradation. It is influenced by factors such as proper maintenance, environmental conditions, and regular monitoring to detect potential issues before they become critical and accumulate. Ensuring battery reliability is essential for systems that rely on uninterrupted power supply, as even small failures can lead to significant operational disruptions and loss of power to the critical load.
Battery failure rate and accumulated faults over time
The accumulated faults (represented by the red line in this graph) increase over time because battery failures continue to occur and add up. Without battery monitoring, it becomes impossible to identify which specific block has failed and needs replacement.
With Batscan advanced monitoring, faults are detected early, and faulty blocks can be replaced immediately — resetting the accumulated faults to zero until the next potential failure occurs in a different block. The green line represents accumulated faults in a battery that is monitored by Batscan, showing a stable and predictable performance with a non-invasive monitoring system.
Replacement of all battery blocks
Some facilities choose to replace all battery blocks every three years simply because they don’t know which specific block has failed. This happens even though the batteries are designed to last 10 years. The cycle repeats, driving costs higher with each replacement.
Is this reliable? The newly installed batteries enter an infant mortality phase, where the risk of early failures is high. This period introduces even more uncertainty, as fresh batteries are more prone to early malfunctions.
Is this economical? The costs multiply, often quadrupling over time due to repeated, unnecessary replacements.
Is this safe? Unidentified faults may persist even between battery replacements, increasing the risk of sudden failure and jeopardizing system performance. Without advanced monitoring, like Batscan, facilities are left to guess, leading to higher costs, reduced reliability, and compromised safety.
Replacing all the batteries after just three years may seem like a solution, but it often reintroduces early-life issues. These are the initial problems that occur during a battery’s first phase. At this stage, the batteries are continuously undergoing the early settling period, where they are still stabilizing and adjusting. Replacing all the batteries after just three years creates a repeating cycle. This prevents the system from reaching its optimal performance phase. The constant turnover leads to ongoing issues with stability, capacity, and reliability. The batteries are replaced before they can reach their full potential. To avoid these recurring problems, it’s essential to properly monitor battery health and replace them only when necessary.
With Batscan monitoring, faults are detected early, enabling the replacement of only faulty battery blocks. This approach extends battery life, enhances reliability, reduces costs, and ensures safer operations.
Want to learn about MTBF and battery lifespan? Check out our blog about MTBF in the “Updates” section!