Inside the Evolution of the ZincFive BC Series: What’s New and Why It Matters (FAQ)

Data Center Solutions
Nickel-Zinc Batteries

June 3, 2026

The strongest version of any product is the one that has been through the field.

With 2 GW of power delivered or contracted globally, the ZincFive BC Series UPS Battery Cabinet has been deployed, cycled, stressed, and maintained across some of the world’s most demanding data center environments. That scale reveals opportunities for improvement that no laboratory test can replicate, and when it does, we act on them. We believe innovation is never finished, which is why every field insight, customer experience, and engineering lesson becomes an opportunity to make a proven product even better.

The latest evolution of the BC Series reflects that commitment. Key advancements include a next-generation Battery Management System (BMS) with enhanced analytics, controls, and system integration, a 150% stronger monobloc battery design engineered for increased durability and field reliability, and a polymeric battery tray that eliminates conductive paths to further mitigate ground fault risk and enhance electrical safety.

This FAQ provides a detailed look at these advancements, the engineering decisions behind them, and the value they deliver to data center operators. It also addresses common misconceptions about nickel-zinc battery technology and answers the most frequently asked questions about the current generation of ZincFive BC Series UPS Battery Cabinets.

FAQ: BC Series Product Advancements

What models are included in the recent BC Series UPS Cabinet upgrades?

We’ve made holistic, continuous improvement upgrades across the entire BC Series product line to ensure a standardized, high-performance baseline of reliability. Every cabinet shipping now includes the updated BMS, battery case, and tray. To understand the specific advantages that makes our BC Series the ideal choice for modern data center infrastructure, check out our comprehensive BC Series FAQ.

What changed in the ZincFive monobloc battery case, and why?

The ZincFive NiZn monobloc battery case was re-engineered from the lid and seal down to the polymer blend itself. The goal was to reduce internal mechanical stress generated during manufacturing and operation, further enhancing long-term durability and robustness. The result is a case that is approximately 150% stronger than the previous generation. For cabinets that are shipped long distances, handled in the field, and expected to perform reliably for a decade or more, this advancement further strengthens the durability and reliability of every BC Series cabinet that leaves our factory. To learn more about what makes our NiZn technology the perfect fit for modern data center infrastructure, check out our NiZn FAQ.

Why did ZincFive transition to a new battery tray?

We transitioned to an injection-molded polymeric battery tray to securely house and electrically isolate every battery. This non-conductive tray significantly reduces the electric potential for stray current to travel, mitigating ground fault risks and neutralizing high-current short-circuit hazards before they can manifest.

How has the ZincFive Battery Management System (BMS) been improved?

ZincFive BMS is purpose-built for NiZn technology. The updated system delivers faster, more granular monitoring at the individual battery level — catching deviations earlier and responding to them proportionally before they become operational problems. When something falls outside defined thresholds, the system responds automatically: minor variations trigger informational alerts, more serious conditions disable charging or open the contactor, and critical conditions open the breaker.

Operators get full alarm history with timestamps, CSV export, and real-time visibility into cabinet status across a deployment. Integration with building management systems, Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tools, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) networks is cleaner and more straightforward than the previous generation.

Myths and Truths About Nickel-Zinc Technology

Myth: Ground faults and thermal runaway are the same thing.

Truth: They are fundamentally different events.

Nickel-zinc batteries do NOT go into thermal runaway.

Thermal runaway is an exothermic chemical reaction associated with certain volatile battery chemistries that can result in rapid temperature escalation and propagation between cells. Nickel-zinc chemistry does not exhibit thermal runaway, as validated through UL 9540A testing.

A ground fault, by contrast, is an unintended electrical connection between stored electrochemical potential and ground. Ground faults can occur in any battery chemistry and are addressed through proper electrical system and cabinet-level safety design.

Misinterpreting ground faults as thermal runaway can lead to incorrect conclusions about battery safety characteristics.

Myth: Battery Management System alarms are just nuisance alerts.

Truth: Modern BMS platforms provide critical operational intelligence.

Advanced battery systems generate meaningful analytics, alarming, diagnostics, and historical performance data designed to help operators maintain uptime and identify potential issues before they escalate.

The ZincFive BMS provides real-time visibility into cabinet status, battery health, alarm conditions, and operational trends, helping support more proactive facility operations and faster diagnostics.

Myth: Nickel-zinc batteries take too long to recharge.

Truth: Nickel-zinc batteries recharge differently, not slower.

ZincFive systems intentionally delay recharge initiation until battery temperatures stabilize below defined thresholds. Once recharge begins, nickel-zinc batteries can charge at rates comparable to or faster than alternative technologies while maintaining operational capability at low states of charge.

Additionally, nickel-zinc batteries can continue delivering maximum power output even at low state-of-charge levels, allowing systems to remain operationally effective before recharge is fully completed.

Myth: Nickel-zinc battery systems are more expensive.

Truth: Cabinet cost alone does not reflect total system economics.

Because ZincFive systems deliver extremely high power density, operators typically require fewer cabinets to achieve the same power requirement compared to alternative technologies. Combined with reduced cooling demands, simplified fire suppression requirements, lower infrastructure complexity, and space savings, the total cost of ownership (TCO) can be significantly lower at the system level.

Nickel-Zinc: A Smarter Approach to Lead-Acid UPS Retrofits

Data Center Solutions
Nickel-Zinc Batteries

June 2, 2026

More than 70% of global data center capacity resides in existing facilities. As permitting delays, power constraints, and extended construction timelines slow new builds, operators are increasingly focused on extracting more value from brownfield environments. In many cases, retrofits offer a faster, more cost-effective path—often 30% to 50% less expensive than new construction—while avoiding the delays tied to greenfield development.

But those advantages only hold if the scope remains contained.

In practice, what begins as a battery replacement can quickly expand into something far more complex. Replacing aging lead-acid (VRLA) systems with alternative chemistries can trigger enclosure redesigns, battery room modifications, additional compliance requirements, and operational disruption, eroding both the economic and timing benefits of retrofit.

This is where many approaches break down.

Nickel-zinc (NiZn) offers a different path. ZincFive’s NiZn Retrofit Kit is designed specifically to upgrade VRLA systems within existing UPS cabinet footprints without forcing broader infrastructure changes. Delivered as a turnkey solution, it enables operators to modernize battery performance while preserving the surrounding environment.

The result is a contained upgrade that improves lifecycle economics, simplifies deployment, and enhances both safety and sustainability.

Why Nickel-Zinc

Nickel-zinc delivers high-power performance in a compact footprint, with up to three times the power density of lead-acid systems. Its non-flammable aqueous chemistry provides a fundamentally safer alternative, while maintaining compatibility with existing UPS environments. Unlike traditional batteries, it is designed for longer service life, reducing replacement frequency and operational disruption. Nickel-zinc also offers a more sustainable lifecycle, with 25–50% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to lead-acid and lithium-ion, and high recyclability of core materials. The result is a battery technology that improves performance, safety, and sustainability—without tradeoffs.

Everything You Need to Know About Nickel-Zinc Batteries (FAQ)

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Why Retrofit Strategies Fail in Brownfield Environments

The challenge in brownfield UPS environments is not replacing batteries, it is doing so without disrupting everything around them.

While like-for-like VRLA replacements are relatively straightforward, transitioning to other chemistries, particularly lithium-ion, often introduces new layers of complexity. Changes to enclosures, fire protection systems, and compliance requirements can extend timelines, introduce permitting delays, and increase execution risk.

Instead of preserving the simplicity of retrofit, these approaches turn into broader infrastructure projects, limiting scalability and increasing uncertainty across sites.

ZincFive’s NiZn Retrofit Kit avoids this by fitting directly into existing VRLA cabinets. It enables a chemistry upgrade without altering enclosure strategy or triggering large-scale facility modifications while keeping retrofit aligned with its original intent: a targeted, repeatable upgrade.

Breaking the Replacement Cycle

Traditional VRLA systems require replacement every five to seven years, creating a recurring cycle of cost, labor, and disruption.

The NiZn retrofit approach breaks that cycle. Backed by a 10-year warranty and up to a 15-year service life, it reduces replacement frequency, lowers maintenance demands, and minimizes planned downtime across multi-system environments.

Over time, the impact extends beyond fewer battery swaps. Avoiding repeated infrastructure changes—such as cooling upgrades, fire suppression modifications, and associated downtime—further reduces total cost of ownership.

Because the system fits within existing cabinet structures, it aligns with established installation models and maintenance workflows, allowing upgrades to proceed within the constraints of live facilities.

Safety, Compliance, and Permitting

Battery selection in retrofit environments extends beyond performance.

Under NFPA 855, lithium-ion and flow batteries may be subject to capacity limits and additional fire protection requirements. These often introduce permitting complexity and extend project timelines, factors that can quickly shift retrofit economics.

Nickel-zinc provides a more straightforward path. ZincFive’s batteries did not exhibit thermal runaway at the cell level in UL 9540A testing and operate within the same regulatory framework as VRLA, helping avoid many of the additional compliance burdens associated with alternative chemistries.

At the same time, nickel-zinc offers a strong sustainability profile, with high recyclability and lower lifecycle environmental impact, supporting broader environmental and operational goals.

Turnkey Retrofit at Scale

For retrofit to scale, it must be repeatable.

The NiZn Retrofit Kit is engineered around a flexible shelf architecture compatible with legacy VRLA enclosures, with units shipped pre-assembled on trays. Installation is streamlined to standard electrical connections, keeping deployment close to a conventional VRLA replacement.

This turnkey model allows service providers and integrators to deploy consistently across sites—without custom engineering at each location—improving predictability, reducing variability, and accelerating timelines.

Higher Power Density, Smaller Footprint

Modern data centers require more power in less space.

With up to three times the power density of VRLA, the NiZn Retrofit Kit reduces the physical footprint required for battery backup while delivering the high-rate performance needed for today’s UPS environments. In some cases, this can eliminate the need for additional cabinets, improving space utilization and overall infrastructure efficiency.

The system is built on the same nickel-zinc cell technology used in ZincFive’s BC Series, providing a foundation already proven in production environments.

How Nickel-Zinc Is Powering the Future of Data Centers

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The Next Replacement Cycle Is a Strategic Decision

For operators managing aging VRLA infrastructure, the next replacement cycle is no longer just a maintenance event—it is a strategic decision.

ZincFive’s nickel-zinc retrofit kit provides a turnkey path to modernization within existing environments. It enables operators to extend infrastructure life, reduce disruption, lower total cost of ownership, and improve safety and sustainability without rebuilding the facility around the battery system.

Previously published by Datacenter Dynamics

Author

Brandon Smith

VP of Global Sales and Product

Brandon Smith is the Vice President of Global Sales and Product at ZincFive, where he leads global go-to-market strategy and product direction for the company’s nickel-zinc (NiZn) battery systems, including BC Series battery cabinets and in-rack backup solutions for mission-critical environments. With a background spanning engineering, business development, and product leadership, he brings a practical, end-to-end understanding of how power systems are designed, deployed, and scaled in real-world data center operations. At ZincFive, Brandon partners with hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise operators to deploy power systems that deliver reliability, performance, and sustainability at scale.

data centers,
high power density,
nickel-zinc,
retrofit kit,
safety

Uninterrupted Blog

ZincFive BC Series UPS Battery Cabinets: Everything You Need to Know (FAQ)

Data Center Solutions
Nickel-Zinc Batteries

April 21, 2026

AI is rewriting the power requirements of data centers faster than most infrastructure teams can keep up. GPU racks that used to draw steady, predictable loads now pulse at 120% of rated power in milliseconds—and the conventional answer, oversizing your UPS and bolting on super capacitors, is getting expensive, fast. ZincFive’s nickel-zinc battery cabinets take a different approach: a chemistry that was purpose-built for exactly this kind of high-rate, repetitive cycling, without the thermal runaway risk that makes lithium-ion so infrastructure-intensive to deploy. Whether you’re evaluating your first AI rack deployment or rethinking a data center floor that was designed before AI Dynamic Power existed, this FAQ covers what you actually need to know.

Why is Nickel-Zinc the Best Choice for Data Center?

Nickel-zinc (NiZn) is the ‘Goldilocks’ chemistry of the energy storage world, exceeding the power density of lithium-ion and the safety and reliability of lead-acid. Due to the inherent characteristics of the chemistry, it is the best choice for operational flexibility. It can operate at much higher ambient temperatures (up to 35°C/95°F), does not require extensive fire suppression or thermal management that Lithium-ion requires, and has twice the usable life of VRLA. Combining these characteristics with attributes like lighter weight and an industry-leading sustainability profile reduces the operational expenditures associated with housing and maintaining energy storage within data centers, resulting in a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

NiZn is a superior choice for NeoCloud facilities and Colocation facilities running a mix of IT and AI loads because it can handle high-rate, shallow cycling extremely well, while still providing traditional IT backup power. With a power density that is twice that of Lithium and three times that of VRLA, NiZn can deliver immediate power and absorb power quickly, which is a necessary capability to support demand profiles of this type.

For a deeper look at what makes nickel-zinc uniquely suited for modern data center infrastructure, explore our dedicated NiZn FAQ.

How the BC Series UPS Battery Cabinets Work

The BC Series is designed to function as an “Immediate Power Solution (IPS).” In traditional centralized UPS data centers, the battery cabinets are paired with a megawatt-class UPS. The battery cabinets perform as a high-power, short-duration power support system that bridges the gap between a power disturbance and the activation of backup generators.

Benefits of the BC Series UPS Battery Cabinets

The primary benefit of the BC Series is its ability to provide unrivaled power density. In the data center industry, space is directly tied to revenue. By offering a high-power short duration solution in a small footprint, the BC Series allows operators to minimize gray space and maximize white space (server racks).

Beyond spatial efficiency, the BC Series offers unmatched safety. Because the NiZn chemistry is non-flammable and does not exhibit thermal runaway, it eliminates the need for expensive fire suppression systems and specialized cooling infrastructure.

Furthermore, the reliability of the system is superior to legacy technologies; NiZn cells fail in a “closed” state, meaning the battery string remains conductive and operational even if a cell is depleted. This prevents emergency outages often caused by a single failed lead-acid or lithium-ion cell.

Finally, the sustainability profile of these cabinets helps operators meet aggressive ESG goals, offering a significantly lower carbon footprint and higher recyclability than competing chemistries.

Product Lineup – BC Series UPS Battery Cabinets

The BC Series product line has 5 models, each designed for a different operating requirement.

BC: The first nickel-zinc immediate power solution (IPS) in the BC Series. Featuring ZincFive’s 80Ah high-rate battery, the BC introduced data centers and enterprises to the safe, reliable and sustainable benefits of a nickel-zinc battery solution.

BC 2: The baseline cabinet. High-rate discharge, up to 280 kW, runtime up to 15 minutes. Best for standard UPS backup applications with lower power demands.

BC 2 – 300X: Extended runtime and higher power than the standard BC 2, up to 325 kW with up to 15-minute runtime. Suited for applications needing more endurance per cabinet.

BC 2 – 500: Ultra high-rate, under 400 kW, optimized for short-duration (5-minute) high-power applications. Fewer cabinets per MW of power — typically 3 cabinets per MW.

BC 2 AI: Purpose-built for AI workload environments. Handles both traditional UPS backup and active AI pulse smoothing. Includes AI Pulse Power Intelligence in the BMS and ships with a pulse-specific warranty.

Inside the Advancements Behind ZincFive BC Series

Continuous innovation and product refinement are fundamental to how ZincFive engineers, tests, and evolves its technology platforms. Recent advancements across the BC Series portfolio include a next-generation Battery Management System (BMS) with enhanced analytics, controls, and system integration, a 150% stronger monobloc battery design engineered for increased durability and field reliability, and a polymeric battery tray designed to eliminate conductive paths to help mitigate ground fault risk and enhance electrical safety (covered in more detail further in the FAQ section below).

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: NiZn Battery Cabinets vs. Lead-Acid and Lithium-Ion

How much space can I save using the BC Series verses lead-acid or Lithium Ion systems?

To deliver 1250kW of power, lead-acid batteries require approximately 240 inches of linear width. Lithium-ion requires about 153 inches. The ZincFive BC 2 cabinets can deliver that same power in just 84 inches of linear width. That is a 65% footprint reduction versus lead-acid.

For AI-specific deployments, BC 2 AI adds one more cabinet to the footprint, covering the same role as 12 cabinets of competing solutions.

Does temperature affect the performance of the BC Series?

NiZn is temperature-resilient. While VRLA batteries lose half their life for every 8°C (15°F) rise above 25°C, ZincFive cabinets are warranted to operate at 35°C (95°F) and can withstand short-term excursions up to 50°C (122°F).

What if one of the batteries in the BC Series cabinet becomes weak or depleted?

NiZn batteries fail “closed,” meaning they remain conductive. If a cell reaches the end of its life or is depleted, current continues to flow through the string. This is a significant reliability advantage over VRLA and Lithium-Ion, which fail “open” and take the whole string offline.

I have legacy lead-acid systems in my data center, can I use nickel-zinc technology in my existing data center without a full replacement project?

Yes. ZincFive’s Retrofit Kit is a drop-in NiZn replacement designed for compatible UPS cabinets that have top-terminal VRLA batteries. Installation requires no permits, no downtime, and no structural modifications. It is the fastest path to NiZn for customers who are not ready for a full cabinet replacement cycle.

FAQ: Deployment & Maintenance of BC Series

How difficult is the installation process?

The cabinets ship fully assembled and tested. This “plug-and-play” design reduces onsite installation time and prevents the wiring errors that often occur when assembling systems in the field.

What maintenance is required for the BC Series?

Maintenance is minimal. The BMS provides continuous monitoring, so there is no need for the frequent manual voltage and impedance testing required by lead-acid systems. Routine visual inspections and periodic firmware updates for the BMS are typically all that is required.

How much do the cabinets weigh?

A BC Series cabinet weighs about one-third as much as an equivalent lead-acid system. This makes it much easier for them to move with standard warehouse equipment and reduces the structural load on the data center floor.

How many BC Series UPS Battery Cabinets are deployed in the field?

As of April 2026, ZincFive has surpassed 2 gigawatts (GW) in power delivered or contracted globally, reinforcing the growing adoption of nickel-zinc as a preferred alternative to legacy battery technologies in data center infrastructure.

FAQ: Safety and Regulatory Compliance of BC Series

What certifications does the BC Series have?

Yes on both counts. ZincFive’s batteries have been tested to UL 9540A — the industry standard for thermal runaway propagation — with a confirmed result of no thermal runaway at the cell level. ZIncFive’s NiZn technology has also been tested by leading insurers of data centers, also ran a direct side-by-side test of NiZn with alternatives under identical conditions and did not find evidence of thermal runaway.

The BC Series certifications include UL 540, UL 1973, UL 1778 , CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 107.3, IEC 62040-1. IEC 62040-2, CE, UKCA and RoHS, with the cabinet being compliant to IBC 2021 · ICC AC156 – S_DS 2.29 for Seismic.

UL 9540 is the system-level certification most AHJs require for permitting approval. UL 1778 confirms the cabinet meets the UPS equipment standard for mission-critical applications. And the IBC 2021 / ICC AC156 seismic rating gives facility engineers in high-seismic zones a recognized standard to reference during site approval.

Do these cabinets require specialized fire suppression (like Clean Agent or Pre-action)?

No. Because NiZn chemistry does not exhibit thermal runaway, the fire suppression requirements that NFPA 855 and local AHJs impose on lithium-ion installations — clean agent systems, pre-action sprinklers, fire barriers, and separation distances — are significantly reduced. This simplifies permitting, reduces construction cost, and expands where cabinets can be physically located in the facility.

How does ZincFive’s BMS work, and how does it differ from other Battery Management Systems?

In alternative systems, the BMS is largely defensive — its primary job is to prevent the battery from doing something catastrophic. Alternatives will be unstable under stress: overcharge it, overheat it, or push it too hard and you risk thermal runaway. The BMS is there to hold the system back from the edge.

NiZn does not have that edge. Because the chemistry itself doesn’t exhibit thermal runaway, ZincFive’s BMS can focus on optimizing performance, extending battery life, and giving operators genuine visibility into what’s happening inside the cabinet.

In practice that means continuous monitoring of voltage, temperature, state of charge, and state of health across every cell in the string — not just at the string level, but at the individual battery level. When something falls outside defined thresholds, the BMS responds automatically and proportionally. Minor variations trigger informational alerts. More serious conditions trigger protective actions — disabling charging, opening the contactor, or taking the cabinet offline — without waiting for human intervention.

Operators also get full alarm history with timestamps, exportable data, and a UI that provides real-time visibility into cabinet status across a deployment. For data center teams, that means fewer surprises, faster diagnostics, and a clear record of system behavior over time.

FAQ: Sustainability and Lifecycle of BC Series

How does ZincFive BC Series Battery Cabinets help with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting?

Data centers using ZincFive cabinets can report lower Scope 3 embodied carbon compared to lithium-ion alternatives, based on third-party lifecycle analysis showing meaningful reductions in water footprint, energy footprint, and CO2e during manufacturing. The elimination of fire suppression infrastructure that lithium-ion requires also reduces material consumption and construction carbon. The 10-year battery string warranty means fewer replacement cycles over the facility’s operational life — reducing both material consumption and maintenance labor compared to lead-acid systems that typically require replacement every 3–5 years.

How recyclable are BC Series UPS Battery Cabinets?

The BC Series UPS Battery Cabinets contain highly recyclable content by weight. For comparison, commercial-scale lithium battery recycling remains limited (roughly 5% of lithium batteries are recycled); lead-acid recycling uses as much energy to process as the batteries produce. NiZn recycling uses established hydrometallurgical processes and generates a material credit.

For more information, the BC 2 is registered on the PEP Eco Passport database and holds an Environmental Product Profile certified by UL.

What types of sustainability endorsements does BC Series have?

NiZn technology, specifically within the ZincFive BC Series, is highly decorated with third-party sustainability endorsements that validate its environmental benefits from production through disposal.

Formal Certifications & Registrations

UL Environmental Declaration: The BC Series features a “cradle-to-grave” Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) certified to the UL EPD standard. This UL Environmental stamp validates the total environmental impact of the product throughout its entire lifespan, ensuring our data is transparent and verified.

PEP EcoPassport: The products are registered in this prestigious international database, which provides a standardized “Environmental Product Profile” (EPD) specifically for electrical and electronic equipment.

Superior Circularity (End-of-Life)

Material Recovery: Unlike lithium-ion systems, which face significant scaling challenges in recycling, NiZn systems allow for the vast majority of materials to be recovered and reused.

Recycling Volume: Each BC 2 UPS battery cabinet directs over 600 kg of material back into recycling streams rather than landfills.

Quantifiable Carbon & Energy Savings

The environmental “credits” earned at the end of the BC Series life are substantial:

CO₂ Offset: Recycling a single cabinet offsets more than 2 metric tons of CO₂-equivalent emissions.

Energy Conservation: Material recovery reduces fossil energy demand by approximately 26,800 MJ per cabinet.

What happens to the NiZn batteries at the end of their life?

ZincFive has established recycling partnerships globally as part of its take-back program. 100% of nickel and zinc can be recovered and reused in new batteries or other industrial processes, ensuring a circular lifecycle.

FAQ: Continuous Product Innovation

Continuous innovation and product refinement are fundamental to how ZincFive engineers, tests, and evolves its technology platforms. This philosophy is embedded into every stage of product design, engineering, and manufacturing.

What recent innovations have been introduced across the BC Series product line?

Recent enhancements across the BC Series product line include next-generation Battery Management System (BMS) upgrades, a redesigned monobloc battery architecture engineered for increased durability, and a new polymeric battery tray system designed to improve electrical isolation and safety.

These enhancements improve system intelligence, operational visibility, field reliability, manufacturability, and long-term performance across the BC 2, BC 2-300X, BC 2-500, and BC 2 AI product families.

How has ZincFive advanced its Battery Management System (BMS)?

The latest generation ZincFive BMS expands analytics, controls, monitoring, alarming, and integration capabilities across the cabinet platform.

The system provides enhanced visibility into battery health, operational status, and long-term performance trends while simplifying integration with building management and facility monitoring systems. The platform is also designed to support future software, analytics, and operational intelligence enhancements as customer requirements evolve.

Unlike traditional battery monitoring approaches that focused primarily on reactive maintenance, modern BMS platforms provide meaningful operational intelligence designed to support uptime, diagnostics, and proactive system management.

What changes were made to the BC Series battery design?

ZincFive optimized several aspects of the monobloc battery manufacturing process, including the lid, seal, molding design, and material formulation.

These changes significantly reduce in-situ mechanical stress generated during manufacturing and operation, resulting in a monobloc design that is approximately 150% stronger than previous generations. The result is improved durability, resilience, and long-term reliability under real-world operating conditions.

Why did ZincFive introduce a polymeric battery tray design?

The polymeric battery tray was developed to improve electrical isolation and reduce conductive pathways within the cabinet.

Unlike conductive metal tray systems, the polymeric design removes conductive paths between batteries and between the batteries and cabinet structure. This helps mitigate the potential for unintended electrical discharge events associated with ground fault conditions and enhances overall cabinet-level electrical safety.

Watch the BC Series Product Innovation Overview below for a deeper look at the engineering enhancements, electrical safety design considerations, and operational innovations shaping the latest generation of ZincFive UPS battery cabinets.

Myths and Truths About Nickel-Zinc Technology

Myth: Ground faults and thermal runaway are the same thing.

Truth: They are fundamentally different events.

Nickel-zinc batteries do NOT go into thermal runaway.

Misinterpreting ground faults as thermal runaway can lead to incorrect conclusions about battery safety characteristics.

Myth: Battery Management System alarms are just nuisance alerts.

Truth: Modern BMS platforms provide critical operational intelligence.

Myth: Nickel-zinc batteries take too long to recharge.

Truth: Nickel-zinc batteries recharge differently, not slower.

Myth: Nickel-zinc battery systems are more expensive.

Truth: Cabinet cost alone does not reflect total system economics.

Immediate Power Solutions (IPS): Definition, Benefits, and Impact

November 15, 2025

Description

The expansion in segmentation and applications is revolutionizing energy storage, moving beyond traditional long-duration storage (hours to days) to include short-duration storage (minutes to microseconds) through advanced mechanical, thermal, electromagnetic, and electrochemical technologies.

Long duration energy storage applications have traditionally been labeled ESS (Energy Storage Systems) and long duration electrochemical (battery) technologies logically evolved to be known as BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems). In this electrified everywhere age, short duration energy storage segments and applications have expanded rapidly based on the surge in use cases and new enabling technologies.

The widening gap between long and short-duration energy storage segments and applications, along with the emergence of new technologies tailored to each, necessitates the creation of a new category aptly named Immediate Power Solutions (IPS).

A requirement of short duration energy storage applications is the availability of instantaneous, high-rate power for a range of minutes to microseconds. The IPS group of technologies and applications are vital to the growth of all power infrastructure with many of these applications being categorized as critical, mission critical, or life safety.

This white paper delves into the significance, definition, and impact of IPS as a category.

Register to read full paper

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Introduction

The relentless advancement of modern technology is made possible by an electrical infrastructure that supplies the essential power and energy needed for future progress. Macro trends in computing, AI, mobile devices, and the electrification of transportation have combined to bring power generation and delivery to the forefront of public consciousness.

The electrification of everything is now spurring innovation across all segments of electrical infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of energy storage. What was once in the background is now at the forefront. New requirements and technologies are building on each other, resulting in an explosion of new products and applications.

Examples abound:

Rooftop solar installations are now large enough to cause load defection.
In the opposing direction, significant increases in electricity demand are jolting the global electric utility industry out of traditional growth rates.
Energy storage technologies—mechanical, thermal, electromagnetic (capacitors), or electrochemical (batteries/fuel cells) —are rapidly advancing.

Among these, energy storage, batteries in particular, have swiftly transitioned from being overlooked for nearly a century to becoming the focus of major technological advancements, global investments, massive deployments, and even Nobel prizes. Batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), long-duration grid storage, and short-duration applications are now a central concern for technologists, general users, and governments worldwide.

This paper focuses on the expansion in segmentation and applications beyond traditional long duration energy storage (hours to days) to include short duration energy storage (minutes to microseconds) utilizing mechanical, thermal, electromagnetic, and electrochemical technologies. Note that all energy storage and short duration power systems share the characteristics of being charged and discharged when desired. This is distinct from power conversion systems which have no storage: examples of converters are wind turbines, solar panels, or diesel generators that convert wind, solar, and chemical power into electricity. Long duration energy storage applications have traditionally been labeled ESS (Energy Storage Systems) and long duration electrochemical (battery) technologies logically evolved to be known as BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems). In this electrified everywhere age, short duration energy storage segments and applications have expanded rapidly based on the surge in use cases and new enabling technologies.

A fundamental difference between long and short duration energy storage is that storage capacity (i.e., energy density) is the highest value characteristic in long duration applications and discharge capacity (i.e., C rate or power density) is the highest value characteristic in short duration applications. Short duration energy storage examples here include mission critical power backup systems, commercial and military pulse power applications, and short duration industrial and grid power stabilization support. The widening gap between long and short-duration energy storage segments and applications, along with the emergence of new technologies tailored to each, necessitates the creation of a new category aptly named Immediate Power Solutions (IPS).

Under the umbrella of IPS, the short duration energy storage stakeholder community can now effectively identify and differentiate their requirements from the long duration labels used incorrectly due to lack of an alternative. An example of the effect of this overlap is the ever-growing family of lithium-ion rechargeable battery technologies, which are inherently high energy density chemistries. These products work well in long duration energy storage applications such as renewables grid storage and EVs. Due to familiarity or cost, or both, they have also been applied to short duration applications where high energy density is a poor fit or even a disadvantage. In this new era, one-size-fits-all application of battery technologies has become obsolete in favor of optimizing products and technologies for the specific applications.

The IPS category helps short duration users, technology providers and services suppliers self-identify and come together to optimize short duration energy storage implementations.

The widening gap between long and short-duration energy storage segments and applications, along with the emergence of new technologies tailored to each, necessitates the creation of a new category aptly named Immediate Power Solutions (IPS).

Immediate Power Solutions Defined

A requirement of short duration energy storage applications is the availability of instantaneous, high-rate power for a range of minutes to microseconds.

Applications for this type of short duration power delivery exist across multiple verticals including industrial and manufacturing, data center, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and even support of long duration energy storage and generation products as they ramp up to peak power. The IPS group of technologies and applications are vital to the growth of all power infrastructure with many of these applications being categorized as critical, mission critical, or life safety. The presence of instantaneous, high-rate power in a mission critical application requires the additional characteristic of safety for IPS technology to remain viable. Further, mission critical applications demand high reliability along with sustainability, which are now prime factors in all short duration energy storage use cases.

Immediate Power Solutions (IPS)

Safe, reliable and sustainable, short duration, high-rate power technologies for critical applications.

Given the above characterization, Immediate Power Solutions (IPS) can be concisely defined as: safe, reliable and sustainable, short duration, high-rate power technologies for critical applications.

Immediate Power Solutions (IPS) address the needs of electrical applications that are defined by the power levels and typically short duration response time required to maintain desired system operation. For example, a 480 VAC three phase UPS system in a datacenter that must provide 1 Megawatt of power within 10 milliseconds and for up to 2 minutes to assure the successful start and synchronization of backup generators. This is an Immediate Power Solution that requires AC and DC power, real and reactive power considerations, and energy typically discharged by mechanical, electromagnetic, or electro-chemical means. IPS is not a new idea, but frequency and severity of problems caused by power outages in computer systems, electric vehicles, medical monitoring equipment, etc. brought forth the importance of the category. As is often the case, new IPS challenges spur the development of new, innovative IPS solutions. Moreover, each new IPS solution will not only address its target application but will also be applicable to a range of similar challenges and applications.

Immediate Power Solutions (IPS): Applications and a Look Ahead

Now that we have defined Immediate Power Solutions (IPS), we can explore their current state and future directions. As illustrated in the previous section, there are multiple technological approaches to IPS, each with its own set of performance characteristics. This allows users to identify applications that fall into the IPS category and compare their requirements to the available technologies.

Understanding the IPS distinction is critical for matching the right technology to the use case. While the world demands more power and energy, not every application requires a long-duration Energy Storage System. Using ESS technology where it’s not the best fit is inefficient. Conversely, employing an IPS product for a 4-hour grid support application is impractical and costly.

Technologies within the IPS space are designed to serve immediate high-power needs for applications such as EV charging infrastructure, mechanical temporary overloads, critical power for data centers, and artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) power influxes.

These use cases would be inadequately served by ESS products. For instance, ZincFive nickel-zinc (NiZn) batteries can bridge short duration power gaps (1 minute to 5 minutes) in multi-megawatt data center installations with a small footprint, and supercapacitors can fill millisecond voids for electronics to ensure proper function. There are IPS products tailored to each of these needs.

All examples discussed in this paper so far are existing applications with new challenges associated with immediacy, power, and duration. Consider electronic power supplies used for many applications. Power supplies typically have surge power specifications supported on a limited basis by internal capacitance. When placed in an IPS application, traditional power supplies don’t have the ability to respond properly to the new high variability loads. The additional challenges of meeting reliability requirements while safely supporting high variability loads create the opportunity to look to IPS technology as a solution.

New IPS technologies like batteries that exhibit superior power and energy density compared to capacitors, similar cycle life, and simple battery management characteristics are gaining traction in applications like power supply surge capacity.

Another common future IPS application example is microgrid power stabilization when exposed to unpredictable loads and availability of power sources. Microgrids have the same problems as utility scale grids, but on a small enough scale that introduction of a single stabilizing microgrid component can make a significant overall performance difference. IPS technology enables easy management of hybridized fuel cells, diesel, and gas turbine generators by allowing any type of generator to provide immediate power at “time zero.”

A final unique category of the issues IPS can resolve includes unrecognized problems associated with the status quo. Consider a factory that sequentially starts all its process motors to avoid power surges that exceed utility-supplied power limits. An IPS solution can help this factory achieve the operational efficiency benefits of simultaneous motor starting. This type of IPS application example highlights the direct benefits of an IPS solution to both known problems and yet-to-be discovered future IPS application opportunities.

Conclusion

The IPS technologies and applications are essential for the expansion of power infrastructure, with many being classified as critical or mission critical. Clearly differentiating between ESS and IPS is just as significant for addressing power infrastructure challenges effectively. Consequently, this significance necessitates its own distinct category in the market to address the unique demands and ensure robust solutions for these vital applications. Selecting the right IPS solution for each application is essential as we continue to face and solve the power issues created by and resolved by the developing IPS infrastructure.

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In this paper

Introduction

Immediate Power Solutions Defined

Immediate Power Solutions (IPS): Applications and a Look Ahead

Conclusion

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How Nickel-Zinc Is Powering the Future of Data Centers

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June 19, 2025

Data centers face the challenge of balancing industry demands—telecom, e-commerce, AI, and more—with rising sustainability expectations. As critical infrastructure, even seconds of downtime can mean lost data and revenue, making reliable UPS backup systems essential.

For many decades, lead-acid batteries remained at the core of backup power, providing the reliability and power required for an always-on world, at an accessible price point. The absence of shipping restrictions, and ability to provide back-up power, additionally ensured this chemistry’s stake in the market. Though, despite its legacy of consistency, the low-energy density, space requirements, and shorter lifespan of lead-acid left an opening for a more compact and long-lasting solution.

Lithium-ion chemistry, commonly used in consumer products, quickly gained popularity as a UPS solution due to its high-energy density and long lifespan. Able to provide the same power at a much smaller size and weight than lead-acid, lithium-ion remains a strong contender and stalwart choice in many data centers. However, safety remains a major concern with this chemistry, as demonstrated by incidents across several industries. Any number of factors, including high temperature or cell failure, can lead to thermal runaway and the output of flammable, toxic gases. This, in addition to the challenging extraction process of a limited lithium supply, provided an opportunity for alternative chemistry. In the last decade, nickel-zinc (NiZn) has challenged traditional solutions as a highly power-dense technology that meets the reliability demands of a data center, while touting many safety, cost, and sustainability benefits.

Higher Power, Smaller Footprint

Nickel-zinc delivers up to three times the power density of legacy chemistries, at half the footprint and one-third of the weight. Every square foot in a data center is valuable, and as power demands continue to increase, packing more into a smaller space translates to better performance with significant cost savings. The industry-leading footprint of NiZn ultimately allows data centers to allocate more space to revenue-generating equipment.

ZincFive BC 2 UPS Battery Cabinet with AI

Nickel-Zinc: High Power Density Backup Power for Data Centers

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Safety and Reliability at a Lower TCO

NiZn chemistry offers exceptional operational flexibility, withstanding a broader temperature range than lead-acid or lithium-ion – without the risk of thermal runaway at the cell level. This inherently safe, non-toxic chemistry reduces the need for intensive cooling, lowering operational costs while offering critical peace of mind for data center operators.

Nickel-zinc batteries deliver reliable performance without compromising safety. Unlike lithium-based chemistries – which may require system shutdowns via battery management systems (BMS) to prevent thermal events – NiZn systems remain operational even when individual cells become weak or depleted, ensuring uninterrupted performance and minimal downtime.

Thanks to their stable chemistry, NiZn batteries don’t force a tradeoff between reliability and safety. Even in the event of a cooling system failure, they continue to operate safely and are warrantied for their full-service life. They’re also warrantied to perform reliably during occasional temperature excursions up to 50°C, providing added assurance in high-demand environments.

Fewer replacements, less downtime, and a safer solution – nickel-zinc is a chemistry data centers can count on, year after year.

Sustainability & Low Carbon: A Chemistry That Cares

In addition to the safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness that data centers require from their UPS backup system, sustainability is an increasing priority for many organizations. According to the 2025 Data Center Energy Storage Industry Insights Report, 87% of respondents consider sustainability a priority in their power system buying decisions, up from 81% in 2024. Moreover, 72% indicated that their organization’s sustainability efforts have resulted in cost reductions, nearly a 10% increase from last year.

ZincFive’s nickel-zinc (NiZn) technology offers a sustainable, recyclable backup power solution for data centers with a significantly lower climate impact than lead-acid and lithium, as validated by third-party analysis. With an operating life up to 3x longer than lead-acid batteries, NiZn reduces waste and replacement frequency. Plus, NiZn’s lifetime greenhouse gas emissions are 25-50% lower than lead-acid or lithium-ion alternatives, making it a safer, more environmentally responsible choice. Nickel-zinc solutions use common, highly available, conflict-free materials which are also highly recyclable. In fact, nickel and zinc are four to five times more abundant in the Earth’s crust than lithium and lead respectively, making NiZn a safer, more sustainable, and resource-efficient energy storage choice.

AI’s impact on data center power requirements

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Navigating AI’s Power Surges

Perhaps the greatest demand of the moment, though, is the rapid adoption of AI. In the new normal, an AI-powered search requires at least ten times the energy of a traditional web search, meaning there is a large increase in the overall power demand required to support AI properly. Another growing challenge is the frequent, rapid power spikes, up to millions per month, that stem from GPU clusters operating at peak capacity. These pulses require a high-density, fast-discharging and re-charging chemistry to mitigate and reduce impacts on the grid. Despite its overall reliability, this is where lead-acid becomes less effective, as the chemistry does not perform well in high cycle environments. Lithium on the other hand responds well to typical battery cycling but struggles to maintain that advantage under these high-power peak load spikes. Of the three solutions, nickel-zinc chemistry clearly demonstrates the most effective load management for rapid pulsing present in AI load profiling. With its high-power density and rapid discharge capabilities, NiZn solutions can provide high bursts of power with near instantaneous response time.

A Lasting Future with Nickel-Zinc

While legacy battery chemistries remain competitive in UPS backup systems, nickel-zinc—proven with millions of operating hours across multiple industries—has emerged as a strong, viable solution in the rapidly evolving data center landscape. In short, nickel-zinc batteries offer a long life, reliable performance, and low maintenance while delivering higher power density in a smaller footprint. Capable of managing the peak loads of today’s automated world, NiZn batteries reduce footprint, ensure safety, support corporate sustainability goals, and lower the total cost of ownership—all without compromise.

Previously published by Data Center Dynamics

Tags:

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data centers,
immediate power,
nickel-zinc,
power density,
safety,
sustainability,
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Author

Tod Higinbotham

CEO, ZincFive

Tod has a strong track record of successfully growing advanced materials companies in the energy storage, semiconductor, and solar markets. He served as Executive VP/GM for ATMI and led the rapid growth of the company, which sold more than $1 billion. Tod was an executive member of the leadership team at Advanced Silicon Materials, a world leader in high-purity silicon materials, the business that was sold to REC to form their solar materials business. He was formerly the CEO of PowerGenix, the company that pioneered the novel nickel-zinc battery technology that has become the core of ZincFive’s solution portfolio.

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The Critical Shift to Immediate Power Solutions (IPS) in Data Centers

Data Center Solutions
Nickel-Zinc Batteries

May 19, 2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of energy storage, the choice of battery chemistry is a pivotal factor that can determine the success of our applications. Different battery technologies offer distinct advantages and disadvantages: some excel in delivering high power for brief intervals, while others provide sustained energy over longer durations at lower discharge rates. Additionally, these batteries vary in safety, reliability, and sustainability. As energy storage becomes increasingly integral to the 21st-century economy, it is critical to select the most appropriate battery solution for each application, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all mentality.

Traditionally, long-duration energy storage has been encapsulated within the framework of Energy Storage Systems (ESS), commonly used for applications such as powering electric vehicles and consumer electronics. Conversely, short-duration applications, which prioritize immediate power output, fall under the category of Immediate Power Solutions (IPS). IPS applications demand instantaneous, high-rate power for durations ranging from minutes to microseconds. These solutions are vital across various sectors, including industrial manufacturing, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and support systems that help long-duration energy storage and generation products achieve peak power.

One of the most fitting applications for IPS is in the realm of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, where a battery backup temporarily supplies power for a system until a longer-term power source comes online. These short but pivotal moments can have significant financial and reputational implications, especially for data centers.

AI’s impact on data center power requirements

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With the exponential growth of consumer electronics, IoT, and AI, our reliance on digital infrastructure is at an all-time high, making data center uptime absolutely critical. To meet these escalating demands, data center operators must contend with workplace safety, rising real estate costs, and increased sustainability expectations from regulators, investors, and clients. These pressures are driving a transition toward backup power solutions that deliver greater reliability, space efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

The mounting demands on data centers have created an environment where reliance on traditional UPS systems, often powered by ESS, results in suboptimal performance. While legacy IPS solutions have historically been used, they frequently compromise on benefits such as footprint and sustainability. Fortunately, innovative IPS battery solutions have emerged, designed specifically to provide immediate, high-rate power essential for managing the critical transition between an outage and backup generator activation—all while improving on the shortcomings of legacy IPS and current ESS systems.

Lead-acid batteries, a long-standing IPS technology, are often seen as a familiar and reliable choice for UPS in data centers. However, they are increasingly recognized for their limitations in size, sustainability, and power output, making them less suitable in today’s context. Many data centers have relied on lead-acid due to its affordability and widespread availability in the past, but the good news is that enhanced alternatives are now on the market.

Lithium-ion batteries are another option frequently considered by data center operators for UPS systems, and their popularity grew due to their favorable weight and size compared to lead-acid solutions. As real estate costs escalate, the physical footprint of UPS systems has become a critical concern for operators looking to optimize space for revenue-generating servers. However, lithium-ion batteries are still classified as ESS because their limited discharge rates are designed to mitigate safety concerns, thus failing to fully meet the immediate power needs of UPS systems.

In contrast, nickel-zinc batteries present a compelling IPS solution, boasting significantly higher power density than both lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. They can deliver immediate power to an entire data center while occupying less than half the space of traditional lead-acid systems, thus allowing for additional servers and increased revenue potential. Furthermore, nickel-zinc batteries enhance reliability and sidestep the thermal runaway risks associated with lithium batteries. Their lifecycle emissions are also substantially lower than those of lithium and lead-acid alternatives, with reduced resource consumption and environmental impact.

The Race to Reduce UPS Runtime: Why Backup Battery Selection Matters More Than Ever

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Transitioning to advanced battery technologies previously posed challenges, including compatibility issues and high retrofitting costs, often stemming from the specialized safety equipment required for lithium-ion systems. However, recent developments in UPS cabinets designed for seamless integration into existing setups have changed the game. These innovations facilitate the straightforward replacement of ESS with IPS, enabling data centers to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability without the need for extensive system overhauls.

As data centers continue to be crucial players in driving the global economy, reliable UPS systems are indispensable. The need to increase power density and eliminate outage risks efficiently has shown that we need to look beyond traditional ESS systems. With the barriers to adopting advanced technology now addressed, data centers are well-positioned to maximize their reliability, safety, and efficiency by embracing Immediate Power Solutions in their UPS systems.

Previously published by Data Centre Review

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data centers,
immediate power,
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Author

Tod Higinbotham

CEO, ZincFive

Uninterrupted Blog

Nickel-Zinc: The Data Center Shift Beyond Lithium-Ion and Lead-Acid

Data Center Solutions
Nickel-Zinc Batteries

April 30, 2025

Modern data centers are the backbone of digital operations, supporting AI, cloud computing, e-commerce, and more. As power consumption surges – especially due to AI’s high computational requirements – the need for reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly backup power is greater than ever. While lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries have long been widely used, nickel-zinc (NiZn) technology is emerging as a powerful alternative that is inherently more safe, reliable, and sustainable.

The Limits of Traditional Battery Technologies

Lead-acid batteries have historically been the standard for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, valued for their affordability and reliability. However, in today’s high-demand environments, their large size, short lifespan, and relatively low energy density have made lead-acid batteries a less efficient choice.

Lithium-ion batteries improved on some of these limitations with their compact design and longer lifespan. However, this chemistry presents well-documented risks, including thermal runaway and toxic gas emissions – factors that can carry serious operational and financial implications. Environmental and ethical concerns around lithium mining further complicate its role as a long-term fit for sustainable data center operations.

2025 Data Center Energy Storage Industry Insights Report

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The Nickel-Zinc Advantage: Safer Power. Smarter Design. Sustainable Future.

Nickel-zinc batteries deliver a superior alternative to traditional chemistries – overcoming historical UPS limitations without compromise. Here’s why NiZn is quickly becoming a preferred choice for UPS systems:

1. Maximum Power, Minimal Footprint

NiZn immediate power technology delivers up to three times the power density of conventional battery solutions, while occupying just half the footprint and one-third of the weight. As data center operations continue to demand more power in existing or smaller spaces, high power density translates to direct savings. By packing more power into a smaller, industry-leading footprint, nickel-zinc solutions optimize floor space for critical, revenue generating equipment.

2. Exceptional Safety and Dependability

NiZn chemistry is fundamentally safe and does not pose a risk of thermal runaway at the cell level. It also operates effectively across a wider temperature range than both lead and lithium, reducing the need for extensive cooling infrastructure.

Nickel-zinc batteries deliver consistently high dependability without compromising safety. Unlike lithium-based chemistries that may require system shutdowns through battery management systems (BMS) to prevent thermal runaway, NiZn systems remain operational—even if a single cell becomes weak or depleted—ensuring continued performance with minimal downtime.

Thanks to its inherently safe chemistry, NiZn does not require trading off reliability for safety. Even during unexpected cooling system failures, NiZn batteries continue to operate safely and reliably and remain under warranty for their full-service life. NiZn batteries are warrantied to perform reliably even with occasional exposure to elevated temperatures up to 50°C, offering added peace of mind in demanding operating environments.

3. Longevity and Cost Efficiency

With a 10-year warranty and service life of up to 15 years, NiZn batteries outlast traditional chemistries in lifespan and value. The frequency of nickel-zinc replacements and maintenance is significantly lower compared to lead-acid and lithium-ion, contributing to a higher overall cost of ownership for these legacy chemistries. Alternatively, the durability, longevity, and low maintenance of NiZn contributes to an overall lower total cost of ownership (TCO), making this chemistry a financially sound investment for data centers.

4. Sustainability Without Compromise

With increasing consumer and regulatory requirements, sustainability has emerged as a key focus for many organizations. The 2025 Data Center Energy Storage Industry Insights Report reveals that 87% of respondents consider sustainability a priority, up from 81% in 2024. Additionally, 72% of respondents report that their organization’s sustainability efforts have resulted in cost reductions, nearly a 10% increase from last year.

ZincFive’s nickel-zinc (NiZn) battery technology delivers a sustainable and recyclable backup power solution with the highest positive climate impact, when compared to traditional lead-acid or lithium-based systems. NiZn batteries boast an operational lifespan up to three times longer than lead-acid counterparts, minimizing waste and reducing replacement needs. In addition, the lifetime greenhouse gas emissions from NiZn solutions are 25–50% lower than lead-acid and lithium-ion alternatives, and utilize conflict-free, widely-available materials. Nickel and zinc are both highly recyclable, and significantly more abundant in the Earth’s crust than lithium and lead. From cradle-to-grave, nickel-zinc solutions are the more sustainable and environmentally responsible choice for energy storage and immediate power in modern data centers.

AI’s impact on data center power requirements

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Supporting AI’s Energy Demands with Nickel-Zinc

As AI-driven tools and applications demand immense computational power, data centers are faced with frequent and intense energy surges. These rapid power spikes, numbering millions monthly, are a result of GPU clusters operating at peak capacity. Lead-acid batteries struggle to perform in these high-cycle environments, making this chemistry a less effective choice for the future. While lithium-ion systems can manage typical battery cycling, this chemistry experiences performance degradation under extreme load fluctuations common with AI. Nickel-zinc systems, alternatively, demonstrate highly effective load management of rapid pulsing present in AI load profiling. With its rapid discharge and recharge capability and high-power density, nickel-zinc chemistry efficiently manages AI-driven power spikes without compromising performance.

Nickel-Zinc: Powering the Next Generation of Data Centers

As data center needs and digital infrastructure rapidly evolve amidst the growing use of AI, nickel-zinc continues to rise as the future-proof energy storage solution. With millions of operating hours across multiple industries, NiZn delivers high-power density and a compact footprint that is unmatched by traditional chemistries. Coupled with a long lifespan, inherent safety and reliability benefits, and notable sustainability advantages, NiZn chemistry is a strong and resilient alternative to legacy battery technologies. With an unshakable standard of high performance under the peak loads of today’s digital landscape, nickel-zinc chemistry is the sustainable, compact, and cost-effective solution capable of growing the data centers of tomorrow – all without compromise.

Previously published by Data Center Frontier

Tags:

batteries,
data centers,
immediate power,
nickel-zinc,
power density,
safety,
sustainability,
uninterruptible power supply

Author

Tod Higinbotham

CEO, ZincFive

Uninterrupted Blog

Immediate Power Solutions (IPS): A Vital Component in Modern Data Centers

Data Center Solutions
Nickel-Zinc Batteries

March 4, 2025

The rapid evolution of technology—spanning online services, consumer electronics, IoT, and AI—has amplified our reliance on digital infrastructure and emphasized the importance of uninterrupted data center operations. This technological surge is driving advancements in electrical infrastructure, particularly in energy storage, due to evolving needs. Data center operators face the challenge of addressing these increasing demands while also managing workplace safety, rising property expenses, and sustainability issues. Consequently, there is a noticeable shift towards backup power solutions that prioritize greater reliability, space efficiency, and environmental stewardship.

The growing pressure on data centers has brought Immediate Power Solutions (IPS) to the forefront as a crucial category of energy storage. IPS addresses the evolving digital infrastructure landscape by focusing on the immediate, high-rate power necessary for critical operations, distinguishing it from traditional Energy Storage Systems (ESS). Unlike ESS, which focuses on long-duration capacity, IPS is designed to deliver high-rate power instantly for short durations, emphasizing reliability and efficient space use.

When assessing mission-critical backup applications through the IPS framework, the suitability of different systems becomes clearer. For example, lead-acid batteries, which utilize one of the oldest battery technologies, are frequently viewed by many data center operators as a traditional and reliable choice for data center uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). However, given today’s data center requirements for safety, reliability, sustainability, and space efficiency, more advanced battery technologies have now surpassed lead-acid in their suitability for the sector.

The Next Era of Data Center Power: Trust, Sustainability, and Innovation

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One alternative considered by data center operators for their UPS systems is lithium-ion, an ESS battery. These batteries’ energy density—characterized by their ability to release moderate amounts of energy over extended periods—makes them well-suited for applications such as electric vehicles and consumer electronics. However, data centers need a different capability: the ability to deliver rapid, high-power bursts to keep operations running during power outages until backup generators activate. While lithium-ion batteries are effective for sustained energy output, they may not meet the immediate high-power demands required for data centers. In contrast, IPS solutions are specifically designed to provide the rapid, high-power energy needed during these critical moments and do not have the same space and safety challenges associated with lithium-ion batteries.

Recent advancements in battery technology have introduced solutions specifically tailored for IPS needs. Notably, nickel-zinc batteries represent a breakthrough innovation in this field. Their enhanced power density allows them to deliver substantial bursts of energy rapidly while occupying less than half the space of conventional lead-acid systems. Their compactness and efficiency are particularly advantageous for data centers, as they align with the core objectives of IPS by optimizing space usage, supporting uninterrupted data center operations, and improving overall operational effectiveness and reliability.

IPS batteries can also contribute to UPS systems’ reliability and safety. Unlike other batteries that may experience cell failures, batteries such as nickel-zinc maintain conductivity even if some cells are depleted, ensuring continuous operation. They also avoid thermal runaway and tolerate higher temperatures better than other types, adding an extra layer of safety and stability crucial for maintaining uninterrupted data center operations.

As environmental concerns increasingly influence technological development, IPS is advancing to meet new sustainability standards as well. Nickel-zinc batteries, for example, are designed with sustainability in mind, offering lower lifecycle emissions and reduced resource consumption. They require fewer resources during production and utilize abundant, less environmentally taxing materials.

AI’s impact on data center power requirements

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By adopting IPS for UPS, data centers not only achieve their sustainability goals but also benefit from high-performance energy storage solutions. This alignment with environmental objectives, combined with the efficient power delivery and space optimization inherent to IPS technologies, underscores the critical role of innovative solutions in advancing both operational effectiveness and ecological responsibility in modern data centers.

Finally, transitioning to advanced IPS technologies is becoming increasingly seamless thanks to recent innovations in battery technology. These advancements have simplified the integration of new solutions into existing systems, allowing data centers to upgrade to more efficient and sustainable IPS options with minimal disruption. This streamlined process not only enhances operational efficiency but also ensures that data centers can quickly adapt to the evolving demands of modern infrastructure, positioning them for long-term success.

As the global economy relies more on data centers, the need for reliable UPS systems to ensure uninterrupted operations has become increasingly critical. This growing demand for dependable, space-efficient, and eco-friendly backup power solutions is driving the shift towards IPS. Their alignment with the challenges they’re solving, as well as the seamless integration into existing systems, facilitates a smoother transition to advanced battery solutions, ensuring that data centers remain resilient and future-ready.

Previously published by Datacentre Solutions

Immediate Power Solutions (IPS): Definition, Benefits, and Impact

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Immediate Power Solutions,
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safety,
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Author

Tod Higinbotham

CEO, ZincFive

Uninterrupted Blog

The Next Era of Data Center Power: Trust, Sustainability, and Innovation

Data Center Solutions
Nickel-Zinc Batteries

February 18, 2025

It’s not a stretch to say that tomorrow’s winners are likely data center leaders who learn today to more skillfully manage their energy resources — including battery storage.

Data centers, big and small, are amid a period of dramatic transformation. To meet runaway demand for AI applications, data centers are deploying huge numbers of high-performance and energy-gobbling processors. As data centers worldwide scramble to acquire new sources of electricity to power these chips, they’re also searching for ways to get the most out of existing energy sources.

To shed light on the state of data center energy storage and explore where the industry is headed, ZincFive and Data Center Frontier conducted the 2024 Data Center Energy Storage Industry Insights Report, surveying 117 global industry professionals across diverse backgrounds, locations, job levels, and business areas.

In terms of energy use, 30% said their data centers employ less than 5 megawatts (MW) across all campuses, more than a third (36%) use more than 100 MW and 23% use over 500 MW. The job levels of respondents also varied. Nearly a full third (32%) identified themselves as a senior manager, vice president, director or department head. About a quarter (24%) said they were project, technology or team.

From this wide-ranging pool, the report highlights important industry trends that involve usage, priorities, challenges and the impacts of AI.

Dissatisfaction is Apparent

One of the report’s most important revelations is that many data center managers lack a high degree of trust in their backup systems. Only a third of respondents (34%) said they completely trust them.

When asked about the factors driving them to consider changing their energy storage technology, 50% indicated technology limitations, such as reliability.

Respondents were clear about what was lacking in their current battery technology. When asked what their current battery backup/energy storage technology failed to offer them, those surveyed listed the following top four priorities in order of mention frequency: long life, reliability, sustainability, and cost reduction.

Safety First

Additionally, a large percentage indicated that safety is a serious concern. When selecting an energy storage solution, seven in ten respondents (69%) said safety of battery chemistry was a priority (top priority + high priority).

Lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries exhibit thermal runaway and pose a safety risk. In contrast, a pioneering battery chemistry, such as nickel-zinc (NiZn), retains thermal stability at high discharge rates, and isn’t flammable.

Sustainability and Footprint

The survey showed that sustainability is important to 81% of respondents, with many data centers (64%) assessing supply chain sustainability and tackling Scope 3 emissions.

Creating environmentally friendly data centers has become a key issue as policymakers globally demand operators do more to reduce their carbon footprints. In the United States, the Biden administration last summer met with large tech companies to persuade them to invest in climate-friendly power sources to offset the spike in electricity demand. Regulators in the European Union have begun requiring data centers to report energy consumption emissions and performance metrics as part of an effort to reduce greenhouse gasses 55% by 2030.

At the same time, a growing number of regional groups have cropped up in recent years to oppose the building of new data centers.

Not only can investing in eco-friendly systems and procedures help data centers become better neighbors, but two-thirds of the survey’s respondents (63%) said that their organization’s sustainability programs have resulted in some cost reductions, with one in five (19%) seeing significant cost reductions.

Stored Energy Opportunities

In the ultra-competitive climate data centers now find themselves, operating at maximum efficiency and controlling costs is paramount.

Rising demand for AI applications will continue to drive up energy and operating expenses for data centers. The survey indicated that energy storage is an area within data centers where cost savings can be found.

Two in three survey respondents said the lifetime cost consideration/total cost of ownership of energy storage was a priority. When it came to the cost of battery types, nearly 60% of respondents graded nickel-zinc second highest (excellent + very good + good) just behind lead-acid.

2024 Data Center Energy Storage Industry Insights Report

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The report illustrated the many changes occurring in data centers and the equal number of challenges. But the survey also showed how respondents have begun turning to new cost-saving, eco-friendly and safer technologies, such as nickel-zinc to help them thrive in today’s competitive environment.

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Uninterrupted Blog

Data Center Backup Power: Unlocking Shorter UPS Runtimes

Data Center Solutions
Nickel-Zinc Batteries

January 28, 2025

As businesses increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, uptime is everything; even a brief power outage can have severe consequences. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are the first defense against downtime, ensuring continuous power flow. Recent advancements in generator technology and power architecture have enabled faster automatic failover processes, creating the opportunity for reduced UPS battery runtimes. Data centers that once relied on 30-minute runtimes are now embracing runtimes of under five minutes – and now, many are aiming for three-minute runtimes.

This race to reduce UPS runtime has made traditional battery technologies, like lead-acid, struggle to deliver short-term power cost-effectively. Short-term, high-power applications require batteries with both high power density – the ability to release vast amounts of power over a short time – and high discharge rates. However, lead-acid batteries have a relatively low energy density, which forces data centers to purchase and deploy more of them to handle the required load.

Meanwhile, some alternatives like lithium-ion batteries are constrained by lower discharge rates due to their risk of thermal runaway. The built-in safety mechanisms of lithium-ion battery management systems (BMS) trigger automatic shutdowns if the discharge current exceeds preset thresholds. While this safeguard helps prevent battery fires, it also effectively cripples the UPS system when it’s needed most. And in both lithium and lead-acid batteries, a single failed cell blocks the current flow from surrounding cells, creating an open circuit that can bring down the entire battery string in an outage.

AI’s impact on data center power requirements

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To compensate for these shortcomings, data centers have long resorted to oversizing their battery banks. By purchasing more cabinets than strictly necessary, they aim to ensure an adequate power supply during failover events. However, this approach comes at a steep cost – both in upfront expenses, and in valuable floor space that could otherwise be used for revenue-generating servers. These challenges are prompting operators to explore innovative solutions, like nickel-zinc batteries, to optimize their backup power systems.

Combining high power density with high discharge rates, nickel-zinc batteries bring a new level of reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness to short-term high-power applications. Nickel-zinc batteries provide three times the power density of lead-acid and twice the carrying capability of lithium-ion batteries. Their added reliability stems from nickel-zinc battery cells’ ability to transmit power from the rest of the string, even if an individual cell is weak or depleted. This sets them apart from lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries – in which a single weak or depleted cell cripples the entire string – and ensures that the UPS system remains operational during vital seconds of failover.

In addition, nickel-zinc batteries don’t need the safety controls that constrain lithium chemistries. Since they’re incapable of thermal runaway, their BMS are designed to maintain optimal performance during rapid bursts of energy discharge, without the risk of automatic shutdowns. Their robust design enables them to deliver the vast amounts of short-term power needed to seamlessly bridge the gap between utility power loss and generator startup.

Runtime Optimization: As Data Centers Reduce UPS Runtimes, The Right Batteries Become More Critical

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Combining greater reliability with greater power density and a high discharge rate, nickel-zinc technology empowers data centers to right-size their battery banks by eliminating the need for – and cost of – extra batteries to shore up system reliability. For instance, a typical 1MW UPS design with a 3-minute runtime target would require six or more lead-acid battery cabinets, and five or more lithium-ion battery cabinets. Meanwhile, nickel-zinc batteries can comfortably meet the same requirement with just three cabinets. By reclaiming this valuable floor space, data centers can allocate more room for revenue-generating equipment such as servers. And with fewer battery cabinets to purchase, install, and maintain, operators can benefit from significant upfront and operational savings – especially considering nickel-zinc batteries’ 15+ year lifespan and low maintenance needs.

As an added benefit, nickel-zinc batteries are also more sustainable than lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries. Their lifetime greenhouse gas emissions are four times lower than lead-acid batteries, and six times lower than lithium-ion batteries. As data centers and clients come under growing scrutiny for their carbon footprint, nickel-zinc batteries allow operators to offer their clients reduced Scope 3 emissions and compliance with stricter environmental standards.

As UPS runtimes continue to shrink, it’s crucial to choose a battery that consistently delivers vast short-term power during these critical moments. Nickel-zinc batteries provide the reliability and safety that data centers need to navigate the challenges of short-duration discharge, along with cost-saving efficiencies. By harnessing the potential of advanced battery technologies like nickel-zinc, operators can have confidence that their UPS systems will perform flawlessly when called upon and deliver unparalleled levels of performance, reliability, and efficiency.

Previously published by Data Center Frontier

Tags:

data centers,
nickel-zinc,
reliability,
runtime,
small footprint,
uninterruptible power supply

Author

Tod Higinbotham

CEO, ZincFive

Inside the Evolution of the ZincFive BC Series: What’s New and Why It Matters (FAQ)

FAQ: BC Series Product Advancements

What models are included in the recent BC Series UPS Cabinet upgrades?

What changed in the ZincFive monobloc battery case, and why?

Why did ZincFive transition to a new battery tray?

How has the ZincFive Battery Management System (BMS) been improved?

Myths and Truths About Nickel-Zinc Technology

Nickel-Zinc: A Smarter Approach to Lead-Acid UPS Retrofits

Why Nickel-Zinc

Everything You Need to Know About Nickel-Zinc Batteries (FAQ)

Why Retrofit Strategies Fail in Brownfield Environments

Breaking the Replacement Cycle

Safety, Compliance, and Permitting

Turnkey Retrofit at Scale

Higher Power Density, Smaller Footprint

How Nickel-Zinc Is Powering the Future of Data Centers

The Next Replacement Cycle Is a Strategic Decision

ZincFive BC Series UPS Battery Cabinets: Everything You Need to Know (FAQ)

Why is Nickel-Zinc the Best Choice for Data Center?

How the BC Series UPS Battery Cabinets Work

Benefits of the BC Series UPS Battery Cabinets

Product Lineup – BC Series UPS Battery Cabinets

Inside the Advancements Behind ZincFive BC Series

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: NiZn Battery Cabinets vs. Lead-Acid and Lithium-Ion

How much space can I save using the BC Series verses lead-acid or Lithium Ion systems?

Does temperature affect the performance of the BC Series?

What if one of the batteries in the BC Series cabinet becomes weak or depleted?

I have legacy lead-acid systems in my data center, can I use nickel-zinc technology in my existing data center without a full replacement project?

FAQ: Deployment & Maintenance of BC Series

How difficult is the installation process?

What maintenance is required for the BC Series?

How much do the cabinets weigh?

How many BC Series UPS Battery Cabinets are deployed in the field?

FAQ: Safety and Regulatory Compliance of BC Series

What certifications does the BC Series have?

Do these cabinets require specialized fire suppression (like Clean Agent or Pre-action)?

How does ZincFive’s BMS work, and how does it differ from other Battery Management Systems?

FAQ: Sustainability and Lifecycle of BC Series

How does ZincFive BC Series Battery Cabinets help with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting?

How recyclable are BC Series UPS Battery Cabinets?

What types of sustainability endorsements does BC Series have?

What happens to the NiZn batteries at the end of their life?

FAQ: Continuous Product Innovation

What recent innovations have been introduced across the BC Series product line?

How has ZincFive advanced its Battery Management System (BMS)?

What changes were made to the BC Series battery design?

Why did ZincFive introduce a polymeric battery tray design?

Myths and Truths About Nickel-Zinc Technology

Immediate Power Solutions (IPS): Definition, Benefits, and Impact

Description

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TAKEAWAYS

Introduction

Immediate Power Solutions Defined

Immediate Power Solutions (IPS): Applications and a Look Ahead

Conclusion

In this paper

Introduction

Immediate Power Solutions Defined

Immediate Power Solutions (IPS): Applications and a Look Ahead

Conclusion

How Nickel-Zinc Is Powering the Future of Data Centers

Higher Power, Smaller Footprint

Nickel-Zinc: High Power Density Backup Power for Data Centers

Safety and Reliability at a Lower TCO

Sustainability & Low Carbon: A Chemistry That Cares

AI’s impact on data center power requirements

Navigating AI’s Power Surges

A Lasting Future with Nickel-Zinc

The Critical Shift to Immediate Power Solutions (IPS) in Data Centers

AI’s impact on data center power requirements

The Race to Reduce UPS Runtime: Why Backup Battery Selection Matters More Than Ever

Nickel-Zinc: The Data Center Shift Beyond Lithium-Ion and Lead-Acid

The Limits of Traditional Battery Technologies

2025 Data Center Energy Storage Industry Insights Report

The Nickel-Zinc Advantage: Safer Power. Smarter Design. Sustainable Future.

AI’s impact on data center power requirements

Supporting AI’s Energy Demands with Nickel-Zinc

Nickel-Zinc: Powering the Next Generation of Data Centers