Battery Technology for Data Centers and Network Rooms:
Ventilation of Lead-Acid Batteries
Executive summary:
Lead-acid batteries are the most widely used method
of energy reserve. Ventilation systems must address
health and safety as well as performance of the battery
and other equipment in a room. Valve regulated lead
acid (VRLA) batteries and modular battery cartridges
(MBC) do not require special battery rooms and are
suitable for use in an office environment. Air changes
designed for human occupancy normally exceed the
requirements for VRLA and MBC ventilation.
Vented(flooded) batteries, which release hydrogen gas
continuously, require a dedicated battery room with
ventilation separate from the rest of the building. This
paper summarizes some of the factors and U.S. codes
to consider when selecting and sizing a ventilation
system for a facility in which stationary batteries are
installed.