ZincFive has introduced the NiZn Retrofit Kit, a uninterruptible power supply (UPS) energy storage solution based on nickel-zinc (NiZn) battery technology designed for immediate power applications. The system is intended to deliver the benefits of modern battery chemistry without requiring new cabinet enclosures or system redesigns.
Data centre operators and service providers can use the solution to replace existing valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries with nickel-zinc technology, integrating it into existing UPS systems with minimal operational disruption.
As data centre power demand increases, operators face pressure to improve reliability, reduce lifecycle costs, and meet sustainability targets. UPS energy storage systems are commonly based on VRLA batteries, where full system replacement can be complex and carry operational risk. While lithium-ion technology may be used in new installations, retrofit applications can be constrained by infrastructure, safety, and compliance considerations, leading many operators to remain on shorter-life VRLA replacement cycles of around five to seven years.
The NiZn Retrofit Kit is designed to extend battery life up to 15 years while maintaining safety, sustainability, and performance within existing infrastructure. It is designed for compatibility with three-phase UPS architectures and legacy cabinet formats, aiming to simplify retrofit deployment into a more repeatable model.
ZincFive’s nickel-zinc technology is positioned as a long-life alternative to lead-acid batteries, with no thermal runaway risk and fewer regulatory challenges compared with lithium-based systems. This is intended to extend replacement cycles and reduce maintenance frequency, lowering total cost of ownership while supporting operational reliability.
Benefits of the NiZn Retrofit Kit:
- Drop-in replacement for VRLA batteries without infrastructure modifications
- Up to 15-year lifespan, reducing replacement cycles and overall costs
- Turnkey design to simplify installation and maintenance
- No thermal runaway risk
- Supports improved sustainability reporting metrics
With this product, ZincFive extends its focus from greenfield deployments into the broader UPS energy storage replacement market, including existing (“brownfield”) installations.
