*Guide* on how to upgrade the APC Smart-UPS 1500 SUA1500i from SLA (Lead-acid) batteries to LFP (LiFePO4) lithium batteries.
▼ Information Below ▼
*Chapters*
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Unboxing
02:30 Voltage test
03:06 Initial charging
04:12 Removing the old battery
05:38 Creating the new battery pack
09:57 Connecting the new battery pack
12:00 Battery meter tuning
13:17 Testing the UPS under load
You will need:
● 2x PowerTech PowerBrick+ 20Ah or 30Ah LiFePO4 batteries
● A Smart-UPS 1500 SUA1500i
● The cables, terminal covers and fuse from your old battery pack
● A bit of double-sided tape
● Optional: A 12V battery charger
● Optional: APC-Fix software
*PowerTech PowerBrick+ 12V 20Ah*
https://www.powertechsystems.eu/home/products/12v-lithium-battery-pack-powerbrick/20ah-12v-lithium-ion-battery-pack-powerbrick/
https://links.powertechsystems.eu/EN-12V-20Ah
*PowerTech PowerBrick+ 12V 30Ah*
https://www.powertechsystems.eu/home/products/12v-lithium-battery-pack-powerbrick/lithium-ion-battery-12v-30ah-384wh-powerbrick/
https://links.powertechsystems.eu/EN-12V-30Ah
These batteries are rated at 3000 cycles at 100% DoD or 4500 cycles at 80% DoD which means that these batteries last much longer than traditional SLA/AGM batteries which have to be replaced every 3 to 5 years. However, these LiFePo4 batteries are much more expensive.
*Warning: Do not use cheap LiFePO4 batteries*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESEJH4JaBlw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amk0jnOxGcI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQQoYzrj3rY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm3Bnpjohhk
*Warning: Li-Polymer or Li-Ion batteries can be unstable*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzt9RZ0FQyM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nz5ijXcckI
*APC Fix utility:*
https://web.archive.org/web/20221016181156/http://apc-fix.com/apcfix
You will need an old PC with a serial port and the original APC serial cable that came with your Smart-UPS. You cannot use a standard serial cable, APC uses a custom crossover.
*Expected problem*
Battery meter will be off. The new batteries have a much higher capacity than the old SLA batteries and the UPS will not understand this. The UPS will think that it is low while the battery still has more than 50% capacity left. The UPS will stay on and deliver power but if you use an automated shut-down at less than 10% power then your devices will be shut down long before the new battery is drained.
Music: Soundtrack from the game Tyrian by Alexander Brandon
https://alexanderbrandon.bandcamp.com/album/tyrian-original-soundtrack