ZincFive and ABB Introduce Sustainable Energy Storage Solutions to the Data Center UPS Market

ZincFive, a global leader in nickel-zinc (NiZn) battery-based solutions for data centers, has announced a significant partnership with ABB, a recognized leader in technology, robotics, and power solutions. This collaboration entails ABB's endorsement of ZincFive as an approved supplier, empowering ABB to offer uninterruptible power supply systems that incorporate environmentally friendly and secure ZincFive NiZn battery solutions.

This partnership marks a milestone for the industry, as ABB has conducted an extensive series of tests on ZincFive's nickel-zinc battery-based BC Series UPS Battery Cabinets. These tests were performed in both the United States and Switzerland and were aimed at confirming the seamless compatibility of ZincFive's BC Series with ABB's MegaFlex UPS portfolio. The rigorous testing process was carried out jointly by ABB and ZincFive and is integral to certifying the compatibility of ZincFive's BC Series with the ABB MegaFlex UPS platform.

Sébastien Surply, Head of Power Protection at ABB Electrification, emphasized ABB's commitment to collaborating with innovative companies to provide sustainable options to customers. The comprehensive testing process served to validate that ZincFive's NiZn batteries meet the stringent safety, performance, and reliability standards demanded by data center operations. ABB's adoption of NiZn technology will enhance the capabilities of their MegaFlex UPS solutions, delivering robust power protection while aligning with customer decarbonization objectives.

Currently, ABB is utilizing ZincFive's nickel-zinc battery solutions in multiple projects, where specific criteria such as a compact footprint, safety (no thermal runaway), high ambient temperature operation, and full life cycle sustainability are critical considerations in the energy storage selection process. Many of these applications involve modular enclosures or containers, where the ZincFive nickel-zinc battery cabinets offer distinct advantages. These include a compact footprint, a wide operating temperature range, and enhanced safety compared to traditional lead-acid and lithium-based chemistries. Moreover, the adoption of NiZn technology significantly streamlines installation timelines and reduces costs, providing a compelling proposition for these projects.

ZincFive's BC Series UPS Battery Cabinets stand out as the industry's first nickel-zinc battery energy storage solution with both backward and forward compatibility with megawatt-class UPS inverters. The BC Series is characterized by its exceptionally compact footprint, minimal maintenance requirements, absence of thermal runaway risks, and the heightened reliability demanded by mission-critical applications. Additionally, the BC Series places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with ZincFive's NiZn batteries demonstrating a substantially lower end-to-end climate impact compared to traditional lead-acid and lithium batteries. This environmental benefit has been validated through rigorous third-party analysis.

Tim Hysell, CEO and Co-Founder of ZincFive, underscored the growing significance of sustainability in the realm of data center backup battery systems. He praised companies like ABB for leading the industry in embracing environmentally responsible solutions for data centers. Hysell emphasized that the shared commitment between ABB and ZincFive to reduce carbon footprint and operational costs, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance, underscores the substantial advantages that this collaboration brings to ABB's customers.