Revolutionizing AI Data Center Backup Power: CBAK Energy's 26650 HP V2.0 and 26650 PFS2 V2.0 Full-Tab Cylindrical LFP Cells
CBAK Energy Technology Limited has made significant progress in customer testing of its new 26650 HP V2.0 and 26650 PFS2 V2.0 full-tab cylindrical LFP cells designed for AI data center battery backup unit (BBU) and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) applications. The company's Deputy General Manager, Huabin Dai, led the 15-month R&D program for these new cells, which aim to meet the increasing power requirements of AI data centers.
As AI data centers demand higher rack-level power density, the need for backup power with faster response, higher discharge capability, effective thermal control, and long-term reliability has become crucial. CBAK Energy recognized these requirements early on and focused on achieving high-rate discharge, long service life, and thermal safety in their cell design for AI data center backup power.
Dalian CBAK, a wholly owned subsidiary of CBAK Energy, developed dedicated cathode, anode, and electrolyte formulations to support high-rate backup operation in the new 26650 cells. The full-tab architecture of the cells, backed by seven years of R&D in full-tab technology, allows for high-rate discharge within the standard 26650 format. This design aims to provide stable voltage output during high-current discharge, reduce heat generation, and slow degradation, ultimately extending system service life and reducing operating costs.
The 26650 HP V2.0 and 26650 PFS2 V2.0 cells have shown promising performance in internal testing, achieving maximum discharge power of 260 W and 310 W, respectively. The lower internal resistance of these full-tab cells compared to conventional multi-tab cells is expected to offer benefits such as reduced thermal-management costs and extended system service life. CBAK Energy estimates that these characteristics could lead to a 5% to 10% reduction in thermal-management costs and a 10% to 15% extension in system service life compared to multi-tab alternatives, providing cost savings and operational benefits over the system lifecycle.