What is a UPS with a lithium battery, and what difference does it make in practice?
When we say a UPS with a lithium battery, we do not mean a change in the unit's topology; we mean replacing the energy bank and its charging circuit. In both cases the Keyhan Energy 1 kVA UPS is an online double-conversion unit that delivers a pure sine-wave output with a transfer time of zero milliseconds. What changes with the battery chemistry is the nominal voltage of each battery unit and the charge current the unit supplies to it.
In the sealed lead-acid (SLA) version the battery is 12 V and the charging current is 15 A. In the lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) version the battery is 12.8 V and the charging current is 20 A. Both versions support up to 100 Ah. These are all the numerical differences we state about these two options — and below we explain why we have refrained from writing other numbers.
Base unit technical specifications, independent of battery type
The table below gives the specifications of the Keyhan Energy 1 kVA UPS as stated in the official product catalog. These specifications are the same for both battery options:
| Capacity | 1000 VA / 800 W |
| Topology | Online, double conversion |
| Output waveform | Pure sine wave |
| Output voltage | 220 V, ±2% to ±3% |
| Output frequency | 50 Hz, ±1% |
| Input voltage | 170 to 265 V, single-phase |
| Transfer time | 0 ms (4 ms to bypass) |
| Efficiency | Up to 90% on mains, up to 85% on battery |
| Operating temperature | −10 to +50 °C |
| Noise | Less than 50 dB |
| Protection | 16 hardware and software layers, together with alarm and LCD display |
| Control software | In-house; designed and written by Keyhan Energy |
A fuller explanation of the UPS family, topology types and the capacity calculation method is on the Industrial UPS page; this page deals only with battery selection.
Sealed lead-acid vs. lithium iron phosphate: an honest numerical comparison
| Parameter | Sealed lead-acid (SLA) | Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) |
| Nominal voltage per unit | 12 V | 12.8 V |
| Unit charging current | 15 A | 20 A |
| Maximum supported capacity | Up to 100 Ah | Up to 100 Ah |
| UPS output waveform and capacity | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Corresponding standalone charger in the product range | Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) Battery Charger | Lithium Battery Switching Chargers |
| Lifespan, cycle count and cost comparison | We do not state | We do not state |
The last row is not left blank by accident; it is full of a decision. We explain it below.
Why we give no figures on this page for lifespan, cycles and cost savings
Much of what is published in Persian about lithium UPS quickly jumps to numbers like charge-cycle count, years of useful life or percentage savings. These numbers only mean something when tied to a specific test condition: reference temperature, depth of discharge, current rate, end-of-life criterion and measurement reference.
We do not have such tested, documented data for the battery pack supplied with this product that we could stand behind. So rather than quote a figure whose source cannot be defended, we prefer to say plainly that we do not have it. If these figures are decisive for your decision, raise them at the very start of your enquiry so the conversation focuses on the exact battery pack in your order. For the battery pack options, the page Industrial Battery is the starting point.
What do 15 A and 20 A charging currents mean, and why do they matter to you?
Charging current determines how quickly the battery bank is ready again after a power outage. The shorter the interval between outages, the more important this parameter becomes; if the battery has no chance to refill, the backup time in the next outage will be shorter than expected.
In the lithium version of this unit, the charging current is 20 A, versus 15 A in the lead-acid version. If your site is in an area with frequent short outages, this difference directly affects system readiness. If outages are rare and long, this parameter carries less weight in your decision and the choice comes down more to other considerations.
A complementary point to consider in system design is that the charge profiles of lead-acid and lithium iron phosphate are not the same, and each needs its own charging circuit. If you also need independent charging outside the UPS — for example for the backup battery bank of a telecom or instrumentation system — the Battery Charger and Telecom Rectifier from Keyhan Energy are designed for exactly this job.
In-house control software; a difference you won't see on the label
In the UPS market, two units can have nearly identical specification tables and behave completely differently under abnormal conditions. What determines that behavior is the software logic inside the unit: exactly what decision is made on an input voltage sag, a momentary overload, the battery reaching its low threshold, or the transition to bypass.
The control software of the Keyhan Energy UPS is in-house, designed and written by the company's own team. What this means in practice is clear: the unit's internal logic is in the manufacturer's own hands, not an imported black box. That is also why supporting two different battery chemistries, with two different charging logics, is feasible within a single product family. More about in-house manufacturing and support is on the Industrial UPS page.
Which option suits your project better?
Since we have refrained from quoting lifespan and cost figures, we base the decision on criteria that can be checked today, without guesswork:
- The site's power outage pattern. Frequent short outages increase the importance of a higher charge current.
- Space and conditions at the installation site. Measure the battery bank location, ventilation and service access before making a selection.
- The facility's maintenance policy. Which battery chemistry and which replacement procedure your maintenance team is familiar with is, in practice, part of the decision.
- Integration with the rest of the system. If the battery bank is to coexist with a Solar Inverter or a Solar Power Plant setup, the battery choice must be assessed at the system level, not just at the UPS level.
- Client requirements or tender technical specifications. Sometimes the battery chemistry is already specified in the project documents.
In addition to manufacturing, Keyhan Energy handles Equipment Supply too, so if the right option for you is a combination of manufacturing and sourcing, that is the route we propose.
Frequently asked questions about the lithium UPS
Does switching the battery from lead-acid to lithium increase the UPS output power?
No. The unit's rating is 1000 VA / 800 W and does not change with battery type. The output waveform, voltage and frequency also stay the same. What changes is the battery unit's nominal voltage and the charging current.
Can I connect a lithium battery to my existing lead-acid UPS?
Do not do this without a technical review. The charging profile and protection thresholds of the two chemistries are not the same, and the charging circuit must match the battery chemistry. Before taking any step, share your current unit's specifications with us via the Contact us page.
What is the maximum battery capacity?
In both cases, up to 100 Ah is supported. The resulting backup time depends on your actual load and must be calculated for that load; the calculation method with a worked example is on the Industrial UPS page.
What are the warranty terms?
Warranty is as per the company's announced terms.
Where do I start for a quote and consultation?
Send your load, required backup time and installation site conditions via the Contact us page, or call +98 996 617 1347. Address: Tehran, Shahrak-e Rah-Ahan, Shayan Complex St., Amir Kabir Blvd., Block E, 3rd floor, Unit 3 — Postal code 1493868543 · info@keyhanenergy.net
Track record
Besides manufacturing UPS units, Keyhan Energy has built and delivered the 400 kW Bardaskan, 400 kW ISACO and 200 kW Loshan solar power plants. That track record is what stands behind this page's approach: a figure is written only when there is a document behind it.