Energy reliability is critical in sectors such as telecommunications, power generation, substations, data centers, and industrial facilities. In this context, VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead-Acid) batteries have become one of the most trusted backup solutions thanks to their efficiency and durability.
The IEEE 485-2020 standard provides internationally recognized guidelines for accurately sizing these batteries, ensuring optimal backup system performance during outages.
Key aspects of IEEE 485-2020
Critical load determination to identify systems that require backup.
Capacity analysis in Ah to support loads throughout the duty cycle.
Correction factors: temperature, design margin, and battery aging.
Load classification: continuous, non-continuous, momentary, and random.
Duty cycle construction: organization of loads into time periods to represent real system behavior.
The standard works alongside IEEE 450, IEEE 484, and IEEE 1188, which provide best practices for installation, maintenance, testing, and replacement.
Correction factors in sizing
Temperature: directly affects battery capacity and lifespan.
Design margin: typically 5%–20% to cover load variability.
Aging factor: a 1.25x correction ensures backup even when capacity decreases to 80%.
ATP Runtime Sizing Tool
Atlantic Power Energy has developed an online platform based on IEEE 485-2020 that allows users to:
Perform sizing calculations by power or current.
Apply corrections for temperature, aging, and design margin.
Select batteries from a broad portfolio (AGM, Gel, Front Terminal, High Rate, etc.).
Generate technical reports and download datasheets with charging/discharging curves.
Graphically view battery configurations and oversizing options.
Conclusion
With over 15 years of experience, Atlantic Power Energy stands out as a leader in delivering reliable power solutions across the Americas and the Caribbean. Its sizing tool simplifies complex processes, increases project accuracy, and enables companies and engineers to design secure, efficient, and standards-compliant backup systems.
