Samsung SDI Unveils First Cylindrical LFP Battery for AI Data Center Backup Power
Samsung SDI showcased its first cylindrical Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery at Data Center World Asia. The cell leverages a proprietary structural design optimized for output power, energy capacity, and safety in AI data center emergency power applications. As AI workloads expand exponentially, data centers require higher power density and robust emergency power backup to prevent costly downtime. Samsung SDI's move into cylindrical LFP cells offers a safer, cost-effective alternative to traditional battery chemistries for critical energy storage systems (ESS) and backup power infrastructure. Alongside the new cylindrical LFP battery, Samsung SDI presented high-power 21700 ternary lithium batteries featuring a bottom pressure relief vent design to safely exhaust gas during thermal events. The company also showcased prismatic LFP batteries specifically designed for utility-scale Energy Storage Systems (ESS).
## BACKGROUND
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries are known for high thermal stability, long cycle life, and lower material costs compared to ternary nickel-manganese-cobalt chemistries. Cylindrical battery cell formats provide structural strength and efficient heat dissipation, while bottom pressure relief vents protect battery modules by safely redirecting venting gas during thermal runaway. Energy Storage Systems (ESS) serve as essential emergency power supplies to ensure continuous operations in data center infrastructure.