SAMSUNG SDI showcased battery solutions targeting the AI era at “InterBattery 2026” held on 11th.

Above all, batteries for Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) and Battery Backup Unit (BBU) that support stable operation of datacenters, which is a key to AI infrastructure, caught many eyes of the visitors.

We met with Pro Jongin Yoon and Pro Soo-yeon Sohn, who were in charge of the UPS and BBU booths at the exhibition to see how SAMSUNG SDI prepares for AI era through its exceptional battery technologies.

UPS and BBU contribute to the stabilizing core infrastructure in the AI era

UPS and BBU both provide backup power in datacenters, responding to outage or fluctuating power usage during complicated AI computing process.

The two devices differ in how they supply power. UPS is a centralized system installed in a separate area of the datacenter to power entire infrastructure, whereas BBU is a distributed system mounted on individual server racks* to directly supply power to the equipment. 

While the operational methods differ, both solutions require high-output capability and safety to provide immediate power supply during emergencies.

* Server rack: A cabinet-shaped unit used to install and house various IT infrastructure components, including servers, network equipment, and storage

[Differences between UPS and BBU]

UPS batteries deliver enhanced safety

SAMSUNG SDI’s UPS batteries use LMO(Lithium-Manganese-Oxide) to achieve both safety and high power output.

Pro Jongin Yoon, who managed the UPS booth at the exhibition, said, ”The rapid growth of AI sector now requires high power output which is able to immediately respond to fluctuating power. As the application is placed indoors, customer expectations regarding safety have become much stricter.”

To address this, SAMSUNG SDI has focused its technologies on ensuring safety, maintaining a “no fire” record to date. Yoon added, “We used the prismatic form factor, which has superior safety characteristics due to its rigid can-shaped structure, and further strengthened safety by using LMO.” He also noted that SAMSUNG SDI is the only provider of LMO-based prismatic batteries for UPS, expressing commitment to maintaining the lead in the global market.

[Pro Jongin Yoon took charge of SAMSUNG SDI’s UPS booth at InterBattery 2026] 

BBU batteries achieve high-power and high-capacity performance

SAMSUNG SDI adopts cylindrical batteries with high capacity and high power performance to maximize space efficiency for BBU applications.

Pro Soo-yeon Sohn, who was in charge of the BBU booth, said, “The key performance metrics that customers prioritize are high capacity, extended backup time, and thermal safety. SAMSUNG SDI utilizes 21700 cylindrical cells and Tabless technology* to enhance these features.” This explains how the company improved quality by incorporating its high-power batteries, previously market leaders in the power tool sector, into its BBU batteries.

*Tabless technology: The technology utilizes the electrode itself as a pathway for electron flow, reducing internal cell resistance and enabling high-power output.

The safety design also stands out. “While other cells only have vents* on the top, our BBU solution adds vents* on the bottom as well, enabling rapid release of heat and gases,” she added. This ensures safety by preventing heat from spreading to near cells.

*Vent: A safety device designed to release gas when external factors cause overcharging or overcurrent, leading to increased temperature and pressure inside the cell

[Pro Soo-yeon Sohn took charge of SAMSUNG SDI’s BBU booth at InterBattery 2026] 

Driven by the surging demand for AI, UPS and BBU markets are expected to grow rapidly to ensure stable data center power. SAMSUMG SDI will continue to advance its battery solutions for entire datacenter infrastructure to prepare for AI era.