Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) rely on continuous and stable power supply to support critical functions such as traffic signal control, real-time monitoring cameras, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, and emergency response systems. Backup lithium-ion energy storage batteries have emerged as a reliable solution to mitigate power disruptions caused by grid outages, extreme weather, or equipment failures. These battery systems are designed to provide seamless power transition, ensuring that ITS operations remain uninterrupted, thereby enhancing road safety, reducing traffic congestion, and maintaining efficient transportation flow.

The core advantages of lithium-ion batteries in this application lie in their high energy density, long cycle life, and fast charge-discharge capabilities. Compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion variants (such as LiFePO4, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, or NCM) offer 2-3 times higher energy density, allowing for more compact and lightweight designs that fit into limited installation spaces, such as traffic signal cabinets or roadside communication boxes. A typical backup system for traffic signals, for instance, consists of a 48V lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 50-100Ah, paired with a battery management system (BMS) and a power inverter. The BMS plays a critical role in monitoring battery state of charge (SoC), state of health (SoH), temperature, and voltage, preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and short circuits—key factors in extending battery life, which can reach 2,000-5,000 charge-discharge cycles under proper management.

In practical applications, these backup batteries are integrated with the grid power supply through a dual-input power controller. During normal grid operation, the controller charges the battery to maintain a full SoC while powering the ITS equipment directly. When a grid outage occurs, the controller automatically switches to battery power within milliseconds, ensuring no disruption to traffic signals or monitoring systems. For example, in urban areas prone to thunderstorms or grid maintenance, a backup lithium-ion system can support traffic signals for 8-12 hours continuously, depending on the load. Additionally, advanced systems can be connected to smart grids, enabling demand response capabilities—during peak grid demand, the battery can temporarily power non-critical ITS loads to reduce grid strain. Maintenance of these systems is minimal, requiring only periodic BMS diagnostics and visual inspections to check for physical damage or connector corrosion, making them cost-effective for long-term deployment in intelligent transportation networks.

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