New battery system pairs lithium and sodium cells to protect data centers from outages

AI models are getting smarter, but the physical infrastructure keeping them online is sweating under the pressure. It is pushing AI server racks to their limit, and standard power backups are failing. Sudden power spikes threaten hardware. Extreme heat risks thermal runaway. Grid connections are strained to their absolute limits. To fix this challenge, China-based energy storage firm Highstar unveiled a full-chain battery cell portfolio at the 2026 GGII Energy Storage Industry Summit. Rather than forcing a single battery type to do it all, Highstar deploys custom chemistries tailored to every layer of the data center. Notably, the comprehensive battery cell portfolio has been designed to meet the high power demands, thermal challenges, and load volatility of AI Data Centers (AIDCs). “As AI workloads increase rack density and load volatility, data centers require faster response, dependable backup, controlled temperature rise and stronger lifecycle performance. Highstar’s solution centers on two products for the layers closest to computing loads,” the company says. Three power layers Modern data center operations are split into distinct operational environments. Highstar’s portfolio targets each layer with specialized chemistry and physical design. The system covers three key layers: server-rack battery backup units (BBUs) in the white space, facility-wide UPS and high-voltage direct current in the grey space, and grid-side storage. Within the white space, high-density GPU racks require instantaneous, high-rate discharge to insulate servers against power spikes and dropouts. Highstar introduced tabless cylindrical cells in 18650 and 21700 formats. The removal of standard internal tabs leads to a drop in internal electrical resistance. Less heat builds up inside tightly packed rack spaces. Grey space is for centralized Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and HVDC systems. Highstar rolled out two distinct cells. An 85Ah high-rate Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cell handles frequent, rapid pulse loads. Alongside it, a 50Ah sodium-ion cell tackles environmental extremes, operating reliably across temperature ranges. To shield the wider electrical grid from sudden data center load surges, the system integrates massive 314Ah lithium-ion and 160Ah sodium-ion utility-scale cells. The tech stores bulk energy and smooths out regional power demands. “Together, the three layers create a coordinated portfolio extending from rack-level protection and system-level backup to upstream energy storage,” the company noted. Dual chemistry matters Power grids worldwide (US, Europe, Asia) are delaying data center connections due to transformer shortages and capacity limits. On-site battery storage buys operators time to ramp power safely without tripping local substations. In this system, combining existing lithium-ion with emerging sodium-ion chemistry is a key move. Lithium provides high energy density. Sodium offers thermal stability, extreme-cold endurance, and supply-chain resilience against lithium price spikes. For data center operators, hardware integration can be highly complex. Highstar’s unified architecture simplifies equipment selection by offering standardized current collection, directional venting, and pressure relief across all three tiers. The company says that it’s all-in-one design could make it much easier for equipment suppliers, integrators, and data center operators to choose and install the right power systems. As AI training loads double every few months, the battle for dominance will eventually come down to power. Highstar’s multi-tier battery shield could ensure that when the next massive AI model spins up, the lights stay on.Recommended ArticlesGet the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Mrigakshi is a science journalist who enjoys writing about space exploration, biology, and technological innovations. Her work has been featured in well-known publications including Nature India, Supercluster, The Weather Channel and Astronomy magazine. If you have pitches in mind, please do not hesitate to email her.