Contact Palatoe Technologies:
07065991788.
07067352130.
israelpalatoe@gmail.com


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
INVERTERS AND BATTERIES
If you own an inverter, wants to buy an inverter, wants to design an inverter or you want to market an inverter, then this article is for you.

Question: My inverter cannot power all the devices that I want to run on it, why?

Answer: Inverters are built with specific maximum loading capacity. You need to perform proper load power estimation before you decide which inverter rating is suitable for your need. For example, if you live in a two (2) bedroom flat with the following devices:
1. A 32 inches Flat screen T.V. 150 Watt.
2. A satellite decoder or DVD. 30 Watt.
3. 4 Standing Fans. 70 Watt × 4 = 280 Watt.
4. 8 lighting points. 30 Watt × 8 = 240 Watt.
The total load power is 700 Watt. An inverter rated for 1200 Watt is a better option. Why? The inverter performs better when running loads below 70 percent of its Total capacity.

Question: My inverter is rated 1000 VA, is this same as 1000 Watt?

Answer: No. VA rating is not the same as Watt. A simple way to convert VA to Watt is to multiply the VA rating by a constant known as power factor. The power factor of most devices is between 0.8 and 0.9. In a case when the power factor is not known, simply use 0.8 which is the minimum for any good appliance.

1000 VA × 0.8 = 800 Watt.
1200 Watt ÷ 0.8 = 1500 VA.

Question: What are the qualities / specifications to look for when buying an inverter?

Answer:
Power rating: This is the total load that the inverter can run for an indefinite period of time. This is usually the rating that is printed on the inverter.
Surge rating: This is the power that the inverter can supply within a short period of time that is usually less than a minute. This is the starting power of some reactive loads like motors, refrigerators, TVs, fans, etc. Such loads requires more than their running power to start. A typical refrigerator rated as 250 Watt would require between 1000 Watt and 1500 Watt to start up successfully. This rating is not always printed on the inverter.
Efficiency: This is the ratio of the useful power delivered to the load to the total power drawn from the battery. For example, if the inverter is running an 800 Watt load while drawing 1000 Watt from the battery, the efficiency is:
800/1000 ×100=80%
Inverters with efficiency lower than 75% will waste so much energy when it is been used for a long period of time. Efficiency simply tells the ratio of useful energy to the wasted energy. 70% efficiency means for every 100 Watt drawn from the battery, 70 Watt is useful and 30 Watt is wasted. You may need the assistance of an expert to carry out efficiency test on your inverter.
Output Wave form: There are 2 common types of inverters in the market:
Modified Square Wave: This is very much available in the market. It is often referred to as modified sine wave. Don’t be deceived. It is just a marketing name. Modified square wave inverters are cheaper because they are easier to design.
Pure sine wave: Pure sine wave inverters are more expensive compared to the same rated modified square wave inverter. Sometimes twice as expensive. Pure sine wave inverter is better than the modified square wave.
Warranty and after sales services: Every inverter manufacturer provides different warranty levels, ranging from 6 months to a few years. Buy inverters from trusted manufacturers that will be able to render quality after sales services.

Question: My inverter is rated as 1500 VA but it hardly powers 1000 VA load. Why?
Answer: Your inverter is probably not up to the rating printed on it. Some designers / marketers usually overrate their products in order to deceive buyers. The best way to determine the actual power of an inverter is to perform loading test on the inverter before installation. This is done by loading the inverter for about 10 to 15 minutes with a load that is close to the rating specified by the manufacturer. A fully charged battery is required to get the best results.

During this test:
The output voltage of the inverter must remain between 215 volts and 240 volts.
The inverter should not make any annoying / irregular noise.
The inverter should neither over heat nor produce burning smells.

Question: My electricity bill increased so much after I installed an Inverter in my house. Why?

Answer: Normally, your electricity bill will increase when you have an inverter installed. This is because the inverter is storing extra energy apart from the one you are consuming. It is this stored energy that the inverter supplies back when the mains supply is off.
In summary, you are using more energy and you have to pay more.

Get a very efficient inverter and your bills will be reduced. An inefficient inverter may even double your electricity bill.

Question :What are the differences between a Pure sine wave inverter and Modified square wave inverter?

Answer:
Pure sine wave inverter /Modified square wave inverter
1 Output voltage wave form is pure sine wave with very low harmonic distortion and clean power like utility-supplied electricity./ Output voltage wave form is a square wave with high harmonic distortion.
2 Inductive loads like fans, refrigerators and motors run faster, quieter and cooler with efficiency close to their manufacturer’s specification./ Inductive loads like fans, refrigerators and motors run slower, noisier and hotter with efficiency lower than their manufacturer’s specification.
3 Reduces audible and electrical noise in fans, fluorescent lights, audio amplifiers, TV, Game consoles, Fax, and answering machines./ Increases audible and electrical noise in fans, fluorescent lights, audio amplifiers, TV, Game consoles, Fax, and answering machines.
4 More expensive./ Less expensive
5 Works with all appliances./ Works with most appliances
6 More Efficient./ Less Efficient

A Pure sine wave inverter is better than a Modified square wave inverter. If you can afford the initial cost, buy a Pure sine wave inverter.

Question: My inverter doesn’t give me enough backup time. Why?

Answer: Your battery bank is probably lower than what your need. You can use the following method to calculate the needed battery capacity in Amp-Hour.

Total load = 600 Watt.
Inverter’s input voltage = 12 Volts.
Current = 600/12 = 50 Amps.
Minimum Amp-Hour = Current × 5.
Minimum Amp-Hour = 50 × 5 = 250AH.
Round up to nearest 100AH.
Minimum Amp-Hour = 300AH.



Inverter Duration = (Minimum Amp-Hour )/Current = (300 AH)/50A

Inverter Duration = 6 hours.

If the above duration is not enough, then increase the Amp-Hour by adding 100AH.

Inverter Duration = (100AH + Minimum Amp-Hour )/Current = (400 AH)/50A

Inverter Duration = 8 hours.

Continue to increase the Amp-Hour until the duration is satisfactory.

Study peukert’s equations to get more accurate results.


Question: Why did my batteries failed after just one (1) year or lesser? Even when the battery manufacturer said it should last for 3 to 4 years before they would require replacements.

Answer: The charging system of your inverter might be the cause. Uncontrolled / unregulated charging methods will greatly reduce the life span of your batteries.
Charging the batteries with a very high current is like you are frying the cells of the battery.
Charging the batteries with a very low current is like starving the cells of the battery
You can simply detect a poor charging system by checking the batteries’ temperature after 2 to 3 hours of uninterrupted charging. A hot temperature indicates poor charging method. Also when the battery swells or changes shape within few weeks of installation, it is a sign of poor charging system.
Good charging method includes:
Constant Voltage (good).
Constant Current (better).
Multi stage Charging (best).
Another possible reason why your batteries failed earlier is that the batteries might have spent too much time in the store before you bought them.
Buy your batteries from a supplier that offers warranty or from an installer that offers warranty.

Question: My batteries gave me good backup time as at installation. But subsequent backup time is very much lesser than the first few backups. Why?

Answer: Your Charger may not be suitable to charge your batteries efficiently full. Check the charging current during charging. The charging current should be around 10 to 15 percent of the total Amp-Hour of the batteries.
For example, a 200 AH battery requires about 20 amps to charge efficiently. You can also refer to the manufacturer’s manual to know the recommended charging current or check the prints on the battery.

Question: My fans stopped working, burnt or reduced speed after few months of installing the inverter. Why?

Answer: Your inverter is probably a modified square wave inverter. The large harmonics content of the modified square wave inverters are not suitable for inductive loads. E.g. Fans, Refrigerators, Clippers, Drills, Pumping machines, etc. sooner or later they would fail when they are been powered by a modified square wave inverter.
They produce humming noises to show that they are not working properly.
Similar condition may cause your refrigerator not to cool your stuffs properly and may later cause the compressors to fail.

Filtering may reduce the harmonics content of a modified square wave inverter but there is no amount of filtering that will turn a modified square wave inverter into a sine wave inverter. Don’t be deceived.

Question: Which battery is the best for the inverter?

Answer:
Deep Cycle Batteries are the best for the inverter. Though they are very expensive but worth putting your money on them. Please make sure your inverter is charging them in a regulated mode, else your expensive deep cycle battery that is expected to serve you for at least 3 years would die in less than 2 years.

Question: Can I use a Car starter battery for my inverter?

Answer: Yes. Car starter batteries are not the best for the inverter. They are used in cases where there is little money to spend in setting up the inverter system. Car starter batteries are not expected to serve you for more than two years. They can even fail within few weeks of installation due to bad charging system.
My battery doesn’t charge even after about 8 hours of uninterrupted power supply. Why?
Answer: There are few possible reasons why your batteries are not being properly charged:
Low input AC from the mains: when the mains voltage is below 180 volts, the charging system of the inverter may not be able to charge efficiently. A multi stage charger will solve the problem because they can charge your batteries efficiently even at 150 volts mains voltage.

Your Charger may not be suitable to charge your batteries efficiently full. Check the charging current during charging. The charging current should be around 10 to 15 percent of the total Amp-Hour of the batteries. For example, a 200 AH battery requires about 20 amps to charge efficiently. You can also refer to the manufacturer’s manual to know the recommended charging current or check the prints on the battery.


For further information on:

For Pure sine wave Inverter Designs, Constructions, Purchase, Installations and repairs:

For Digital (LCD) Pure sine wave inverters with multi stages charging systems:

For Solar inverters and Charge controllers:

For Micro controller programming trainings:

For Custom voltage Stabilizers:

For any electrical / electronic designs:


Contact Palatoe Technologies:
07065991788.
07067352130.
israelpalatoe@gmail.com

[quote author=israel7732]Contact Palatoe Technologies:
07065991788.
07033611421.
israelpalatoe@gmail.com


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
INVERTERS AND BATTERIES
If you own an inverter, wants to buy an inverter, wants to design an inverter or you want to market an inverter, then this article is for you.
My inverter cannot power all the devices that I want to run on it, why?

Answer: Inverters are built with specific maximum loading capacity. You need to perform proper load power estimation before you decide which inverter rating is suitable for your need. For example, if you live in a two (2) bedroom flat with the following devices:
1. A 32 inches Flat screen T.V. 150 Watt.
2. A satellite decoder or DVD. 30 Watt.
3. 4 Standing Fans. 70 Watt × 4 = 280 Watt.
4. 8 lighting points. 30 Watt × 8 = 240 Watt.
The total load power is 700 Watt. An inverter rated for 1200 Watt is a better option. Why? The inverter performs better when running loads below 70 percent of its Total capacity.
My inverter is rated 1000 VA, is this same as 1000 Watt?

Answer: No. VA rating is not the same as Watt. A simple way to convert VA to Watt is to multiply the VA rating by a constant known as power factor. The power factor of most devices is between 0.8 and 0.9. In a case when the power factor is not known, simply use 0.8 which is the minimum for any good appliance.

1000 VA × 0.8 = 800 Watt.
1200 Watt ÷ 0.8 = 1500 VA.

What are the qualities / specifications to look for when buying an inverter?

Answer:
Power rating: This is the total load that the inverter can run for an indefinite period of time. This is usually the rating that is printed on the inverter.
Surge rating: This is the power that the inverter can supply within a short period of time that is usually less than a minute. This is the starting power of some reactive loads like motors, refrigerators, TVs, fans, etc. Such loads requires more than their running power to start. A typical refrigerator rated as 250 Watt would require between 1000 Watt and 1500 Watt to start up successfully. This rating is not always printed on the inverter.
Efficiency: This is the ratio of the useful power delivered to the load to the total power drawn from the battery. For example, if the inverter is running an 800 Watt load while drawing 1000 Watt from the battery, the efficiency is:
800/1000 ×100=80%
Inverters with efficiency lower than 75% will waste so much energy when it is been used for a long period of time. Efficiency simply tells the ratio of useful energy to the wasted energy. 70% efficiency means for every 100 Watt drawn from the battery, 70 Watt is useful and 30 Watt is wasted. You may need the assistance of an expert to carry out efficiency test on your inverter.
Output Wave form: There are 2 common types of inverters in the market:
Modified Square Wave: This is very much available in the market. It is often referred to as modified sine wave. Don’t be deceived. It is just a marketing name. Modified square wave inverters are cheaper because they are easier to design.
Pure sine wave: Pure sine wave inverters are more expensive compared to the same rated modified square wave inverter. Sometimes twice as expensive. Pure sine wave inverter is better than the modified square wave.
Warranty and after sales services: Every inverter manufacturer provides different warranty levels, ranging from 6 months to a few years. Buy inverters from trusted manufacturers that will be able to render quality after sales services.

My inverter is rated as 1500 VA but it hardly powers 1000 VA load. Why?
Answer: Your inverter is probably not up to the rating printed on it. Some designers / marketers usually overrate their products in order to deceive buyers. The best way to determine the actual power of an inverter is to perform loading test on the inverter before installation. This is done by loading the inverter for about 10 to 15 minutes with a load that is close to the rating specified by the manufacturer. A fully charged battery is required to get the best results.

During this test:
The output voltage of the inverter must remain between 215 volts and 240 volts.
The inverter should not make any annoying / irregular noise.
The inverter should neither over heat nor produce burning smells.

My electricity bill increased so much after I installed an Inverter in my house. Why?

Answer: Normally, your electricity bill will increase when you have an inverter installed. This is because the inverter is storing extra energy apart from the one you are consuming. It is this stored energy that the inverter supplies back when the mains supply is off.
In summary, you are using more energy and you have to pay more.

Get a very efficient inverter and your bills will be reduced. An inefficient inverter may even double your electricity bill.

What are the differences between a Pure sine wave inverter and Modified square wave inverter?

Answer:
Pure sine wave inverter /Modified square wave inverter
1 Output voltage wave form is pure sine wave with very low harmonic distortion and clean power like utility-supplied electricity./ Output voltage wave form is a square wave with high harmonic distortion.
2 Inductive loads like fans, refrigerators and motors run faster, quieter and cooler with efficiency close to their manufacturer’s specification./ Inductive loads like fans, refrigerators and motors run slower, noisier and hotter with efficiency lower than their manufacturer’s specification.
3 Reduces audible and electrical noise in fans, fluorescent lights, audio amplifiers, TV, Game consoles, Fax, and answering machines./ Increases audible and electrical noise in fans, fluorescent lights, audio amplifiers, TV, Game consoles, Fax, and answering machines.
4 More expensive./ Less expensive
5 Works with all appliances./ Works with most appliances
6 More Efficient./ Less Efficient

A Pure sine wave inverter is better than a Modified square wave inverter. If you can afford the initial cost, buy a Pure sine wave inverter.

My inverter doesn’t give me enough backup time. Why?

Answer: Your battery bank is probably lower than what your need. You can use the following method to calculate the needed battery capacity in Amp-Hour.

Total load = 600 Watt.
Inverter’s input voltage = 12 Volts.
Current = 600/12 = 50 Amps.
Minimum Amp-Hour = Current × 5.
Minimum Amp-Hour = 50 × 5 = 250AH.
Round up to nearest 100AH.
Minimum Amp-Hour = 300AH.



Inverter Duration = (Minimum Amp-Hour )/Current = (300 AH)/50A

Inverter Duration = 6 hours.

If the above duration is not enough, then increase the Amp-Hour by adding 100AH.

Inverter Duration = (100AH + Minimum Amp-Hour )/Current = (400 AH)/50A

Inverter Duration = 8 hours.

Continue to increase the Amp-Hour until the duration is satisfactory.

Study peukert’s equations to get more accurate results.


Why did my batteries failed after just one (1) year or lesser? Even when the battery manufacturer said it should last for 3 to 4 years before they would require replacements.
Answer: The charging system of your inverter might be the cause. Uncontrolled / unregulated charging methods will greatly reduce the life span of your batteries.
Charging the batteries with a very high current is like you are frying the cells of the battery.
Charging the batteries with a very low current is like starving the cells of the battery
You can simply detect a poor charging system by checking the batteries’ temperature after 2 to 3 hours of uninterrupted charging. A hot temperature indicates poor charging method. Also when the battery swells or changes shape within few weeks of installation, it is a sign of poor charging system.
Good charging method includes:
Constant Voltage (good).
Constant Current (better).
Multi stage Charging (best).
Another possible reason why your batteries failed earlier is that the batteries might have spent too much time in the store before you bought them.
Buy your batteries from a supplier that offers warranty or from an installer that offers warranty.
My batteries gave me good backup time as at installation. But subsequent backup time is very much lesser than the first few backups. Why?

Answer: Your Charger may not be suitable to charge your batteries efficiently full. Check the charging current during charging. The charging current should be around 10 to 15 percent of the total Amp-Hour of the batteries.
For example, a 200 AH battery requires about 20 amps to charge efficiently. You can also refer to the manufacturer’s manual to know the recommended charging current or check the prints on the battery.

My fans stopped working, burnt or reduced speed after few months of installing the inverter. Why?

Answer: Your inverter is probably a modified square wave inverter. The large harmonics content of the modified square wave inverters are not suitable for inductive loads. E.g. Fans, Refrigerators, Clippers, Drills, Pumping machines, etc. sooner or later they would fail when they are been powered by a modified square wave inverter.
They produce humming noises to show that they are not working properly.
Similar condition may cause your refrigerator not to cool your stuffs properly and may later cause the compressors to fail.

Filtering may reduce the harmonics content of a modified square wave inverter but there is no amount of filtering that will turn a modified square wave inverter into a sine wave inverter. Don’t be deceived.

Which battery is the best for the inverter?
Answer:
Deep Cycle Batteries are the best for the inverter. Though they are very expensive but worth putting your money on them. Please make sure your inverter is charging them in a regulated mode, else your expensive deep cycle battery that is expected to serve you for at least 3 years would die in less than 2 years.

Can I use a Car starter battery for my inverter?
Answer: Yes. Car starter batteries are not the best for the inverter. They are used in cases where there is little money to spend in setting up the inverter system. Car starter batteries are not expected to serve you for more than two years. They can even fail within few weeks of installation due to bad charging system.
My battery doesn’t charge even after about 8 hours of uninterrupted power supply. Why?
Answer: There are few possible reasons why your batteries are not being properly charged:
Low input AC from the mains: when the mains voltage is below 180 volts, the charging system of the inverter may not be able to charge efficiently. A multi stage charger will solve the problem because they can charge your batteries efficiently even at 150 volts mains voltage.

Your Charger may not be suitable to charge your batteries efficiently full. Check the charging current during charging. The charging current should be around 10 to 15 percent of the total Amp-Hour of the batteries. For example, a 200 AH battery requires about 20 amps to charge efficiently. You can also refer to the manufacturer’s manual to know the recommended charging current or check the prints on the battery.


For further information on:

For Pure sine wave Inverter Designs, Constructions, Purchase, Installations and repairs:

For Digital (LCD) Pure sine wave inverters with multi stages charging systems:

For Solar inverters and Charge controllers:

For Micro controller programming trainings:

For Custom voltage Stabilizers:

For any electrical / electronic designs:


Contact Palatoe Technologies:
07065991788.
07033611421.
israelpalatoe@gmail.com




NICE

Please house, we have an inverter that carried almost everything (from fridge to washing machine etc) complemented with 8 solar panels on the roof, but today thunder strike and the tv was on, all of a sudden everything went off. When I off the inverter it won't power light inside the house, but it's on. When I off it, it shows ups on, yet won't power light inside the house. Please any solution. Thanks. Its so frustrating please

I love this. Thanks for the comprehensive educative write-up.

ADUNOKIKI: Please house, we have an inverter that carried almost everything (from fridge to washing machine etc) complemented with 8 solar panels on the roof, but today thunder strike and the tv was on, all of a sudden everything went off. When I off the inverter it won't power light inside the house, but it's on. When I off it, it shows ups on, yet won't power light inside the house. Please any solution. Thanks. Its so frustrating please

kindly take it back to the company that did the installations.

hello. the post needs updating

good write up

Good day all. I have a complaint please.

My inverter is a 1000 Watts Intellegent Power Inverter, powered by one (durable/lasting) 12v 200AH(20HR) deep cycle battery. When on charge, it doesn't show 'full' even at 13.33v. Is it normal charging to the 13.33v? If it is normal, at what volt should it show fully charged?

MrSim:
Good day all. I have a complaint please.

My inverter is a 1000 Watts Intellegent Power Inverter, powered by one (durable/lasting) 12v 200AH(20HR) deep cycle battery. When on charge, it doesn't show 'full' even at 13.33v. Is it normal charging to the 13.33v? If it is normal, at what volt should it show fully charged?

Hi. During charging, batteries get to 15v or thereabouts to be fully charged.

Hi guys,

My sukam inverter (2.4kva) of less than 2 years gets fully charged in about 30mins and gets batteries (2x100ah) gets depleted when in use in less than an hour even with minimal load..

I already spent 11k as I assumed I was scammed for fixing the charging element of inverter.

Can you advise me please?

Thanks

krissein:
Hi guys,

My sukam inverter (2.4kva) of less than 2 years gets fully charged in about 30mins and gets batteries (2x100ah) gets depleted when in use in less than an hour even with minimal load..

I already spent 11k as I assumed I was scammed for fixing the charging element of inverter.

Can you advise me please?

Thanks

Your batteries needs to be checked

Hello Friends, my inverter ( 1.5kva) is always switching itself off with a continuous alarm and blinking of d 'mains' indicator.

It has become so regular now that I hardly use the inverter.

Please what could be the Problem?

Hello house, am having an issue with my 5kva inverter. I have a 5kva inverter with 8batteries and 15solar panels of 200watts each. After installation of the system it use to carry for 13-15hrs. But of recent it hardly carry for 4-5hrs.... The voltage from my solar charge controller is 178v, I don't know why the system is not serving well.

When was the initial installation done?
Have you added any extra load of recent?
Are you sure it's not due to low Solar radiation?

Timdonca:
Hello house, am having an issue with my 5kva inverter. I have a 5kva inverter with 8batteries and 15solar panels of 200watts each. After installation of the system it use to carry for 13-15hrs. But of recent it hardly carry for 4-5hrs.... The voltage from my solar charge controller is 178v, I don't know why the system is not serving well.

ADUNOKIKI:
Please house, we have an inverter that carried almost everything (from fridge to washing machine etc) complemented with 8 solar panels on the roof, but today thunder strike and the tv was on, all of a sudden everything went off. When I off the inverter it won't power light inside the house, but it's on. When I off it, it shows ups on, yet won't power light inside the house. Please any solution. Thanks. Its so frustrating please

u did not protect ur inverter thunder arrestor call ur installer to check

Kewt:
Hello Friends, my inverter ( 1.5kva) is always switching itself off with a continuous alarm and blinking of d 'mains' indicator.

It has become so regular now that I hardly use the inverter.

Please what could be the Problem?

Hello Kewt, I'm also experiencing same....
How did you resolve yours....

Thks

.