dataking:
Hello Femi,
I need to set up a small office and would like to use 2pcs of 12v 200Ah batteries.
Would you advise buying a 1500 24v APC UPS or simply buying an inverter.
I also would like to know reasons why.
Thanks.

feflo:
1.5kva pure sine wave converted ups

olamikhx:
Hello Feflo,
I have this apc 1500 dual battery ups I'll like to convert. My estimated load is 459 for the day and average of 230 for the night.
Please, which brand of 100AH battery and external charger will you recommend. I intend to get 2 of the 100ah battery for a start.
How long do you think this will last all things being equal.

Thank you

feflo:

Your estimated load of 459 day and 230 night is on the high side if its continuous. You need to look ways to be more energy efficient especially during the day. Batteries are difficult to recommend especially the 100ah brands. I'll suggest you go for a brand that can give at least 6months warranty and is at least 30kg in weight.

Thanks

olamikhx:



Thank you for your prompt response. I can devise a way to reduce it 300 during the day and less than 200W for the night too. because the TV alone is 210W. I may opt for a used 200ah if I can get any premium brand in good condition. Will the ups above work well like a typical inverter all thing been equal?

Abigai:
Bros. good morning, from your explanation on how to convert UPS to an inverter you said the buzzer on the panel should be removed, why? Sir..

mahkanjuh:


So, it won't be making that annoying continuous beep sound normally found in UPS, it's like you are muting/muffling the sound

mahkanjuh:


So, it won't be making that annoying continuous beep sound normally found in UPS, it's like you are muting/muffling the sound

feflo:


Thanks sir, couldn't have said it better. The buzzer beeps intermittently to remind you that the input is off and you are on battery. The UPS is designed to work for about 10 minutes, reason why small battery is installed. Now you want it to work for longer periods thus the beeping becomes annoying.

Thanks

Abigai:

Bros thanks, explanation well understood..

Abigai:

I have a Bluegate 1.570kva/24v UPS, 12v/24v solar charge controller and 300w×3/24v solar panel which I use on my electronics and it do power my LG fridge of 110w successfuly, bros any advice?.....

feflo:

That TV is the big challenge here, 210Watts, guess its a plasma. I think used 200ah is a good idea. I did not get the exact type of the UPS from the picture you posted. If its APC and its 1500, then it will work perfectly well for you.
Many Thanks

olamikhx:




Yes, you're right, it is a 42“ plasma TV and the UPS is APC Pro 1500 as indicated on the front panel. Thank you for all you do here.

feflo:
AGM Batteries

Absorbent glass mat (AGM) is a class of lead-acid deep cycle battery in which the electrolyte is absorbed into a fiberglass mat. The plates in an AGM battery may be flat like wet cell lead-acid battery, or they may be wound in a tight spiral. The internal resistance of AGM batteries is lower than traditional cells, they can handle higher temperatures, and self discharge more slowly.

These batteries have a valve which will activate when the battery is recharged at high voltage. Valve activation allows some of the active material to escape thus decreasing the overall capacity of the battery. The lids /vents typically have gas diffusers built into them that allow safe dispersal of any excess hydrogen that may be produced during charging. They are maintenance free; and they can often be oriented in any manner, unlike normal lead-acid batteries which must be kept upright to avoid acid spills and to ensure the plates are sitting in the electrolyte.

AGM batteries are totally sealed and are easy and safe to transport
They never need topping up with water
They can be safely mounted inside a boat, car, caravan, motorhome etc
AGM batteries only need to be vented to atmosphere, they do not need to be in a sealed box vented to the outside like wet batteries, and
can be mounted on their sides or ends if needed.
Due to their very low internal resistance AGM batteries will fully charge at a lower voltage, and accept a much larger charge current, so when
charging from a standard car/truck alternator these batteries will all but fully charge, and they will charge quickly, in about 3 hours!
AGM batteries can be discharged deeper than conventional deep cycle batteries without major damage.
AGM batteries only self discharge at the rate of up to 3% per month, and even after 12 months sitting idle can be recharged and put back
into full service without any major damage. (A standard deep cycle battery if treated the same way will have destroyed itself, it will no longer
hold a good charge)
AGM batteries were originally developed for the military, they are very robust.

Culled from http://www.energymatters.com.au

feflo:
Sealed Lead Acid Batteries

Sealed lead acid batteries are also known as valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries, recombinant batteries and often called maintenance-free lead-acid batteries. Examples of VRLA batteries are:
• Absorbed glass mat (or AGM)
• Gel cells

The term “seal lead acid battery” is misleading: a sealed battery would be a safety hazard due to overpressure risks the battery is overcharged. There is always a safety valve present, hence the name valve-regulated. Even the term “valve regulated” does not really describe this technology. These are really “recombinant” batteries. This means that oxygen evolved at the positive will mostly recombine with the hydrogen ready to evolve on the negative and thus prevent water loss. The valve is only a safety feature in case dangerous amounts of hydrogen are produced.

Flooded Lead Acid Batteries

Flooded lead acid batteries, or wet cells, are the oldest type of rechargeable battery still in use. This type of battery contains a liquid in an unsealed container. This means that the battery must be kept upright and in a well-ventilated area to ensure safe dispersal of the hydrogen gas produced by these batteries during overcharging. The lead-acid battery is also very heavy for the amount of electrical energy it can supply.
Flooded lead acid batteries require period monitoring and topping up with distilled water. Despite these disadvantages, flooded batteries have high surge current, easier to troubleshoot and are relatively inexpensive.

Gel Batteries

A gel battery (also known as a “gel cell”) is a sealed valve regulated lead-acid deep cycle battery and has a gel electrolyte. Unlike flooded lead-acid (wet cell) batteries, these batteries do not need to be kept upright. Gel cells virtually eliminate evaporation of the electrolyte, spillage (and subsequent corrosion issues) common to the flooded lead acid battery, and boast greater resistance to extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration. As a result, they are often used in automobiles, boats, aircraft, and other motorized vehicles.

Culled from http://www.energymatters.com.au

feflo:
Battery Maintenance

Deep cycle batteries (lead-based) such as those used in off-grid solar power systems have much thicker lead plates than car batteries to make them last longer. Deep cycle batteries should never really be discharged to below 20% of their full capacity, because internal resistance causes heat and damage when they are recharged.

Renewable energy systems usually use a low-charge or low voltage warning light or a low-voltage cut-off switch to prevent the type of damage that will shorten the battery’s life.

Battery shelf life can be extended by storing them at a lower temperatures, because the chemical reactions in the batteries are slower. However, in order to reach their maximum voltage, batteries must be returned to room temperature. Therefore, most deep cycle battery manufacturers do not recommend refrigerating batteries.

While conventional deep cycle battery systems generally require a significant amount of oversight, the next generation of energy storage (lithium-ion) features highly automated management systems; with maintenance and monitoring basically nil.
Battery safety, explosions and other hazards

A battery explosion is caused by the misuse or malfunction of a battery, such as attempting to recharge a non-rechargeable battery or short circuiting a battery.

Explosions are most likely to occur when a short circuit generates very large currents. In addition, deep cycle batteries can release hydrogen when they are overcharged (due to electrolysis of the water in the electrolyte). Normally the gas dissipates quickly. However, this gas can be ignited by a nearby spark (for example, when removing the jumper cables).

Note: hydrogen gas production isn’t an issue with lithium-ion batteries.

Attempting to charge a battery beyond its electrical capacity, ie overcharging, can also lead to a battery explosion, leakage, or irreversible damage to the deep cycle battery. It may also cause damage to the components in which the overcharged battery is used.

When a conventional battery is recharged at an excessive rate, an explosive gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen may be produced faster than it can escape from within the walls of the battery, leading to pressure build-up and the possibility of the battery case bursting.

In extreme cases, the battery acid may spray violently from the casing of the battery and cause injury.

Deep cycle batter explosions can also occur in maintenance free lead-acid batteries if the valves fail or are blocked. The pressure rises within the cells until a short-circuit ignites the hydrogen-oxygen mixture. Such explosions can cause severe injury. The problem can be detected in most batteries if the sides appear swollen, or if the battery feels hot to touch.

Culled from http://www.energymatters.com.au

Abigai:
Bros, please I want to know the price of the following in Lagos : 1. 24v and 12v DC cooling fan. 2. DC circuit breakers.