back up system for power cuts

susanstrud



Joined: 22/09/2009
Posts: 29

Message Posted:
17/10/2011 00:09

Looking for a supplier of back up system for "thing of the past" power cuts!! Requirements needed:-large enough to work central heating and water pump,TV and lighting.

We do have battery back up supplied by dear Ron but the batteries do not hold their charge and the system works for 2 hours only.

Would be very grateful for any info.

Geejay


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 475

Message Posted:
17/10/2011 00:39

I have a generator that supplies an electric current for all our needs in a power outage. Except, for some reason the washing machine. Everything else like the pumps (water and pool), TV, cooker, fridge/freezer, lights and microwave work normally ! This is rated at 6.7 what-sits and turns on/off automatically.

You may consider something similar but be warned, it costs. Alternatively a manually operated genny would be considerably cheaper and if close to the house, not too inconvenient.

There is however a shortage of generators at the moment due to the demand from the south from Mari incident !

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
17/10/2011 01:47

I have a battery backup system(it recharges when the electricity is on) - it failed and supplier let me down! A kind friend consulted manufacturers instructions (on the internet) and a motor mechanic(they are really large car batteries) - cleaned the batteries including connections , replaced distilled water and acid and hey presto - working (touch wood!). Note these batteries need regular maintainance and have limited life (5 yrs?)



However it depends on the size and number of batteries what you can run off it and how long. I basically use it to keep essentials going - lights and computer and a Radio/CD player. frig/freezer and water pump. It will just run a single small air conditioning unit but it doesnt last so long. Maybe you are overloading it by running the central heating. Its possible (although you should consult someone more technical) you could add extra batteries? Otherwise just use alternative form of heating when there is a power cut

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
17/10/2011 08:05

The car batteries are not suitable for use with inverters. Their life can be very very short when used in this way. They should use Industrial heavy duty ones, much more expensive. I pointed this out when this chap was promoting them on here. He did not like it.

ismet

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
17/10/2011 08:08

Deep cycle fork-lift truck batteries are a good compromise.

leadfoot



Joined: 11/03/2009
Posts: 67

Message Posted:
17/10/2011 11:22

has anybody used a firm, or can recemend one (the TRNC) that have instaled "non generator type" backup

electical system?





Leadfoot

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
17/10/2011 11:32

Sorry I over simplified and mislead - I meant to indicate in laymans terms that the batteries work on roughly same principle as car batteries. But it is a good point - it may be the op could check that she has suitable batteries (as well as that they are clean, topped up etc) before replacing the entire system - assuming of course that the invertor is OK which I assumed from the fact she said it is working, albeit briefly.



But thanks for your comments - I will keep in mind if and when my batteries need replacing.Mne have lasted a little over five years now, but I try not to overload the system, my main concern being to keep the lights on for the duration of a cut, rather than use a lot of heavy usage electrical stuff.

how188


Joined: 10/07/2010
Posts: 158

Message Posted:
17/10/2011 11:44

I am looking for some simple plugin neon tubes unit that charge when power is on, then automatically come on when power fails.

Does anyone know wher I can get some?

henrik



Joined: 01/10/2009
Posts: 314

Message Posted:
23/10/2011 01:53

hi leadfoot, hi all others:

there are some good companies selling such systems. the problem we see in trnc with back up systems is that some companies / private people are selling "inverters" which are more or less crap with car or lorry batteries, which are not suitable for serious back up installations.

Of course they do this for very reasonable prices - But: The customers have the hassle later on.

We have done back up systems with 9kW inverter power and 24 x 2 V 1000Ah Opsz batteries, automaic miliseconds switchover and automatic fast charge when mains are back ( http://www.kibsolar.com/content/mix/images/refs/images/PICT0011.jpg). This is the biggest non commercial system ever installed in TRNC and: Working since 6 years without any problem. Why? Batteries were choosen according to load and running time. Inverters are true sine wave - no harm to your sensitive electrical goods. what else do you want?

anyhow, good nite

for info: http://www.kibsolar.com

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
23/10/2011 08:35

How much does that system cost Henrik?

kibsolar


Joined: 14/09/2008
Posts: 552

Message Posted:
23/10/2011 11:34

Hello,

back-up systems can run small (< 1 kW) or big loads (homes or bigger), the battery bank can be huge or small.... But one thing should be avoided: low quality.

Eg Vaughan mentioned: there are "compromises" available, this not only applies for the batteries but also for the inverter/charger type.

We explain our customers the basics of such systems, eg what it means to the lifetime when you discharge a (different) battery (type) too often, and how to avoid this.

Therer are many specifications possible and thats why I will not give any prices here:

The single equiment prices are available on our website anyway...

Kind Regards

PS: We installed the first back-up (solar) system in 1998, and it is still working with the same battery bank.

We just installed a 5 kW (10 kW peak power) back-up system in Catalköy... here: to reduce generator running times, especially to supply some energy during night and to "keep temps in the fridge/freezer".