Power outages are a common occurrence in cottage and country houses. In some country houses and summer houses there is no centralized power supply system. In such situations, a UPS with external power supply will be an indispensable option. Power outages can be caused by the following reasons:
- Rain and precipitation;
- Strong winds;
- Storm;
- Snow storm;
- Emergency situation at the station;
- Increasing the electricity supply to 6 kW;
- Power surges in the network;
- High frequency noise.
In such a situation, it is better to play it safe and purchase an uninterruptible power supply for country house. Thanks to this device the following goals can be achieved:
- Prevent the boiler system from stopping;
- Reduce to zero the threat of stopping the operation of the pumping motors of the heating system;
- Prevent the alarm system from stopping;
- Continue lighting the house and maintaining electric heating of the house and cottage;
- You can purchase an uninterruptible power supply for your home, equipped with a battery, to maintain the functionality of your refrigerator, TV, computer and appliances.
A UPS is an electronic device that provides an uninterrupted but short-term supply of electricity for computer.
In the power supply of a cottage or country house, power outages often occur, especially at a great distance from megacities.
To ensure autonomous backup power supply, many effective devices and circuits are offered today that protect household appliances and high-tech equipment that are sensitive to voltage surges. It’s easy to imagine how home owners feel in the outback during the cold season when there is a power outage, especially if the autonomous heating system and all electrical appliances are running. To solve this problem, it is worth installing backup power in the form of batteries to power your home.
Ways to eliminate interruptions in the power supply system
Shutting down a power line is a huge inconvenience, and many options have been developed to prevent many of the problems associated with power outages. Experts recommend not to deny yourself all the benefits of civilization, especially since you don’t need to invent anything - devices for backup power supply at home are on sale. They are intended to become an alternative source that will provide electricity in a volume that will ensure the operation of basic electrical appliances for a long time:
- security and fire protection systems;
- forced ventilation and air conditioning;
- starting a solid fuel boiler;
- pumps for water supply and sewerage;
- household electrical appliances and other equipment.
All of them cannot work without the power grid, which is why an effective backup power supply scheme is so important. Many suburban buildings do not always guarantee reliable operation of a centralized electricity supply. Due to unstable voltage characteristics in the network and frequent unscheduled power outages for several hours, or even days, such systems or sensitive electrical appliances fail. A country house should not be a place to solve constant problems, but an excellent place to relax. Uninterrupted autonomous power supply to a cottage or country house must function stably - for the operation of all life support systems.
There are several options for solving the problem of power outages. For example, installation of an autonomous backup uninterruptible power supply source, which can be purchased together with a battery kit ( batteries). They are able to work autonomously for some time, depending on their power and total load.
Batteries for a backup power system guarantee an uninterrupted supply of electricity to consumers during long-term network outages or in the absence of external power networks in remote areas.
Backup power supply project
The backup power supply project includes all documentation that takes into account the total power of all autonomous sources. The backup autonomous power supply system for a country house can include both ultra-modern mini-power plants and traditional sources of electricity. The more network power supplies are expected, the greater the efficiency. However, such a project must include all indicators of generator power and battery capacity.
The design power of the autonomous backup power supply, including the inverter, is calculated as follows: the total power of the operating devices is plused and multiplied by 3. This is due to the fact that when starting up the equipment draws the maximum amount of energy. This indicator is taken into account to ensure that the autonomous network copes with the maximum possible load according to the design capacity. The calculations include the power supply needs of the devices powered by the circuit:
- active heating (stove and electric kettle, incandescent light bulbs);
- inductive (refrigerator, washing machine, TV, microwave, etc.)
Their power consumption is summed up (according to the table or according to the attached instructions) and 20-25% of the maximum value is added, in case all electrical appliances work simultaneously. That is, small dacha with minimal lighting, a TV and a refrigerator, it will work according to the backup power supply scheme for a country house with a power of 2 kW. If you use power tools and other devices, then add another 5-6 kW.
Types of generators
Today, the most common autonomous backup power sources are:
- uninterruptible power station;
- diesel generator;
- wind generator;
- gasoline generator;
- inverter
1. Gasoline electric generator It is considered one of the most effective, although it cannot be called economical. But it is enough for it with a power consumption of about 6 kW. Such energy sources are appropriate where there is no other alternative, and gasoline can be transported without problems. For example, if a country house is located somewhere along the highway or not far from a gas station.
Main advantages:
- almost silent operation;
- starts well in winter;
- can be used as a backup source.
2. In a large household, energy consumption is quite higher, especially if there are a lot of lighting fixtures and there is no other heating except electric fireplaces. If the power consumption is more than 6 kW, experts recommend purchasing a diesel generator. However, this also cannot be done without significant financial investments. But it works in almost any conditions.
3. Wind generator, or in common parlance “windmill”, is quite effective, but it can be installed in an area where fairly strong winds always blow or seasonal drafts pull along the racing gorge.
4. Among the new generation of backup power supply sources, pulsed capacitors (PCs) are also often used. An excellent alternative to other autonomous power supply systems, practically innovative equipment, which can be purchased at finished form. These portable models offer enhanced uninterruptible power performance and can operate independently or in a power backup system. They suggest the following set:
- voltage transformer;
- relay for switching from mains to battery;
- Charger.
When you connect an inverter and autonomous batteries to the circuit, you also get a mini-power station with sufficient power.
Inverter system based on solar panels
All over the world, installing solar panels on the roof is not a new thing, but a common thing. True, it is expensive, but the investment pays off over time. Solar energy is easily converted into alternating current, but not every region has enough energy for charging powerful batteries and full provision of an entire residential building.
IN summer time To charge the battery for backup power supply, this may be quite enough to accumulate it to operate the power grid in the evening - for several hours. On the other hand, such panels are justified when there is a second source of autonomous power supply, such as a diesel generator or inverter.
Basic equipment for working on the scheme of obtaining solar energy and converting it into electricity:
- solar panels mounted on the roof of a house or elsewhere;
- electric charging controller;
- automatic DC/AC protection;
- a set of high-capacity rechargeable batteries;
- inverter unit of the required power.
It turns out to be a small home power plant on the territory of a cottage in a remote large city. It can be supplemented effective scheme inverter type, where energy sources are designed to effectively complement each other.
An inverter-type system is ideal for providing uninterruptible power in combination with solar panels. The generator can be turned off while the battery is charged from solar energy, significantly increasing its service life.
Inverter
An inverter is an important component of the autonomous power supply of a country house or cottage. It makes it possible to periodically turn off the generator to minimize fuel consumption. Abroad, as an alternative scheme for providing electricity, inverters are considered an integral part of an autonomous power supply. They are also universal when it is not possible to use wind and solar energy.
This device is extremely reliable and operates according to the “plug and forget” principle. Modern inverters guarantee uninterrupted backup power not only for real estate, but also for “mobile” housing such as trailers, yachts and auto-trailers, etc.
To protect against power outages during a power outage, an inverter for backing up power at home works well. With a voltage of 220V, it is able to provide electricity supply with minimal maintenance costs. At the same time, it provides the ability to connect rechargeable batteries that provide a long-term backup supply of electricity. Inverters belong to the line of the most durable UPS for the use of household electrical appliances and equipment sensitive to voltage surges.
Important advantages of the inverter:
- silent operation;
- Possibility of installation in any room;
- minimal care and maintenance;
- high reliability;
- long-term manufacturer's warranty;
- excellent quality;
- stable supply of electricity;
- automatic transition with connection to a backup power supply circuit.
In the event of a power outage on a power line on the street or in a village for up to a day, the inverter is beyond competition. Uninterrupted power supply to the dacha or suburban area Using an inverter during frequent shutdowns is more profitable than working with a generator.
Advice: As an option - a generator plus an inverter. Here their “pros” are summed up and their “cons” are leveled out. The inverter is able to start the generator if the batteries are low, and then shut down unnecessarily. The generator is noisy, so it is advisable to turn it on during the day while you are at work or away from home, and in the evening switch to a silent inverter.
Features of the electric generator
Electric generators operate on different energy sources and produce:
- 1-phase current – for powering 220 W devices;
- 3-phase current - 380 W.
The generator for backup power supply is very efficient, and its power can exceed 16 kW, so it is quite suitable for fully autonomous supply of a country house. As an option - to support uninterrupted power supply during frequent power outages.
The open source generator comes complete with:
- automatic ventilation system;
- shield to ensure work;
- exhaust gas removal system;
- automatic fuel refueling module;
- automatic flame extinguishing system (fire safety measures).
Disadvantages of the generator:
Without changing filters, spark plugs and oil, the generator fails, and it also requires:
- room with ventilation;
- canisters for transportation diesel fuel or high-quality winter diesel fuel for work in the cold season;
- background noise and complaints from neighbors during uncoordinated switching on;
- the smell of recycled diesel fuel;
- the need for periodic maintenance, refueling and operation control;
- compliance with the replacement schedule for consumables.
Although these problems are not so many as to refuse the possibility of using it, it does disturb the peace and normal rest in country house. And although it guarantees backup power supply and uninterrupted power supply to the house, it is better to use it in conjunction with other systems and in the absence of the owners of the house.
It is for this reason that diesel electric generators are most often used as a backup source of electricity. Today, the domestic market offers many types of diesel generators used for backup power supply. country houses, as well as for heating and water supply. Modern diesel power plants come in modular and classic (open) versions.
The review may be useful to all kinds of summer residents and users of country houses (and maybe not only country houses), in places with frequent power outages...
Instead of a preface ( You can skip it for the impatient - there are many letters)
Additional Information
For several years now I have moved to live in the country (I just love it), and have encountered the problem of periodic power outages. Various reasons were put forward: lack of transformer power in SNT (knocked out) and various works, etc.
It’s clear that these problems didn’t make me happy, especially considering that, like most summer residents, my water comes from a well, and when there’s a power outage it’s simply not there: (Well, in the cold season the boiler can turn off without power, I’m tired of all these flashlights/ candles...
I began to look for solutions to this problem.
First options there were installations of solar panels/wind turbines (I was collecting information)… But I was quite scared off by the price + payback of this enterprise. Or rather, such a solution is relevant for those who do not have access to network electricity AT ALL, while the costs make sense as they are commensurate with connecting to network sources. In my case, regular outages for several hours, it turned out to be too expensive and unprofitable.
The option with gasoline and diesel generators was considered (most neighbors use similar option), but has a number of disadvantages, in comparison with the born idea, to use only "Part" from the home's solar power system! Well, that is. use the existing 220V network instead of solar panels to charge the batteries, and consume the charge in the absence of the main one from the batteries.
Well, in short, the final version of the circuit turned out to be very far from the solar power supply circuit :) But it is MUCH cheaper and simpler, and even cheaper than gasoline and diesel generators
The scheme worked successfully for one year!
The elements of the circuit are
Inverter with UPS and external battery monitoring/charging(in my case the inverter is 1500W (peak 3000W) - in some Chinese sources mentioned a figure of 3000W peak load up to 4 minutes, I didn’t check, I don’t know :)
Below in the photo is a 2000W inverter (bought for a neighbor) 
In theory, everyone chooses the power for their own load; I started from the average monthly consumption, recalculated taking into account a possible peak at the moment the pump engine starts. You need to keep in mind that there is no point in powering ALL electrical consumers, because... For a couple of hours you can safely tolerate the absence of heating of water by heaters, washing machine, refrigerator (it will not thaw in almost a day)
The lower the total power, the less power is required for the inverter and the smaller the battery capacity (for the same operating time) - this REALLY allows you to significantly reduce the cost of creating emergency power.
Next, in my case, an inverter with a modified sine wave (it is cheaper). In the case of using (for example) boilers for heating and other devices that require a PURE sine wave for pumps, as well as when connecting a refrigerator, etc. devices, you need to choose a slightly more expensive inverter that produces a “Pure sine wave” (not forgetting about the UPS and charging functions, if you are interested in AUTOMATIC transition to emergency power and back).
For example
My well pump also “loves” a pure sine wave, but I proceeded from the fact that I have it with a hydraulic accumulator (24 liter tank), and the switching on is short-term. During this time, the pump does not have time to heat up and go into protection (by the way, thermal protection seems to be installed on everyone now). In practice, once the pump was switched off in protection, when in the summer the pump was constantly on (the garden was watered) and the wife did not notice that the emergency power had turned on :) How long it worked before the protection was activated is unknown :)
Car battery(I bought with a reserve - 190 Ah). 
As it turned out, for me, this capacity turned out to be too excessive - in real life, after almost 5 hours of battery life, the readings of the built-in battery voltage meter did not change noticeably. At the same time, the lighting was turned on in a couple of rooms, street lighting and two TVs for 24" and 38", a 17" laptop (water if necessary) and perhaps something else... + it was quite possible to earn extra money with various hand-held power tools (if necessary).
I decided it was inappropriate to buy special batteries (whether traction or gel), because... the inverter has control of the battery charge, and, unlike “solar technologies”, does not produce it below its “normal discharge”.
For a more optimal connection, I divided all the electrical wiring of the dacha into two parts (in the electrical box):
-One part comes directly from the network, and is not backed up by an emergency source - electric water heaters, a washing machine, a refrigerator and other fairly energy-intensive consumers, without which you can easily “live” for several hours.
- the second part is connected from the box via a cable to a regular plug so that, if necessary, it can be plugged into a nearby socket (in this case, the inverter and battery are easily excluded from the circuit), this may be necessary, for example, if the inverter, battery, or for their services.
At the same time, the inverter at the output already has a pre-installed standard socket, to which the plug with consumers requiring backup power is connected.
It worked out something like this for me. 
You need to keep in mind (in mind) some safety precautions when choosing a location and installation (not quite like mine - it was done more for testing, but for now it remains so, as they say there is nothing more permanent than “temporary” :))
The circuit is triggered when 220V is turned off (or the parameters change above/below the permissible values) - it switches to battery power, while a slight noise is heard from the inverter cooling fan (depending on the number of consumers connected at the moment) and the indication on the front panel of the inverter lights up. When the network appears, it switches back to network 220 and the fan noise increases while the battery is recharging. Almost no shocks are noticeable in the house, I don’t experience any discomfort from the loss of the network and I can’t even tell right away (when neighbors call on the phone and ask) whether there is “light” or not :)
Placement of sinusoids, etc. technical nuances I consider it unnecessary in this review, so I will provide a photo of the insides of the inverter (for educational purposes and for maniacs suffering from dismemberment)
Comparison of “my” backup power scheme with similar ones on gasoline and diesel generators:
+ lower cost
+ no noise
+ no smell
+ automatic transition to backup power
+ no problems when starting either in summer or winter (especially important when starting with my wife)
+ no need for a separate storage space (on the veranda it takes up one shelf)
+ no need to purchase, deliver, store fuel
Limited uptime
± Disputed points include rewiring and disconnecting some consumers, because... you can connect EVERYONE and not change anything, but you need a more powerful inverter (possibly with a “pure” sine wave), a powerful battery (most likely using two in series and a 24V inverter to reduce currents in low-voltage circuits)
Conclusion: Quite working diagram, I (and my wife) are at least completely satisfied.
UPD.
Some time after writing and publishing this review, several events or news happened, how best to put it :) I decided to add to this review, because... I don’t know how people usually do things like this here :)
1. As a result of some torture over the inverter, we managed to “burn it” :) There is no point in describing HOW and HOW MUCH we gave it... but it held firm :) The lighting, TV, laptop were turned on, the pump was turned on regularly at 800 W operating (start-up is much higher )+ we added an electric fireplace with one and a half to two kW (now it’s difficult to say in what mode it was turned on at that moment), while the network voltage “walked” up to 120 and rose above 220 noticeably quite regularly, there were problems for the New Year at the dachas...
In short, as it turned out, the inverter itself survived; the contacts of the switching relay burned out. It was replaced with something else (unfortunately I didn’t take a photo of the model), because... There were few options on the radio market for close current with switching over two contacts.
I could only find a schematic for a SIMILAR device; if necessary, I can upload that too.
Well, besides everything described above... The manufacturer offered to post a link directly to it. He now has one that is starting to work with shipping for RETAIL sale of a similar inverter, and a whole range of other electronics! I think many may be interested in the resource for review at least. Very responsive support, I would say even somewhat intrusive, but there is something to see :) Especially since they promise shipping to Russia.
I hope this doesn't go against the "local rules" :)
To create an uninterrupted power supply and organize highly efficient heating system you need to buy a UPS (uninterruptible power supply for the home) for your home. There are several types of uninterruptible power supplies for the home, which differ in their operation.
Purpose of UPS for home
The main purpose of a UPS for a home is considered to be to supply electricity to residential premises during a shutdown or emergency blackout of the central line. When voltage enters the main network line, the UPS for a private home will automatically supply power again; power can be supplied to all consumers or selectively. These uninterruptible power supply devices for the home are equipped with special protection against voltage fluctuations in the network and allow it to be stabilized.
Types of UPS for home
- Backup uninterruptible power supply for the home - the price of the device is affordable. High efficiency is guaranteed, but heat transfer is low. Disadvantages include slow switching from the mains to the battery, low-quality input and output noise filters, and power outages during small voltage surges.
- Linear-interactive power supply source - fast switching with automatic voltage regulation mode in the network. You can buy such an uninterruptible power supply for your home at a higher price, since all its blocks and components are made of high-quality material.
- Online UPS is the most expensive type of uninterruptible power supply. Used at important industrial facilities where special quality power supply is required. Switching from power supplies occurs instantly.
Features of uninterruptible power supplies for home
All uninterruptible power supplies for the home differ in type.
If the UPS is low-power, then small batteries are located along with the inverter and charger. The advantage of the models is their small size and mobility, but the disadvantage is that the batteries must be replaced with similar ones, which are rarely found on sale.
UPS with external battery - batteries can be easily moved to a room with a constant temperature, since batteries do not withstand temperature fluctuations.
UPS device for a private home
All uninterruptible power supplies for a private home contain certain blocks:
- input filter;
- rechargeable batteries;
- electric rectifier;
- charger;
- inverter;
- frame;
- control devices;
- switching connectors;
- PSU output circuits.
Operating principle
The operation of an uninterruptible power supply for the home consists of the following actions:
- using a rectifier, the mains voltage is converted to alternating voltage;
- the converted direct current is used for battery charging and inverter power;
- the rectifier recharges the batteries that power the inverter when turned off;
- The inverter supplies 220V voltage to the power grid.
Criteria for choosing a UPS for the home
In order to choose the right uninterruptible power supply for a private home, you need to add up all the power of the appliances used and add 20%. This way you can get maximum power consumption. Even if not all household appliances turn on at the same time, it is still better to select uninterruptible power supplies for your home with a reserve for the future.
Uninterruptible power supplies for boilers
When a UPS is installed in the house for all consumers, it is not necessary to purchase a separate uninterruptible power supply for the boiler. The price of a UPS is quite high, so not everyone can buy an uninterruptible power supply for their home. In such cases, you can purchase a UPS specifically for gas boiler. When purchasing, you must follow the above criteria, and also pay attention to the power consumed by the boiler and pumps.
Backup power supply for a country house remains a pressing issue at any time. Many owners of private country houses are faced with situations where electricity suddenly disappears. Correct solution This problem is providing electricity to the home through the organization of backup power.
Design of a home backup power system
An autonomous electrical power system can ensure uninterrupted operation of all equipment at home. In the event of a failure of the stationary power supply, the backup power supply will be able to provide the power necessary for the operation of the devices. Power sources that provide power to a home independent of the main network are different and come in a wide variety.
To provide electricity to a private country house during an unplanned power outage, the following is often used:
The main function of modern sources of backup power supply to the home is to provide an uninterrupted supply of electricity to the home.
Backup uninterruptible power supplies perform the following functions:
- Power grid control
- Surge filtering
- Charging batteries
When the values of the power supply system have critical parameters or there is no electricity at all, the automation connects an inverter, which takes current from the battery.
Selecting equipment for autonomous power supply at home
The duration and quality of operation of the devices depends on the correctness of the selected equipment for the home backup power supply system. You should approach the choice of a backup power source responsibly.
For a private home, the following devices are usually chosen:
- Inverters. These devices are different and have their own characteristics. You need to know that an inverter with a sine wave output provides higher quality electricity and can power all electrical appliances
- Batteries. You should know that the larger the battery capacity, the longer the accumulated energy can be used
Modern backup power supply system
Modern backup uninterrupted power supply to a private home is possible using solar panels. A battery system is an environmentally friendly way to generate electrical energy to power the grid. Solar battery cells consist of photovoltaic modules that are covered with glass. This glass has a certain texture and allows you to absorb a lot of sunlight.
A wind generator can be used as a source of electricity only in areas where there is wind. Now this energy source is rarely used as a backup power supply for a country house due to unfavorable operating conditions.
Gas generating power plants for power supply
Gas generating power plants can operate on natural and liquefied gas. They are connected to the gas system. The cost of operating these power supplies is usually significantly lower than that of other generators.
Gas generating power plants have:
- Synchronous, asynchronous battery
- Built-in automatic control system
Most often, power plants are designed for uninterrupted long work in auto mode with the ability to control remotely. There are fewer harmful emissions from these devices.
Gasoline generators for powering home electricity
A gas generator is used to generate low-power electrical energy and can operate for some time. These sources come with air and water cooling systems.
Gasoline autonomous generator:
- Has a compact size
- Convenient for transportation
- Suitable for home power supply
A gas generator is often used to supply electricity to private homes where there is no electricity supply from the main power grid for a short time. It is not suitable for long-term work.
Diesel generator for home power supply
A diesel generator is more powerful and, depending on its design features, can be designed for long-term operation.
- Synchronous and asynchronous generator
- Automatic control system
However, a diesel generator, like a gasoline generator, emits harmful combustion products during operation and creates a lot of noise when generating electricity. This requires the adoption of various technical measures in order to reduce adverse impacts.
Do-it-yourself uninterruptible power supply for a country house
In the electrical supply of a private home, power outages often occur. To provide battery life Today, many different devices and equipment are offered for power supply, but you can make an alternative source of power supply yourself, which is not so difficult.
You need to purchase an inverter and follow these steps:
- To the side where the terminals are located, it is necessary to connect wires with a cross-section of 4 square meters.
- Then connect the charger cable to the terminal
- After this you can connect to the battery
- Now everything is connected to the inverter
Backup power supply and uninterrupted power supply at home - how to make a backup power supply at home yourself
Backup power supply for a country house. Features of the backup power supply system. Modern energy supply systems for a private home. Uninterrupted power supply at home.
Backup energy source for a country house
Winter is behind us, spring chores await ahead, the beginning of the gardening and construction season. And if there is no electricity on the site, then the hassle will only increase.
Gas generator or battery
Indeed, when building a house you cannot do without a source of electricity, and even when doing gardening or household chores, power tools make the work much easier. But what to do if there is no electricity at the site yet? The standard answer literally rolls off the tongue - a gas generator. And this is with the price of gasoline at around 30 rubles per liter. Has anyone tried to pre-calculate fuel costs? It is clear that it costs money, but what exactly? How to estimate the real cost of operating a gas generator?
A 1 kW gasoline generator with a 5 liter tank is designed for autonomous operation for 8 hours at 75% load. In other words, with a constant load of 750 W for 8 hours, it completely uses the gasoline reserve, providing 6 kWh (750 W * 8 h) of energy from the generator.
These are its normal operating characteristics. Now let's consider another solution to the same problem. And the compared parameter will be the cost of one kWh.
So, the amount is 150 rubles. (5 l * 30 rub/l) will be the payment for energy consumption of 6 kW*h from a gas generator, that is, the cost of 1 kW*h is 25 rubles. Electricity from an outlet costs around 2 rubles/kWh, or 12.5 times cheaper.
Here clear example inefficiency of liquid generators compared to an external network (220V from an outlet). Of course, the question arises - how to deliver electricity from the outlet to the right place, and the answer is quite obvious - in batteries. And any difficulties that arise when using a battery are actually exactly the same as when using a generator. For example, a battery, as well as a generator and gasoline for it, must somehow be delivered to the site. The battery capacity is also not infinite (limited operating time), as is the supply of gasoline in the tank. The service life of the batteries is exceeded by the difference in the cost of kWh of such solutions, plus service is much simpler and cheaper.
Cost of generation 1 kWh gasoline generator is 25 rubles, and the cost of generating 1 kWh of a battery-powered system is 2 rubles. The cost of owning the systems will be equal after 1870 kWh, with the price of a 1 kW gasoline generator being 7 thousand rubles, and a 1 kW battery system costing 50 thousand rubles.
The above calculations completely debunk the myth that there is no alternative to generator solutions as the only autonomous source of energy. Batteries, due to their simplicity, environmental friendliness and safety, fit more organically into the tasks of autonomous power supply and are recognized throughout the world as a priority.
When solving the problem of autonomous power supply, generator systems are not ideal, since the operation of any generator is determined by the capacity of its fuel tank; however, battery-powered systems also have similar limitations. Therefore, fully autonomous objects combine both solutions, and often also use alternative energy sources (sun, wind, water).
What is 1870 kWh? This is 5 months of continuous operation of a 2 kW grinder, provided that it works 8 hours a day, 22 days a month.
Battery solutions are also multifunctional in matters of charging the batteries themselves. They can be charged both from an external network (220V from an outlet), and from solar panels (panels) or wind generators, and from conventional generators. That is, any source direct current required voltage. Alternative energy sources, in addition to everything, provide the opportunity to obtain practically free energy. A 200 W solar panel during a bright day makes it possible to generate within 1 kW of energy. Considering the almost unlimited service life of solar panels (from 25 years), you can calculate how much free energy an array of 10 panels will generate in 25 years.
A typical example of autonomous power supply
What is the convenience of using a battery instead of a generator? Easy to use (plug wire, press button), no noise, no emissions, instant start, no explosion hazard. Brought it, connected it, worked it, disconnected it, drove it, charged it - the whole process is completely similar to the process of operating a generator, except that there is no need to fill in fuel, check the oil level, and wait for it to reach the specified power after starting. And an additional plus is that each battery charge saves costs by 12.5 times compared to fuel.
That is, after 5 months, hourly use of a grinder from a battery will cost 12.5 times less than when powered by a gas generator.
Today, many private home owners have gasoline or diesel generators. Having spent once on its purchase and used it a couple of times, it is usually left collecting dust in the closet or garage. The extremely rare use of generators is due to high costs and their limited functionality. At the same time, batteries will always find a use. Is construction over? The battery kit will be useful as a UPS for the home or individual devices (boiler, pump, light, tools), and the system will work much more stable and reliable than a generator. And each battery charge will cost 12.5 times less. In cases of backup power supply (during emergency shutdowns of the external power supply network), generator solutions cannot withstand any competition at all with batteries, losing to them in advance and in every way.
Typical example of backup power supply
Would you trust your child to start the generator or top up the fuel? The answer is obvious. At the same time, today almost every child walks around with a cell phone (which has a battery). Thus, battery solutions eliminate unnecessary risks and allow even a child to start the equipment. The selection of components for such a system is also not difficult. In addition to the battery, an inverter charging complex is required. This is an automatic switching unit between the external network and the battery, which, in battery mode, converts current from direct current (battery) to alternating current (220V), and when the external network is restored, it switches back and automatically starts the built-in charger to replenish the battery charge.
That's essentially all. The choice of different batteries and inverters on the market is quite wide. And although the choice of products from large foreign manufacturers is a guarantee of battery reliability, “younger” Chinese colleagues today are no longer lagging behind in terms of quality. So if you need mobile and autonomous electricity, there is a guaranteed reliable and at the same time economical solution without noise and exhaust gases - batteries.
Backup energy source for a country house, HOUSE OF IDEAS
Power tools make life much easier, but what to do if energy is supplied to the site with great interruptions or there is no power supply as such? There are solutions based on a gas generator and batteries.
Backup power supply for a private home from a battery
An inverter is a converter of direct current into alternating current (220 volts). Sources of 12 volt DC are rechargeable batteries (AB) or solar panels.
The inverter uses the energy of one or more rechargeable batteries, which discharge over time and require charging. To charge the battery, a charger is used, which can be powered from the city network or from a generator.
IN autonomous systems With an alternative energy source, the battery can also be charged from solar panels, a wind generator or a micro-hydro station.
The simplest and most common use of an inverter is to use it as a backup or emergency source of 220 volts from a car.
You connect the inverter to the battery (12 volt DC) and then plug your appliance into the 220 volt outlet on the inverter body, creating a mobile 220 volt source.
Using an inverter, you can power almost any home appliance from a battery. household appliances: kitchen appliances, microwave oven, power tools, TV, stereo, computer, printer, refrigerator, not to mention any lighting fixtures. You can use all this equipment anywhere and whenever you want!
A simple example: the electricity was cut off at your dacha, and you have no light, you won’t be able to watch your favorite TV series in the evening, and, what’s most unpleasant, the refrigerator is leaking. With an inverter and batteries, you can provide yourself with electricity for at least a few hours.
Another example. An inverter can be useful to use a power tool (drill, saw, plane, etc.) autonomously, from a car battery, at a site where there is no 220 volt network.
What is an uninterruptible power supply system?
An uninterruptible power supply system installed in your home, which includes batteries and an inverter, will allow you to become independent from interruptions in the 220 volt power grid. In the event of a power outage, the lighting and appliances in your home will be powered by batteries through an inverter. Once the power supply is restored, the system charger will automatically charge the batteries.
What types of uninterruptible power supply systems are there?
We divide uninterruptible power supply systems into 3 types:
- Small systems up to 1.5kW - used to provide uninterrupted operation low-power loads, for example, such as a gas/diesel heating boiler, as well as several circulation pumps. Installing such a system will not allow the house to freeze in cold weather during city network outages.
- 1-line AC systems are systems with an inverter, typically 2.0 to 6.0 kW, connected to only one external AC source, most often the city power supply. In such systems, the use of a backup generator is only possible in manual mode using manual switch incoming power.
- Systems with 2 incoming AC lines are systems with an inverter that connects to both the city grid and the generator. When the battery is discharged, such a system automatically starts the generator, charges the battery and turns off the generator until the next discharge cycle. When installing this type of system, there is no need for a generator with automation (the so-called ATS - automatic transfer of reserve), since the inverter itself performs the function of an ATS.
What is the difference between an uninterrupted system and an autonomous one?
We call an autonomous system a system that is not connected to the city grid and uses a generator or an alternative source (solar panels, wind generator or micro-hydro) as an energy source.
An autonomous system with a generator operates in a constant cyclic mode: power supply to the loads - charge from the generator. Depending on the battery capacity and the average hourly power consumption of loads, the charge-discharge cycle can be once a day or twice. Compared to using a single generator, using an inverter system reduces the generator operating time by 2-5 times.
Diagram of an inverter-based uninterruptible power supply system for a cottage, including several current sources, including alternative ones:
Classic diagram of a cottage uninterruptible power supply system:
In many cases, an inverter system can replace a generator. The main advantages of inverter systems over a generator:
- Silence
- No exhaust or fuel smell
- Compact and can be installed in any utility room
- No need to bring gasoline or diesel fuel
- Higher switching reliability, especially in winter
- No pause in the power supply to the house when switching to reserve (real uninterrupted operation)
- Virtually no maintenance required
What are the main characteristics of inverters?
The main characteristics of the inverter that you should pay attention to:
- Rated power (in kilowatts) - determines what total load power can be constantly powered by a given inverter.
- Peak power (in kilowatts) – determines the maximum power peak the inverter can withstand while operating on battery power. Some devices, especially electric motors, compressors or pumps, have a starting power that is 2-5 times higher than their rated consumption.
- The AC waveform when inverted from DC is a characteristic that determines the quality of the inverter. A high-quality inverter should have a smooth sinusoidal waveform identical to the alternating current of the city network.
- The current strength of the built-in charger (if available) determines the maximum battery capacity that the built-in charger can “pump” (charge).
- Possibility to charge Various types Battery For example, sealed and open batteries have significant differences in voltages of different stages of charging.
- The presence of a temperature sensor to adjust the charge voltage depending on the ambient temperature. When it is cold, the charge voltage should be higher, and when it is hot, on the contrary, it should be lower. If such compensation does not occur, then expensive batteries may be undercharged or overcharged, which will lead to their premature failure.
- The presence of a sleep mode is the ability of the inverter to switch to an economical mode when there is no load, and “wake up” when the load is turned on. In sleep mode own consumption inverter is several times lower than in the working one. This is especially important in autonomous systems where this characteristic can quite significantly affect the battery life of the entire system.
- The presence of a built-in switching relay means that the inverter can automatically “pick up” power to the loads when the external network is lost. An inverter without a relay has only an “out” AC line to which loads powered by the battery are connected. An inverter with a relay has an “input” and “output” line. An external network is connected to the input, which is transmitted to the loads through a relay. When the external network disappears, the relay is activated and the loads are switched to power from the battery.
Also, when choosing an inverter, you should pay attention to the weight factor - 1 kW = 10 kg, that is, a 6 kW inverter should weigh about 60 kg. This means that such an inverter has good copper trans.
Which DC voltage should I choose for my system?
We work with three “denominations” - 12 V, 24 V and 48 V.
The efficiency of 12-volt systems is generally significantly lower than the efficiency of higher rated systems.
- Small uninterruptible power systems with power up to 1.5 kW
- Small solar systems with 1-2 panels of 12-volt rating
- DC systems: LED lightening etc.
- Car inverters up to 2 kW (with mandatory hard connection to the battery)
- 24 V rating is convenient for systems on solar energy. The most affordable solar panels have an operating voltage of about 36 V, which are designed to charge 24-volt batteries through simple and inexpensive charge controllers.
48V: Recommended for uninterruptible/autonomous power supply systems and solar systems power above 4.5 kW. These systems have the most high efficiency and allow the use of relatively small cross-section DC cables (70 mm2 - 120 mm2).
How much inverter power do I need?
To power a small TV or laptop from a car battery, it will be enough to have an inverter of up to 500 W.
If we talk about backup power systems at home, the inverter power parameter will depend on the power consumption of the devices that will operate in your network from batteries. If they will only be used lighting and a TV, then you can get by with a 500-1000 W inverter (calculate the power consumption yourself). If you plan to turn on most of the lighting and most household appliances in the house through an inverter, then you will need an inverter of at least 1.5 kW and above.
You must first calculate the total power of the devices that you want to connect to the inverter. The power consumption of the device is usually indicated on the device itself or in the instruction manual (section specifications). I would recommend using an inverter with at least 20-30% more power than the highest power consumption you have calculated.
As a rule, when installing an uninterruptible power supply system, not all loads are connected to it, but only those that are “emergency-necessary”: light (and even then, perhaps not all), boiler equipment, gate, well, water purification, security, etc. Powerful loads are not connected: sauna, various heaters, also in some cases large “garlands” of halogen lighting, etc.
Typically, anything that contains an electric motor (such as a refrigerator or heating pump) has a so-called “starting” power, which can be significantly higher than the rated power of the inverter. Starting power is the power that is required to start the device. Typically, this power is required for a short period of time up to a few seconds, after which the device goes into normal consumption mode (power output).
How to connect the inverter? What wires are needed? What else do you need?
Typically, we undertake all work on connecting and commissioning an uninterruptible power supply system. If you want to connect the inverter yourself, then the complexity depends on the power.
Portable 150W inverters have a plug that can be plugged into your car's cigarette lighter. This is convenient, but the power of such a connection is extremely limited. More powerful portable inverters have terminals with clamps that fit over the contacts of the car battery.
Inverters larger than 500 W must be hard-wired to the battery to prevent heating and arcing of the contacts.
The basic rule is to use thick wires of the shortest possible length for DC connections. If it is necessary to install the inverter away from the battery, it is recommended to increase the length of the 220 volt AC wires (for example, use an extension cord). It is recommended that the DC connection (from the batteries to the inverter) be no more than 3 meters long.
In addition, for high-power uninterruptible power systems it is recommended to install a circuit breaker or DC fuse.
What are the best batteries to use?
In general, there are two types of batteries: deep cycle and starter. Only deep cycle batteries that can withstand periods of long discharge and charging are suitable for uninterruptible systems. Below we will consider only deep cycle batteries. We classify them into the following types:
1. Gel (GEL) - with electrolyte in a gel state
2. AGM (AGM) - the most common sealed batteries
II. Open (Flooded)
Sealants do not require maintenance and can be installed in almost any room. Their performance characteristics are somewhat weaker: they are not recommended to be discharged “to the floor” and left discharged for a long time. The average number of full discharge cycles is about 500-600.
Open batteries require periodic checking of the electrolyte and topping up with distillate. Installed only in ventilated areas. These batteries are much more durable and can be subject to an equalization process during which they are restored to their original condition. The average number of full discharge cycles can reach 1500-2000.
What battery capacity is needed for an uninterruptible power supply system at home?
The bigger, the better. We can advise you to use the following table:
Number of 12-volt batteries
We believe that one 12-volt 200 Ah battery contains 2 kW/h of energy. Those. If we discharge it with a load of 200 W, then theoretically it should be enough for 10 hours.
What type of batteries should I use? Can car batteries be used?
Most portable car inverters up to 500 watts will give you 220 volts of power for 30-60 minutes from your car battery, even if the car is not running. This time depends on the condition and age of the battery, as well as on the power consumption of the 220 volt equipment being switched on. If you use the inverter with the car's engine off, keep in mind that your battery will drain and you will need to turn on the engine to charge it every hour for at least 10 minutes.
Inverters over 500 W and stationary uninterruptible power supply inverters.
How long will the system work if the external network is disconnected?
The lower the load and the higher the capacity of the installed batteries, the greater the reserve time.
Electric kettle 2 kW, boiling water for 6 minutes, i.e. 1/10 of an hour (assuming it was only turned on once during that hour)
Energy-saving lighting lamps (20 W/h each), let’s say 15 lamps are lit in total
Gate 1.5 kW, opening and closing time - 1 minute (2 minutes = 1/30 hour)
Boiler with forced burner 100 W/h and 4 heating circulation pumps of 75 W/h each
Well pump 3 kW, turns on 3 times for 2 minutes per hour (6 minutes = 1/10 hour
Now let's calculate the total battery capacity:
We take a standard system of eight 12-volt batteries of 200 Ah each: 12 x 200 x 8 = 19200 Wh, multiply by the coefficient. losses
0.75-0.8 = 15 kW/h total capacity. We divide this value by the average load per hour and obtain the duration of autonomous operation of the system at the given average hourly load.
In our case, the battery life of home appliances before the battery is discharged is approximately 10 hours.
It should be added that at constantly high loads, the rate of “eating” energy from the battery will increase. Another note: this calculation is theoretical and will be adjusted depending on many factors, such as battery age, temperature environment and so on.
Is it possible to make electric heating uninterrupted?
We do not install our systems on electric boilers and other heating devices due to their high power consumption. The batteries will discharge too quickly, the point in installing our system is lost.
In almost all cases, we install our systems only in cottages with main gas supply. All modern gas boilers with very rare exceptions, they require power from a 220 V network. At the same time, their power consumption is very low, which makes it possible to ensure a fairly long battery life even from a small battery capacity.
If your house does not have mains gas, our advice is to install a diesel boiler or gas holder. Given the current state of power grids in Russia and our winters, relying only on electric heating means risking the house freezing with a fairly high probability.
My house has a 3-phase system, can I install a 3-phase system?
As a rule, in most facilities with a 3-phase “wiring” it is possible to install a 1-phase system without losing its functionality to protect the house from interruptions. We simply group the most important loads into 1 phase and pass it through the inverter. During the “shutdown”, the other two phases are de-energized, and the one that was protected by the inverter continues to power the loads connected to it.
If this option is not suitable, then all that remains is to install 3 inverters. We currently install only 3-phase systems based on Xantrex XW inverters.
In this case we have 2 options:
- 3-phase system with phase synchronization - necessary if you have 3-phase motors (pumps, etc.). If 1 phase fails, the entire system will switch to reserve and will supply all 3 phases from the battery.
- 3 inverters separately for each phase is a more flexible system, but only if there are no 3-phase loads. If one of the phases fails, only this phase turns on the inverter. The remaining two will charge the battery and power the loads in their phases from the network. This means that the missing phase can be maintained for an almost unlimited time.
How can I increase the battery life of my system without an external network?
Buy more batteries and reduce consumption.
Some tips for extreme sports enthusiasts:
- Use energy-saving lamps instead of incandescent lamps
- Instead of overhead lights, connect only sockets to the system and use table lamps and floor lamps as needed
- Do not connect “extra” circulation pumps to the system, for example, underfloor heating pumps
- Install a couple of solar panels; at least during the day, the autonomy time can increase due to solar energy
What do output power and peak power mean?
Typically, anything that contains an electric motor (such as a refrigerator or heating pump) has a so-called “starting” power, which can be significantly higher than the rated power of the inverter. Starting power is the power that is required to start the device. Typically, this power is required for a short period of time, up to a few seconds, after which the device goes into normal consumption mode (rated power).
The peak power listed in the inverter specifications gives an idea of whether the inverter will be able to run the appliance connected to it. Typically, the inverter “digests” the peak starting load 1.5 times the nominal load. For example, the OutBack VFX3048E (3 kW nominal) has a peak power rating of 5.75 kW.
Is the inverter a stabilizer?
No. The stabilizer is a separate device. If both the inverter and the stabilizer were made in the same housing, then such a device would be very bulky and would weigh more than 100 kg for a power of 3-4 kW. In addition, reliability would likely suffer.
In some cases, a programmable inverter can be used as a stabilizer, but only for short periods of network deviations from 220 volts, giving it a narrow range of the incoming network. In this case, in case of deviations, it would switch to the battery, producing an even 220 volts. The disadvantages of this operating scheme are frequent switching of the relay with the possibility of premature failure, as well as the likelihood of rapid battery discharge.
Do I need a stabilizer?
A stabilizer is desirable for sites with poor network connections. The stabilizer is placed at the input of the city network after the meter and before the inverter. Most often, the stabilizer protects ALL loads, while the inverter protects only part - the most vital ones. For this reason, the power of the stabilizer is usually higher than the power of the inverter. In addition, we recommend choosing a stabilizer power that is approximately 50% higher than the total power of the loads it powers. This reduces the likelihood of it being used “at the limit” and failing due to frequent overloads.
Which backup generator should you choose?
For occasional use in homes connected to the city network, a gasoline unit, for example, with a Honda engine, is suitable. In autonomous systems, it makes sense to invest in a more expensive diesel. It is best for autonomous systems where the generator will be used frequently to purchase the so-called. “low-speed” diesel generator (1500 rpm versus standard 3000 rpm) This generator is less noisy and has a significantly longer service life.
What should be the power of the generator to work in tandem with an inverter?
When the battery is dead and the generator is turned on, the house switches to power from the generator, which must simultaneously charge the battery. Hence, generator power = load power + charger power. Typically, to charge a fairly large battery, 1 to 3 kW of power is required, taken from the AC mains. Xantrex XW inverters can charge very large battery capacities while drawing up to 6 kW from the grid. Our standard 3-6 kW systems with 4-8 batteries are configured to charge the battery at approximately 2 kW.
If we install an inverter with a rating of 4-6 kW, then we assume that a total load of such power may arise in the house. If a charger is used, the generator power must be at least 6-8 kW.
When using a low-power generator (for example, 3 kW), after the batteries are discharged, you can not charge them, but transfer the entire power of the generator to the loads. In this case, during a long outage, the batteries will be used first, and after that the remaining time until the network appears, the house will be powered only by the generator. If the generator has enough power, then after charging the battery it will turn off until the next cycle, and such cycles can theoretically continue indefinitely.
Do I need a generator with ATS (automation)?
When using XW inverters, automation is not needed, since the inverter itself performs its ATS (Automatic Transfer Transfer). Here you can save about 40,000 rubles without buying a generator with an automatic transfer switch.
Which inverter would be better suited for a boat/yacht?
What is pure sine current and how does it differ from “quasi-sine”?
What type of inverter do I need - pure or modified sine?
Advantages of inverters with a pure sine wave output current of 220 volts:
1. The 220 volt AC waveform at the inverter output has extremely low harmonic distortion and is practically no different from the standard 220 volt household voltage.
2. Inductive motors in microwave swords, as well as other household appliances containing electric motors, operate faster and generate less heat.
3. Less noise in devices such as hair dryers, fluorescent lamps, audio amplifiers, fax machines, game consoles, etc.
4. Less chance of computer freezing, printer printing errors, monitor interruptions and noise.
5. Reliable operation of the following devices that will not function with modified sinusoid current:
- Laser printer, copier, magneto-optical drive
- Some laptops
- Some fluorescent lamps
- Transistorized and variable speed power tools
- Some chargers for cordless power tools
- Microprocessor controlled devices
- Digital clock with radio
- Sewing machines with variable motor speed and microprocessor control
- Some medical devices, such as oxygen concentrators
Modified sine wave inverters will work with most electrical appliances. If your task is to provide uninterrupted power for home lighting, TV, refrigerator, then an inverter with a modified sine wave will be the most economical solution. Pure sine inverters are designed to work with more sensitive equipment.
Will a computer run on a modified sine wave current?
My multimeter shows 190 volts when measuring voltage from a quasi-sine wave inverter. Do I have a faulty inverter?
No, there is nothing wrong with your inverter. A conventional tester can give an error of 20% to 40% when measuring the voltage of a quasi-sine inverter. For correct measurements, use an “effective value” tester, also called a “root mean square” or “TRUE RMS” tester. Such a device is much more expensive than ordinary cheap multimeters, but only it can show the correct voltage of a quasi-sinus inverter.
How to connect two or more batteries?
It is preferable to use 2 (or more) batteries of the same type 12 volts in a parallel configuration. This will give 2 (or more) times more capacity, and, therefore, longer operating time before needing to charge.
You can also connect 6-volt batteries in series to double the voltage to 12 volts. The 6 volt batteries must be connected in pairs.
12V batteries connected in parallel to double capacity (Ah)
6 volt batteries connected in series (series) to double the voltage to 12 volts
Job microwave oven from the inverter
The power characteristic of a microwave oven is the “cooking” power. The actual power consumption is in most cases much higher than what is indicated on the price tag. Actual power consumption is usually indicated in back wall ovens. This must be kept in mind if you want to use a microwave oven with an inverter.
Features of TV and audio equipment
Although all inverters are shielded devices to reduce interference, some interference that affects the signal quality may still occur (especially with a weak signal).
Here are some tips:
- First of all, make sure that the antenna produces a normal signal under normal conditions, without an inverter. Make sure the antenna cable is of good quality.
- Try changing the location of the antenna, TV and inverter relative to each other. Make sure the DC wires are as far away from the TV as possible.
- Twist the TV's power wires and the wires connecting the battery to the inverter.
- Place the filter on the TV's power cord.
Some inexpensive audio equipment may produce a slight hum when running on an inverter. The solution to this problem is only to purchase better equipment.
Uninterruptible power supply systems for cottages
Uninterruptible power supplies Schneider Electric, Xantrex, Outback, TBS, for cottages and country houses. Sales, technical expertise and installation of autonomous power supply systems.
