Team-BHP - Inverter Batteries

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twiny (Post 2159043)

I have 150AH x 2 Tubular batteries (2.5yrs old), which are getting charged for about 24hrs, when I go to native once in a month, and switch on the (1kva) inverter. What would be the effect of this scenario, on the battery backup/life. Thanks

1. Check the battery charging voltage. It should be within the specified "float" voltage. This can be found from manufacturer's literature/site. In case it is too high, get it adjusted.
2. Check water level before you switch the inverter. If it is low top up.

If the charging is within specifications and the water level correct, the batteries should last long. In fact even in Delhi, the inverter is required only after months of standby, and the batteries last a long time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chipz (Post 2028765)

!.

2. Increase in backup depends on load and the type of battery used. You will have to check that manually (switching off the mains and checking the backup). You will get an increase of about 20% with 65 ah and about 50% for 100 ah normally of what you are getting now. But important, check if the charger can handle the upgrade... I doubt it. Cant you use tubular batteries.

Okay, am back here again. The last time I raised the query, I found that about 3 batteries were down and out and I found it a lot more cost effective to replace them.

Yesterday we had another power outage and unbelievably, the batteries lasted just 2 and a half hours. So now, I am back in the market looking for tubular batteries.

One thing I have found that I will need to do to upgrade from 42AH to 100AH is to change the charger, which I have been quoted at Rs. 10,000. Pricey, this charger.

Secondly, lets say I get a back up of 3 hours from my 20 42 AH batteries today. So replacing them to 100AH will give me 50% more - which is roughly 4.5 hours? I thought I might get a lot more actually. I am looking at a back-up of about a minimum of 6-8 hours. Do I look at 150AH batteries then?

Any thoughts?

I am planning to buy an inverter. Confused about all the battery options. I am almost certain to go for an APC 850 VA pure sinewave inverter model. But not sure what battery to select.

In my apartment, all wiring to inverter is done in the work area of the kitchen which is 10x4 size with a 5x5 window on one side (I don't keep it open for long normally). My cooking gas cylinder is also kept in the same place. How safe it would be to keep the inverter and battery in this same area? What type of battery is advisable? Since tubular emits inflammable fumes, is it safe to keep near the gas cylinder? Please let me know your thoughts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by marathp (Post 2166600)

Go for any Tubular battery, with basic maintenance it should easily last you for 5-7 years. APC 850 pure sine wave is a new product hence I am not sure about its performance.
APC is a good brand, I own a APC UPS since last 3 years, till now I don’t have any issues with it however I during the initial piece was replace during with 2 weeks of purchase . It is advisable to take battery & UPS from a single vendor else you might face problem in case of any issues. I have generally seen the blame game between the inverter fellow and battery walla , it’s always better to go with a package deal from one dealer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by livyodream (Post 2166187)

I need a UPS to support 4-5 computers for atleast 90 minutes.

You will need about 1.5 to 2 kva ups. Better to go for 2 kva (if 5 system, printer etc.). It depends on the cpu and the monitor you use (LCD needs much less wattage). Online is good, but offline is also okay up to 2 kva considering the price and electricity bill. Regarding the battery you will need at least 48 v, ie 4 batteries at 75 ah. If you increase the number of battery the ampere can be reduced. And get fully tubular battery of a good brand.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Liner (Post 2166278)

One thing I have found that I will need to do to upgrade from 42AH to 100AH is to change the charger, which I have been quoted at Rs. 10,000. Pricey, this charger.

Secondly, lets say I get a back up of 3 hours from my 20 42 AH batteries today. So replacing them to 100AH will give me 50% more - which is roughly 4.5 hours? I thought I might get a lot more actually. I am looking at a back-up of about a minimum of 6-8 hours. Do I look at 150AH batteries then?

Any thoughts?

As you said before you got the batteris in 2007, they are nearing their end of life. And you are in a tricky situation. it is a bit difficult to get 7 hrs backup from a 7 kva using 150 ah. You better get a 10 kva system. You better check with your dealer regarding the wattage and the number of battery. Only after checking how much watts you use, can they modify your already existing system or get a new one. It is not always possible to just increase the charger and battery ah. Sometimes we need to increase the number of battery too and in turn the ups section.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pragya (Post 2166358)

Hi,
i need to buy a new inverter, have not got much idea.
can you let me know which one to go for and from where can i buy one in pune
My budget is not huge, may be nearly 10K or little bit more.
My usage is 2 fans and 3 tubelites for 3 hrs nearly. will be good if can support TV for 2 or 3 hrs.

Get a 500 or 650 va inverter with 100 ah tubular battery from a reputed brand, sukam, microtech, luminous, etc and exide or amco battery. Regarding the availability in pune, check with other pune members, regarding which brand has good service centers near your area.

Quote:

Originally Posted by marathp (Post 2166600)

In my apartment, all wiring to inverter is done in the work area of the kitchen which is 10x4 size with a 5x5 window on one side (I don't keep it open for long normally). My cooking gas cylinder is also kept in the same place. How safe it would be to keep the inverter and battery in this same area? What type of battery is advisable? Since tubular emits inflammable fumes, is it safe to keep near the gas cylinder? Please let me know your thoughts.

In normal functionality it wont be a problem, but it is dangerous to keep the battery in the kitchen. If possible, remove it to any other location.

Smf battery too have some fumes and 10x4 is not an ideal place.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chipz (Post 2167242)

It is not inside kitchen, work area is a separate area just outside of kitchen and it is more like a utility area.

Also any reviews on BICRON tubular batteries? I have never heard of this, hence would like to know on the performance of this. Dealer is offering 3 year warranty on battery

Here's the deal in bangalore - APC BI850SINE 850 VA, 500W, 130 Ah BICRON Tubular battery with free trolley - 15600 + 350 for installation. Is it a good deal?

Quote:

Originally Posted by livyodream (Post 2166187)

Guys, need a suggestion/ advice regarding inverter/UPS

I need a UPS to support 4-5 computers for at least 90 minutes.
I would like to know what type of UPS I am supposed to buy, also need the wattage/voltage/Amps or what ever is it defined as.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.:thumbs up

Depends on the type of computers. Assuming that you have a normal desktop with LCD monitor, your consumption should be around 300W, hence 1.5KW or around 2.25KVA load. For 90m with safety factor you require 4.5 to 5KVA-H battery = 5000/12= 800AH. If you have 4 batteries then 200AH, if 8 then 100AH. This would give you a safety factor of 2 overall.

As the battery capacity is calculated for 10H discharge, a 100AH battery would deliver less than 30AH if used up in 1 hour. Please refer to manufacturers charts for the capacity vs time charts, to get an idea of how long your battery will last for a given load.

Quote:

Originally Posted by marathp (Post 2167328)

It is not inside kitchen, but there is no ventilation. If you are opening the windows, then a tubular is fine.

Dont know about bicron. Why not buy a branded one. If you are going for bicron, make sure it is not their invaflat (it think it is flat plate, semitubular). Go for fully tubular.