Hi Everyone,
These solutions are from a colleague of mine(A CTO in a leading IT Company) and how he has geared up during these hard times.
These systems will make the impact of power cuts minimal to or none (in his case). These are very high-level options and devices to use will vary depending on individual needs. You will have to pick components to match your requirements like the amount of Watts and backup time needed.
These systems are to power up several components in the household, if you are primarily focussing on a laptop or a router, please refer to this link to extend the discharge time of a UPS.
Other local companies which provide battery backups for routers/laptops
- http://www.bravosl.com/powertank/
- https://circuitdesk.com/router_buddy_ups/
In the following systems, each component and its role is explained in high-level, but feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need help to identify your requirements to plan a system.
There are also companies that will do installations like these if you are not much of a DIY guy.
Option 1: Least expensive option. This option can operate with or without solar panels as they have become very expensive.
- For batteries, you can use Lead Acid batteries made specifically made for this purpose and are available in the local market. e.g Browns.
Another cheap option is to use old Leaf Car battery modules (Li-ion), but they require more effort and pose safety risks. The best option is to use Lifepo4 batteries but will have to be imported.
Option 2
Option 3 : Most Expensive but least complex, This option can operate with or without solar panels.
Tips to keep your cost low:
- Identify the most critical equipment you need to operate during a power cut
- Computer, Router, CCTV, Lights, Fans, TV, etc
- Avoid operating high power devices like
- AC, Oven, Cooker, Heater, etc.
- Identify the maximum no of hours you need the backup power to use the above critical devices.
- Decide the Inverter capacity based on the wattage of identified critical devices
- Decide the battery capacity based on the number of backup hours and wattage of running equipment.
Example: You need to use your Laptop (80W), Router (10W), TV (100W), five 12W Lights and a Fan (50W) during a power outage for 4 hours.
Total Power = 80W + 10W + 100W + (5 x 12W) + 50W = 300W (Watts)
Power Needed for 4 Hours = 300W x 4h = 1200Wh (Watt hours)
Assuming we will be going for option1 and doing a 12V system:
Inverter Needed: at least a 500W 12V DC to 230V AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (~12,000 LKR)
Battery Needed: 12V 150Ah Battery (~50,000 LKR)
This is my colleague’s system which can survive a half a day power cut very easily— 5KWh Off-grid Solar Power System — Hybrid:
Please note these materials cannot be reused without proper authorization from the creator.
Give me a clap or drop a comment. Would love to hear your thoughts.
