back up power systems

[p4ck37p1mp]

I tried using two APC 1400va UPS units, they just don't cut it. I killed one completely during Wilma. Definately go the generator and inverter route if you want a fool proof system.

Some of you might be interested in checking this site out, mostly for solar power gear, but the charge inverters are perfect for those using batteries. I have a generator, but I'm looking to put a lot of things in the house on a pair of decent Xantrex units with a battery bank sized to match my needs. They manage the batteries and their charge/discharge to extend their life. I'm looking at probably 8-10 batteries to have DAYS of runtime and merely run the genset to charge the battery bank. Saves gas and noise, not to mention it is automatic as you are ALWAYS on battery, similar to the online UPS like Lieberts used in datacenters, actually exactly the same. Heck, a few solar panels and I can darn near run the basics off solar.

http://store.altenergystore.com/Inverters/c497/

 

[Avast Marine]

Wow p4, you just nailed what I have been thinking for a while now. I want to run maxi stream on solar, not connected to the grid, with enough juice to last 72 hrs. Can you point me in the right direction?

 

[rickh]

I have used a $25--400 watt inverter from the auto parts store to run several MT1200s, a mag 7 and heater for 24 hours. The sine wave thing wasn't an issue. The catch is --you have to run the car. You can have piles of batteries that you buy and maintain or you can just run the car motor. I idled an old Civic for a day with no bad effects.
I am getting a natural gas auto transfer generator before winter. Even at $3000 it's a deal considering a cheaper non-automatic generator requires you to be there to hook it up and feed it gas. If I am at work and the power goes off I wouldn't find out until I return home 9 hours later--why bother--it probably is too late for many creatures. Besides at my house you can't eat, heat or flush without electricity RRR

 

[p4ck37p1mp]

Thats why I like the Xantrex gear, runs long enough before I get home to start the genset. If I upgraded the genset to an autostart it would be moot, utility charge or genset charge would keep the battery bank ready.

I'm really starting to like the solar option, it won't stand up to a hurricane but the panels aren't that big if you're willing to get on the roof to hook things up. I've figured 1,000 watts of solar with all the charge/inverter gear and batteries to be $16k or so. Thats about my normal daily usage (1wkh) with none of us home. I figure 2-3 years and its paid for, and potentially no more bills for electricity. Not to mention complete independence. You will have to eat some battery replacement costs every few years. I figure thats ok, the genset I bought two years ago has more than paid for itself with all the hurricanes.

I second the AGM batteries as the easiest route. The old school wet cells are cheaper and have more Ah if you can vent them though. Just research it, I've been doing some and really see it as a possible investment if you have the means. I figure $10k in my tank, so averaging it out it just about makes sense. I do admit that I am a big fan of solar power though, the costs have come down a lot over the years. Do some google research, it seems to be worthwhile.

 

[solitude127]

Hello,
I currently have a Euro-Reef skimmer and was wondering if it was worth it upgrade to the gate valve? Does anyone know what the advantages of having a gate valve? Thanks
mike

 

[sailfinreef]

they have made some serious advances with solar power. you would be amazed at the power you can get out of those. they are still a tad costly but IMO its no differant than buying electricity but its more stable and enviromentaly friendly

 

[Ehgemus]

Re: back up power systems

Cuda this is the best I have found so far,
http://mistressreef.homestead.com/files/DIY/diy.html#UPS

you could go bigger on the battery and inverters to fit your needs, hope this helps. Harold

 

[cuda6872]

Thanks Harold, I used to install battery backup systems for basement sumps & drain systems & never once thought about crossing it with reefing. (major blonde moment) Thanks for opening my eyes bro!

 

[neuroslicer]

i agree that you should have a generator for long term back-up. think of the money you've got in your tank, and you'll realize that a $500 generator is good insurance. that said, before i bought a generator, i had hagen battery powered air pumps to provide oxygen and water movement for up to 12 hours on one set of batteries. works just fine, unless the house is really cold.

 

[cuda6872]

built in 1900 & still has the original horse hair plaster & no insulation! hehehe really cold is a way to put it.

 

[ReeferMac]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7670889#post7670889 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rickh
If I am at work and the power goes off I wouldn't find out until I return home 9 hours later--

Which is why little things like APC Unit's give those of us w/ manual generators some peace of mind.
I've got an hour and a half to get things at work squared away, before I have to worry about running home (chances are if the juice goes down here, it's down there too). Yeah, that's worth the $$$ I blow in new batteries every 3-5 years.

- Mac

 

[GreshamH]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=4141781#post4141781 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by beerguy
My understanding of the APC line is that the "Smart UPS" line is all true sine wave. The "Backup UPS" line is not.

That being said, I have a Backup UPS (1000kva) o my system. The only thing is runs is one Tunze 6100. It needs to be the one that is in the first port of your multicontroller.

The beauty of the setup is that the 6100 uses a transformer and driver so the modififed sine wave isn't a problem. It's also very low power so I get a lot of circulation out of one device in failed mode.

Cheers

Huh, IU have 20+ APC Smart UPS's, and all are modified sine waves. Maybe newer models use a true, but not the ones we have

 

[ostrow]

Um, ok I'm confused after reading a few threads.

The APS512, etc claims "pure sine wave output". So, is this ok for our pumps or not? I want to have it for my return pump, a Sequence Hammerhead.

It's either this or a gas generator but I'm leaning toward this right now.... But what is the output on a gas generator? Is that always a true sine wave?????

 

[Runner]

A gas generator is a pure sine wave. All "sine wave" UPS units simulate the sine wave in some form or another. The key word I look for is "true sine wave". I have no idea what they mean by "pure sine wave". I suppose it is whatever they define it to be (like a car salesman selling his inventory at "DEAD COST!") unless I've missed some terminology change in the last 10 years.