Backup Power Strategy

[swearint]

I thought that I would throw this idea out for discussion. I recently changed my backup power strategy. Previously, I had the main pump on the UPS, independent of the Apex. I have since added a second EB8 and instead placed it on the UPS. Critical devices are on this second EB8. I use the other EB8 to detect a loss of power and shut off the non-critical devices. That leaves the critical devices and how to maximize battery life. I wanted to pulse the pumps to provide circulation and prevent anoxic conditions in others. Here is an example:

[Tunze_1]
Set Pulse1
If Power EB8_3 Off 000 Then ON
If FeedA 000 Then OFF


[Tunze_2]
Set Pulse2
If Power EB8_3 Off 000 Then ON
If FeedA 000 Then OFF


[Tunze_Power]
Fallback ON
OSC 000:00/000:10/000:50 Then ON
If Power EB8_3 On 000 Then ON

Tunze_Power supplies 120VAC to both of the 24VDC converters. The pumps cycle via the VS ports Tunze_1 and Tunze_2. Under normal conditions, with EB8_3 will have power and the outlet will be ON while the VS ports cycle according to each profile. In the event of a power loss, the VS ports will switch to full 100% mode and the power outlet reverts to the OSC cycle. I could have switched to a different profile, but that still leaves the 24VDC converters fully powered and wasting battery life even if the pump is at 0%. I used the same idea with my carbon/gfo filter.

Todd

 

[Guillaume]

Very interesting. Any strategy for temp control during power outage? I want to develop such power outage strategy, easily understand how to power some pumps but just can't figure out how I could power 2 x 200w heathers! I would most probably need boat batteries instead of a UPS. Any thoughts?
Tx

 

[swearint]

Actually, I do use a Marine Cycle battery for my UPS.

My initial thought was to relax the control range of the heater, but I have not decided. For now, I just retain my normal temperature band.

Todd

 

[preef]

I have a similar setup. In my case I wanted to run the return pump for 4 minutes every half hour just to turn water through the sump. Attempting to run a heater will kill the battery very quickly.


[Return Pump]
Fallback ON
OSC 030:00/004:00/000:00 Then ON // If power is out pump will be on 4 for minutes every 30.
If Power EB8_3 On 000 Then ON // Turn pump on if the other EB8 has power. This overrides the previous OSC statement if we have power.
If Outlet Waterbug = ON Then OFF // unless a leak is detected
If FeedA 000 Then OFF // or in a feed mode
If FeedB 000 Then OFF
If Outlet Fuge_High = ON Then OFF // unless my fuge is about to overflow
If Outlet Sump_Low = ON Then OFF // or my sump is low indicating that my overflow suddenly lost siphon
If Outlet DT_High = ON Then OFF // or the water level in the display is high
Min Time 005:00 Then OFF // Once everything returns to normal wait 5 minutes and restart the pump

[Koralias on right side of DT]
Fallback ON
OSC 000:00/000:59/000:59 Then ON // wavemaker cycle
If Power EB8_3 Off 000 Then OFF // Turn these off if power goes out
If FeedB 000 Then OFF

[Koralias on left side of tank]
Fallback ON
OSC 000:00/001:01/001:01 Then ON
If Power EB8_3 Off 000 Then ON // Turn these on if power fails
If FeedB 000 Then OFF

 

[Guillaume]

Interesting, a real next improvement for me. Thanks.