SOLAR BATTERIES - DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES

Batteries for solar , wind & micro-hydro power systems are are the 'gas tank' of an off grid or emergency back-up system. Understanding, designing, installing and maintaining a deep cycle battery bank can be the most challenging part of an off-grid renewable energy system. Upon reading our articles you will understand what solar and renewable energy batteries are, how to size a deep cycle battery bank and maintain them.

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RECOMMENDED INVERTER CABLE AND BREAKER OR FUSE SIZES

How do I connect two or more batteries?

It may be advisable to operate the inverter from a bank of 12 Volt batteries of the same type in a "parallel" configuration. Two such batteries will generate twice the amp/hours of a single battery; three batteries will generate three times the amp/hours, and so on. This will lengthen the time before your batteries will need to be recharged, giving you a longer time that you can run your appliances.

You can also connect 6 Volt batteries together in "series" configuration to double the voltage to 12 volts. Note that 6 Volt batteries must be connected in pairs.

12 Volt Batteries connected in Parallel to double the current (amp/hours)

6 Volt Batteries connected in Series to double the voltage to 12 Volts

Operating a Microwave with a Power Inverter

The power rating used with microwave ovens is the "cooking power" which refers to the power being "delivered" to the food being cooked. The actual operating power requirement rating is higher than the cooking power rating (for example, a microwave with "advertised" rating of 600 watts usually corresponds to almost 1100 watts of power consumption). The actual power consumption is usually stated on the back of the microwave. If the operating power requirement cannot be found on the back of the microwave, check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer.

Operating a Photographic Strobe with a Power Inverter

A photographic strobe or flash generally requires a pure sine wave inverter capable of surging to at least 4 times the Watt Sec rating of the strobe. For instance, a strobe rated at 300 watts requires an inverter capable of surging to 1200 watts or more.

For additional information, please read this Samlex Application Note.

Operating a Laser Printer with a Power Inverter

A laser printer generally requires a pure sine wave inverter capable of surging at least 6.5 times the maximum wattage rating of the printer. For instance, a laser printer rated at 500 watts requires an inverter with a surge rating of at least 3,250 watts.

An inkjet printer does not maintain the same requirements as a laser printer. Inkjet printers can be operated normally with a modified sine wave inverter rated to handle the printers wattage requirement.

For additional information, please see our Inverter Blog and this Samlex Application Note.

Television and Audio Suggestions

Although all our inverters are shielded and filtered to minimize signal interference, some interference with your television picture may be unavoidable, especially with weak signals.

Here are some suggestions that may improve reception:

1. First make sure that the television antenna produces a clear signal under normal operating conditions (i.e., at home plugged into a standard 110AC wall outlet). Also insure that the antenna cable is properly shielded and of good quality.

2. Change positions of the inverter, antenna cables and television power cord.

3. Isolate the television, its power cord and antenna cables from the 12 volt power source by running an extension cord from the inverter to the TV set. Insure that any excess AC power cord is a distance away from the TV set.

4. Coil the television power cord and the input cables running from the 12 volt power source to the inverter.

5. Attach a "Ferrite Data Line Filter" to the television power cord. More than one filter may be required. These are available at electronic supply stores including Radio Shack (Radio Shack Part No. 273-105)

NOTE: Some inexpensive audio systems may discharge a slight "buzzing" sound when operated with an inverter. This is caused by deficient filters in the audio system. The only solution to this problem is using a sound system with a higher quality power supply.

Appliance Cautions (for Modified Sine Wave Inverters):

DO NOT plug small appliances into the inverter AC receptacles to directly recharge their nickel-cadmium batteries. Always use the recharger provided with that appliance.

DO NOT plug in battery chargers for cordless power tools if the charger carries a warning that dangerous voltages are present at the battery terminals.

Not all fluorescent lamps operate properly with a modified sine wave inverter. If the bulb appears to be too bright, or fails to light, do not use the lamp with the inverter.

Some fans with synchronous motors may slightly increase in speed (RPM) when powered by a modified sine wave inverter. This is not harmful to the fan or to the inverter.

Certain rechargers for small nickel-cadmium batteries can be damaged if plugged into a modified sine wave inverter. In particular, two types of appliances are susceptible to damage:

• Small, battery-operated appliances such as flashlights, cordless razors and toothbrushes that can be plugged directly into an AC receptacle to recharge.

• Certain battery chargers for battery packs that are used in some cordless hand-tools. Chargers for these tools have a warning label stating that dangerous voltages are present at the battery terminals.

DO NOT use a modified sine wave inverter with the above two types of equipment.

The majority of portable appliances do not have this problem. Most portable appliances use separate transformers or chargers that plug into AC receptacles to supply a low-voltage DC or AC output to the appliance. If the appliance label states that the charger or adapter produces a low-voltage DC or AC output (30 volts or less), there should be no problem powering that charger or adapter.

Safety Warning: 110 Volts of current can be lethal. Improper use of a power inverter will result in property damage, personal injury, or loss of life. Please read and follow carefully the instructions in the Owner's Manual provided with every inverter for important safety considerations and precautions.

General Safety Precautions and Installation Tips:

• Place the inverter on a reasonably flat surface, either horizontally or vertically.

• The inverter should not be installed in the engine compartment, due to possible water/oil/acid contamination, and excessive heat under the hood, as well as potential danger from gasoline fumes and the spark that an inverter can occasionally produce. It's best to run battery cables to a dry, cool inverter mounting location.

• Keep the inverter dry. Do not expose it to rain or moisture. DO NOT operate the inverter if you, the inverter, the device being operated, or any other surfaces that may come in contact with any power source are wet. Water and many other liquids can conduct electricity which may lead to serious injury or death.

• Avoid placing the inverter on or near heating vents, radiators or other sources of heat. Do not place the inverter in direct sunlight. Ideal air temperature is between 50° and 80° F.

• In order to properly disperse heat generated while the inverter is in operation, keep it well ventilated. While in use, maintain several inches of clearance around the top and sides of the inverter.

• Do not use the inverter near flammable materials. Do not place the inverter in areas such as battery compartments where fumes or gases may accumulate.