Nothing could be worse than turning off the lights in winter. Any of the suburban residents, sooner or later, is faced with a situation when the lights go out, the borehole pump stops pumping water, and the heating system batteries cool down before our eyes. Time to use the backup power!
But there is another solution to the problem of power outages: a back-up power system at home, or for short - PSA.
For the correct choice of such a power system, it is necessary to understand how it differs from the autonomous power supply system (SAP).
Andrey-AA, New Moscow.
The PSA is used when connected to the main power grid. When the main power is turned off, the backup power supply "picks up" the main consumers of electricity: a borehole pump, boiler, refrigerator, computer, TV and other electrical equipment. SAP is the main power supply system for the home, used in the complete absence of the main power grid.
Let's move on to choosing a backup power system. According to Andrey-AAThere are 4 main types of home backup power.
- If the network is disconnected for a short time, but in total for more than 10 hours per month, then the optimal system will be, consisting of an inverter, a charger and a battery pack charged from the network.
An inverter is a DC / DC converter from batteries into an alternating single-phase voltage of 220V, from which the equipment in the house operates.
- If the network is disconnected for less than 10 hours a month, then a system from an electric generator with an internal combustion engine (ICE) equipped with an automatic start system is more profitable.
- If the network is disconnected often and for a long time, or when the voltage in the network is too low, then the optimal system is a system consisting of a generator, battery pack, charger and inverter.
Autonomous power supply systems are built on a similar principle, but higher power requirements are imposed on them.
- If the required power can be limited to 1-1.5 kW, then a car with an inverter connected to it can be used as a backup power system.
Let us dwell on the third option in more detail. User with nickname galexy456provides a step-by-step plan for creating a budgetary backup power system for your home.
1 Two cables are inserted into the electrical panel from the utility room. The first cable is required to supply electricity to the inverter. The second is to transfer electricity from the inverter to the house.
galexy456
I have a small shield mounted on the street, in which the automatic transfer switch is implemented, or in abbreviated form ATS
ATS is an automatic switch of one load to two supply lines - the main and the reserve.
2 We put an inverter, batteries in the utility room and switch all devices.
Inverters are of two main types - with a sine at the output (the best option) and with the so-called "modified sine". If the inverter produces a "modified sine", then some devices when connected to it may fail due to a high level of frequency harmonics in the power supply - 150Hz, 250Hz, 350Hz, etc.
In the event of a power outage, such a system works as follows. ATS independently and quickly - so that the devices do not have time to turn off, switches the power from the main to the backup.
Now all connected power consumers continue to operate on batteries and inverter. If the power supply is absent for more than 5-6 hours, then, without waiting for the complete discharge of the batteries (this greatly shortens their service life), to continue the uninterruptible power supply, you must manually start the generator.
There are backup power systems with an automatic generator start installed in a heated utility room and equipped with a forced exhaust gas outlet. The main disadvantage of such PSAs is their high price.
galexy456
After starting the generator, the inverter transfers the load to power the devices from it and at the same time begins to charge the batteries. Thus, the operating time of the system is extended and the motor resource of the generator is saved. it does not work continuously.
It must be remembered that the generator should be started after the battery capacity is used up by about 30-60%.
Any, even the most advanced and expensive backup power system, first of all, teaches to save energy resources in the house, because the operating time of the backup power supply system at home directly depends on this.
Forum users advise:
- replace all bulbs in the house with energy-saving ones;
- lay a second, backup power line, to which, in the event of a power outage, you can connect the most necessary equipment in the house;
- how to insulate the house to reduce heating costs;
- when the backup power system is operating, do not use powerful electrical appliances: an iron, an electric kettle, a vacuum cleaner.
Andrey-AA
Turning on a hair dryer, kettle or iron for 3-7 minutes will not strongly discharge the batteries, but it is better not to allow ironing or working with a powerful power tool.
To build a PSA, the load in the house can be conditionally divided into three parts:
- Heating.
- Water heaters.
- Devices requiring mandatory backup power supply, namely:
- lighting;
- circulating heating pumps;
- borehole pump and pumping station;
- a computer;
- refrigerator, TV, Internet.
Also, a car can be used as a backup power system. This requires:
- Purchase an inverter with a sinusoidal output for 12-220 V with a power of up to 2 kW with overcurrent or power protection.
FORUMHOUSE website users can learn how to make their own power system. All information on the calculation is collected in this diary. Automatic "from A to Z" is described in this topic.
And this video shows you how an inverter and battery pack can increase the electrical power in your home.
Selection and comparison of various sources of backup power supply with indication of specific parameters, consumer capabilities and prices.
Unfortunately, the solution to the problem of a sudden blackout (electricity) in our country is completely left to the shoulders of homeowners. Yes, emergency services still exist, but the deadline for the execution of an application for the restoration of power supply is practically unlimited and can range from hours to weeks. If, God forbid, a substation transformer burned out in your collective farm, then you can consider that the end of the world has come.
The only good news is that it is the 21st century and with the general decline of the Russian economy, energy sources appear in stores that can help in this situation. If you do not mean: a wind generator, a solar battery, a compact hydroelectric power station, which were discussed in previous articles, then we have choice between two devices - inverter and generator with internal combustion engine.
What is an inverter and how will it help us?
So, an inverter or inverter voltage converter is a device that converts low-voltage direct voltage (12, 24 or 48 volts) into an alternating voltage of 220/380 volts. Also, the inverter contains circuits that allow maintaining the charge, discharge and standby state of the batteries in the presence of voltage in the mains and its absence.
The inverter (inverter-battery system) allows you to quickly and easily create a backup power supply system. In normal operation, the house or cottage receives power from the electrical network (centralized power supply), while the batteries are being charged at the same time. In the event of a power outage, a backup power source is turned on - an inverter, which receives electricity from batteries operating in discharge mode.
How much is an inexpensive inverter?
Let's evaluate the monetary component. Let's start with the required power. According to statistics, the minimum power that should be considered is 5 kW. In addition, it is necessary to determine the capacity of the batteries. This parameter determines how long your inverter can maintain the specified power in the event of a mains failure. For example, "Is1-24-6000" (6 kW) costs 42,000 rubles without batteries, "Mobilen SP4000-c" (4kW) without batteries 33,000 rubles, "PowerStar W7" 5kW / 48V (5kW) 40,000 rubles.
Figure: 1. PowerStar W7 inverter
Let's estimate the cost of batteries and the time of continuous operation under a load of 5 kW.
Take PowerStar W7 as an example. In accordance with the product passport, 5 12 V, 60 Ah batteries connected in series are connected to it. If we take car batteries of the middle price category, then this is approximately 5x3500 \u003d 17500 rubles. The total amount will be 50,500 rubles.
Now about the time of continuous work. At a load of 5 kW, the efficiency of the device is 0.8, i.e. it will consume 5 / 0.8 \u003d 6.25 kW. Input voltage of batteries under load 60 V.
The consumed current will be 6250/60 \u003d 104 A. At this current (roughly equivalent to the starting current of the car), the batteries can last 15 - 20 minutes. After that, when the voltage drops to 10 V, the inverter protection will disable them. Our calculations are confirmed by passport data. In them, the maximum operating time at a maximum load of 8 kW is no more than 5 minutes.
If you want to increase the operating time, then you need to use batteries with a larger capacity and, accordingly, a higher cost. A reasonable question arises: do you need a device for at least 100,000 rubles. capable of supporting a 5 kW network in less than an hour ?! And this is not a mistake, for example, a 3 kW inverter from the American company Outback Power Systems, complete with batteries, costs 240,000 rubles. The maximum operating time at a power of 3 kW is only 2.5 hours.
How you can increase electrical power using an inverter, see the video:
How much is an inexpensive generator (electric generator set)?
Electric generator set is a special engine running on liquid (gasoline, diesel fuel) or gas fuel, which is connected to the generator into a single unit. When fuel is burned, the rotor of the generator rotates and an electric current appears in its windings, which is supplied to the consumer. The alternator can be synchronous or asynchronous. They can be single-phase and three-phase.
First of all, you need to decide what fuel the generator set will run on? We have a choice between diesel, petrol and gas. Since gas is the cheapest product, it is natural to choose it. In addition, bottled or main gas is already present in the house.
Let's see how much a 5 kW gas generator costs? The price ranges from 35 to 40 thousand rubles, for example, REG GG 7200, i.e. 6 times cheaper than an inverter! For one 50 liter bottle (refueling cost 500 rubles) of liquefied gas, it can work for about 15 hours at maximum load!
For these generators, special automation units (autorun units) are produced, with the help of which the process of uninterrupted power supply is fully automated. True, it should be noted that the purchase of an autorun unit increases the cost of the backup power supply by almost 30 thousand rubles, but still, the total cost of the system with a gas generator turns out to be much less than the cost of using an inverter for the same purposes.
Figure: 2. Gas generator REG GG 7200
You can supply a waste disposal and gas generation system that will power your gas boiler, gas generator and your car. Such systems exist and are called biogas plants or biogas plants. Thus, we will save the surrounding space from all heaps of garbage that have got out and save money!
I hope you have read to the end everything that I have so diligently described. I think that it has become obvious to you that the most suitable source of backup power for a home or summer cottage is a generator with an internal combustion engine running on gas.
If you have any objections or questions - write and share your personal experience!
Backup power supply of a country house remains a topical issue at any time. Many owners of private country houses are faced with situations when electricity suddenly disappears. The correct solution to this problem is to provide electricity at home by organizing backup power.
Home backup power system
An autonomous power supply system can ensure the smooth operation of all equipment in the home. In the event of a stationary power grid failure, the backup power supply will be able to provide the power necessary for the operation of the devices. Power supplies that provide a home independent from the main network are different and are presented in a wide variety.
To provide electricity to a private country house in case of an unplanned power outage, they often use:
- Inverters
- Rechargeable batteries
The main function of modern sources of backup power supply at home is to provide an uninterrupted supply of electricity to the home.
Redundant uninterruptible power supplies perform the following functions:
- Control over the power grid
- Filtering power surges
- Battery charging
When the values \u200b\u200bof the supply system have critical parameters or there is no electricity at all, the automation switches on the inverter, which takes current from the battery.
For generator motors you need:
- Diesel fuel
- Petrol
- Natural and liquefied gas
The choice of equipment for autonomous power supply at home
The duration and quality of the devices depend on the correctness of the selected equipment for the backup power supply system at home. The choice of a backup power source should be approached responsibly.
For a private house, the following devices are usually chosen:
- Inverters. These devices are different and have their own characteristics. You need to know that an inverter with a sine wave at the output gives better electricity and will be able to power all electrical appliances
- Batteries... You should know that the larger the battery capacity, the longer you can use the stored energy.
Modern backup power supply system
Modern backup uninterrupted power supply of a private house is possible with the help of solar panels. The battery system is an environmentally friendly way of generating electrical energy to power the grid. Solar cells are made up of photovoltaic modules that are covered with glass. This glass has a certain texture and allows it to absorb a lot of sunlight.
A wind generator can be used as a source of electricity only in an area where there is wind. Now this energy source is rarely used as a backup power supply for a country house due to unfavorable working conditions.
Gas generating power plants for the supply of electricity
Gas generating power plants can operate on natural and liquefied gas. They are connected to the gas system. The cost of running these power supplies is usually much lower than that of other generators.
Gas generating power plants have:
- Synchronous, asynchronous battery
- Built-in automatic control system
Most often, power plants are designed for uninterrupted long-term operation in auto mode with the ability to remotely control. Less harmful emissions from these devices.
Gas generators for supplying electricity at home
The gas generator is used to generate electrical energy of low power and can work for some time. These sources are available with air and water cooling systems.
Gasoline autonomous generator:
- Has a compact size
- Convenient for transportation
- Suitable for home power supply
A gas generator is often used to supply power to private houses where there is a short time supply of electricity from the main power grid. It is not suitable for long-term operation.
Diesel generator for home power supply
The diesel generator is more powerful and, depending on the design features, can be designed for long-term operation.
It is supplied with:
- Synchronous and asynchronous generator
- Automatic control system
However, a diesel generator, like a gasoline generator, emits harmful combustion products during operation and creates a lot of noise when generating electricity. This requires the adoption of various technical measures in order to reduce the adverse impact.
Do-it-yourself uninterruptible power supply for a country house
In the work of the electricity supply of a private house, power outages often occur. To ensure the autonomous operation of power supply, many different devices and equipment are offered today, but you can make an alternative source of power supply yourself, which is not so difficult.
You need to purchase an inverter and follow these steps:
- To the side where the terminals are located, it is necessary to connect wires with a cross section of 4 square meters.
- Then connect the charger cable to the terminal
- After that, you can make the connection to the battery
- Now everything connects to the inverter
A large selection of backup power sources of various capacities allows you to choose the most optimal power supply system for use in a country house. For the power grid to be reliable, you need to take into account various nuances both when creating a project and during installation. In addition, you must remember that the system must be secure.
To create an uninterrupted supply of electricity and organize a highly efficient heating system, you need to buy a UPS for your home (uninterruptible power supply for your home). There are several types of uninterruptible power supplies for the home, which differ in their work.
Purpose of UPS for home
The main purpose of a UPS for a home is considered to be the supply of electricity to residential premises when the central line is turned off or emergency de-energized. When voltage arrives at the main network line, the UPS for a private house will automatically supply power again, power supply can occur to all consumers or selectively. These uninterruptible power supplies for the home are equipped with special protection against voltage fluctuations in the network and allow it to stabilize.
Types of UPS for home
- Backup uninterruptible power supply for home - the price of the device is affordable. High efficiency guaranteed, but low heat dissipation. The disadvantages include slow switching from the mains to the battery, low-quality input and output filters from interference, power outages at small voltage surges.
- Line-interactive power supply unit - fast switching with automatic mode of voltage regulation in the network. You can buy such an uninterruptible power supply for your home at a higher price, since all its blocks and assemblies are made of high-quality material.
- Online UPS is the most expensive type of uninterruptible power supply. It is used in important industrial facilities where a special quality of power supply is required. Switching from power supplies occurs instantly.
Features of uninterruptible power supplies for home
All uninterruptible power supplies for the home differ in the type of execution.
If the UPS is small, the small batteries are located with the inverter and charger. The advantage of the models is their small size and mobility, and the disadvantage is that the batteries must be replaced with similar ones, which are rarely found on sale.
UPS with external battery - batteries can be easily moved to a room with a constant temperature, since batteries cannot withstand temperature fluctuations.
UPS device for private house
All uninterruptible power supplies for a private house contain certain blocks:
- input filter;
- battery from accumulator;
- electric rectifier;
- charging device;
- inverter;
- body;
- control devices;
- switching connectors;
- power supply output circuits.
Operating principle
The work of an uninterruptible power supply for home consists in the following actions:
- with the help of a rectifier, the mains voltage is converted into alternating voltage;
- converted direct current is used for battery charging and inverter power supply;
- the rectifier recharges the batteries supplying the inverter at shutdown;
- the inverter supplies 220V to the power grid.
Criteria for choosing a UPS for your home
In order to choose the right uninterruptible power supply for a private house, you need to add up all the power of the devices used and add 20%. This way you can get the maximum power consumption. Even if not all household appliances are turned on at the same time, it is still better to select uninterruptible power supplies for the house with a margin for the future.
Uninterruptible devices for boilers
When a UPS is installed in the house for all consumers, it is not necessary to purchase a separate uninterruptible power supply for the boiler. The price of a UPS is quite high, so not everyone can buy a UPS for home. In such cases, you can purchase a UPS specifically for the gas boiler. When buying, you must follow the above criteria, as well as pay attention to the power consumed by the boiler and pumps.
In the work of the power supply of a cottage or a country house, power outages often occur, especially at a great distance from megacities.
To provide an autonomous backup power supply, many effective devices and circuits are offered today that protect household appliances and high-tech equipment that are sensitive to voltage surges. It is easy to imagine how the owners of houses feel in the outback during the cold season when the electricity is cut off, especially if the autonomous heating system and all electrical appliances are working on it. To solve this problem, it is worth installing a backup power supply in the form of batteries for the power supply of the house.
Ways to Eliminate Power Outages
Turning off the power line is inconvenient, and many options have been developed to prevent many of the problems associated with power outages. Experts recommend not to deny yourself all the blessings of civilization, especially since nothing needs to be invented - devices for backup power supply at home are on sale. They are designed to become an alternative source that will provide electricity in the amount that will ensure the operation of the main electrical appliances for a long time:
- security and fire-prevention systems;
- forced ventilation and air conditioning;
- starting a solid fuel boiler;
- pumps for water supply and sewerage;
- household electrical appliances and other equipment.
All of them cannot operate without a power grid, which is why an effective backup power supply scheme is so important. Many suburban buildings do not always guarantee the reliable operation of a centralized electricity supply. Due to the unstable characteristics of the voltage in the network and frequent unscheduled power outages for several hours, or even days, such systems or sensitive electrical appliances fail. A country house should not be a place to solve constant problems, but a great place to relax. Uninterrupted autonomous power supply of a cottage or suburban household must function stably - for the operation of all life support systems.
There are several options for dealing with power outages. For example, installation of an autonomous backup power supply of uninterrupted type, which can be purchased together with a set of batteries (storage batteries). They are able to work autonomously for some time, depending on their power and total load.
Batteries for the backup power system guarantee uninterrupted supply of electricity to consumers during prolonged power outages or in the absence of external power grids in remote areas.
Backup power supply project
The backup power supply project includes all the documentation, which takes into account the total capacity of all autonomous sources. The system of stand-by autonomous power supply of a country house can include both ultra-modern mini-power plants and traditional sources of electricity. The more mains power supplies are supposed to be, the more efficient. However, in such a project, all indicators of the power of the generators and the capacity of the batteries must be entered.
The design capacity of the autonomous backup power supply, including the inverter, is calculated as follows - the total power of the operating devices is added and multiplied by 3. This is due to the fact that at startup the equipment draws the maximum amount of energy. This indicator is taken into account in order for the autonomous network to cope with the maximum possible load in terms of design capacity. The calculations include the power requirements of the devices powered by the circuit:
- active heating (stove and electric kettle, incandescent bulbs);
- inductive (refrigerator, washing machine, TV, microwave, etc.)
Their power consumption is summed up (according to the table or according to the attached instructions) and add 20-25% of the maximum value, in case all electrical appliances work at the same time. That is, a small dacha with minimal lighting, a TV and a refrigerator will operate according to the backup power supply scheme for a country house with a power of 2 kW. If you use a power tool and other devices, then add another 5-6 kW.
Varieties of generators
Today, the most common stand-alone backup power supplies are:
- uninterruptible power station;
- diesel generator;
- wind generator;
- gasoline generator;
- inverter.
1. The gasoline electric generator is considered one of the most efficient, although it cannot be called economical. But it is enough for it with a power consumption of about 6 kW. Such energy sources are appropriate where there is no other alternative and gasoline can be transported without problems. For example, if a country house is located somewhere near the highway or not far from a gas station.
Main advantages:
- almost silent work;
- runs well in winter;
- can be used as a backup source.
2. In a large household, energy consumption is quite higher, especially if there are many lighting fixtures and there is no other heating than electric fireplaces. With a power consumption of more than 6 kW, experts recommend purchasing a diesel generator. However, here, too, it will not do without significant financial investments. But it works practically in any conditions.
3. A wind generator, or in common parlance "wind turbine", is quite effective, but it can be installed in an area where strong winds always blow or seasonal drafts pull along the rutting gorge.
4. Pulse capacitors (IKE) are also often used among the backup power supply sources of the new generation. An excellent alternative to other autonomous power supply systems, practically innovative equipment that can be purchased off-the-shelf. These portable models offer enhanced uninterruptible power features that can be run autonomously or in a backup power system. They assume such a kit:
- voltage transformer;
- relay for switching from the mains to the battery;
- charger.
When connecting an inverter and autonomous batteries to the circuit, a mini-power plant with sufficient power is also obtained.
Solar inverter system
All over the world, installing solar panels on the roof is not a novelty, but a common thing. True, it is expensive, but the investment pays off over time. The energy of the sun is easily converted into alternating current, but not in every region it is enough to charge powerful batteries and fully provide an entire residential building.
In the summertime, to charge the battery for backup power supply, this may be enough to accumulate it for the operation of the mains in the evening - for several hours. On the other hand, such panels are justified when there is a second source of autonomous power supply, such as a diesel generator or inverter.
The main equipment for working according to the scheme of obtaining energy from the sun and converting it into electricity:
- solar panels mounted on the roof of the house or elsewhere;
- electric charging controller;
- automatic protection of direct / alternating current;
- a set of high-capacity rechargeable batteries;
- inverter unit of the required power.
It turns out a small home power plant on the territory of a remote large cities of the cottage. It can be complemented by an efficient inverter type circuit, where the energy sources are designed to effectively complement each other.
The inverter-type system is ideal for providing uninterruptible power supply in conjunction with solar panels. The generator can be turned off while the solar-powered battery is running, significantly extending its life.
Inverter
An inverter is an important component of an autonomous power supply for a country house or cottage. It allows you to periodically shut down the generator to minimize fuel consumption. Abroad, as an alternative scheme for providing electricity, inverters are considered an integral part of autonomous power supply. They are universal even when there is no way to use the energy of the wind and the sun.
This device is extremely reliable, functions according to the "plug and forget" scheme. Modern inverters guarantee uninterrupted backup power supply not only to real estate objects, but also to "mobile" housing such as trailers, yachts and car trailers, etc.
To protect against power outages during a power outage, an inverter for backup power supply at home does a good job. With a voltage of 220V, it is able to provide electricity supply, with minimal maintenance costs. At the same time, it provides the ability to connect storage batteries that provide a long-term backup supply of electricity. Inverters belong to the line of the most durable UPSs for using household electrical appliances and equipment that are sensitive to voltage surges.
Important advantages of the inverter:
- silent operation;
- the ability to install in any room;
- minimal care and maintenance;
- high reliability;
- long manufacturer's warranty;
- excellent quality;
- stable supply of electricity;
- automatic transition with connection to the backup power supply scheme.
The inverter is out of competition when the power line is turned off on the street or in the village for up to a day. Uninterrupted power supply to a summer cottage or a suburban area with the help of an inverter with frequent shutdowns is more advantageous than a scheme for working with a generator.
Tip: Alternatively, a generator plus an inverter. Here their "pluses" are summed up and "minuses" are leveled. The inverter is able to start the generator if the batteries are discharged, and then shut down unnecessarily. The generator is noisy, so it is advisable to turn it on during the day, while at work or outside the house, and in the evening switch to a silent inverter.
Features of the electric generator
Electric generators operate on different energy sources and generate:
- 1-phase current - for powering 220 W devices;
- 3-phase current - 380 W.
The generator for backup power supply is very efficient, and its power can exceed 16 kW, therefore it is quite suitable for full-fledged autonomous supply of a country house. As an option - to support uninterruptible power supply in case of frequent power outages.
The open source generator comes complete with:
- automatic ventilation system;
- a shield to ensure work;
- exhaust gas removal system;
- automatic fuel refueling module;
- automatic fire extinguishing system (fire prevention measures).
Cons of the generator:
Without changing filters, candles and oil, the generator fails, and it also needs:
- room with ventilation;
- cans for transporting diesel fuel or high-quality winter diesel fuel for work in the cold season;
- background noise and claims of neighbors with mismatched inclusions;
- the smell of recyclable diesel fuel;
- the need for periodic maintenance, refueling and control of work;
- adherence to the consumable replacement schedule.
Although these problems are not so many as to deny the possibility of using it, but this disrupts the peace and normal rest in a country house. And although it guarantees backup power supply and uninterrupted power supply at home, it is better to use it in conjunction with other systems and in the absence of the owners of the house.
It is for this reason that diesel power generators are most often used as a backup source of electricity supply. Today, the domestic market offers many varieties of diesel generators used for backup power supply of country houses, as well as for heating and water supply. Modern diesel power plants are available in modular and classic (open) versions.