The Alternative Energy Thread - Generators, Solar, UPS, Wind

[waqar-ahmad]

Naweed, Brother thanks for update... Actually two of my colleagues using APC, They told me that they face same double wiring issue and have to get it fixed after purchasing APC...that's why I avoided it...Second issue was finding some good piece...that's why I decided to go with Systek, Otherwise no question on APC quality...

.. APC doesn't require double wiring just your normal single wire works
.. it has no effect on appliances when it switches
-- you can manually adjust it setting by downloading its software and hooking up with serial port on its back (haven't tried it yet )
.. it gives you the exact rated load
.. it consumes less power and gives better output due to better power factor
.. in lhr it is for 12000 and in pindi around 14000 for 1500va model
i think it is the best of them all

[sammalik1]

Systec is expensive comparitivly eith other brands even homage is cheaper

Sent from my iPhone using PW Forums mobile app

[mfdarvesh]

Yes
The difference is in technology
In Systek they use transformer to charge the battery. Here they have to use a lot of copper wiring
VS
In Homage, a Chopper type, electronic circuit, is used for charging battery

You may calculate the cost difference. Due this homage is slim and smart and systek is bit bulky ..

Systec is expensive comparitivly eith other brands even homage is cheaper

Sent from my iPhone using PW Forums mobile app

[qwertypoiu]

Naweed, Brother thanks for update... Actually two of my colleagues using APC, They told me that they face same double wiring issue and have to get it fixed after purchasing APC...that's why I avoided it...Second issue was finding some good piece...that's why I decided to go with Systek, Otherwise no question on APC quality...

What do you mean by double wiring?

[sammalik1]

So shud v say that systech Is best now adays

Sent from my iPhone using PW Forums mobile app

[Naweed]

we generally use a sinlge positive wire for the appliances on ups ... in case of apc ups u need a common input as well .... but for the ouput circuit the single wire works ... giving common input is easy as yu can take it from any electrical point

[Naweed]

How will you know it is original Apc ? Not something desi in Apc body?

when u buy an apc ups .. it has to be set for pakistan .. adjustment for quick charging, cut-off point and max charging is done and then beep is turned off .. some of this is done in hardware and some in software .. it is opened in front of buyer and you can see what all is there in the box ... the pcb, wires, components everything is visible ... no need to explain the differernce between a china made board and a uk/usa made printed board and other components .. pay a visit to hall road and see for yourself

[whiteangel]

APC hardware is rock solid, no questions about it. Better to invest in a used (un-repaired) APC rather than a new Chinese or local UPS. Best thing is you get pure-sinewave output, ideal for any appliance.

[carclub1]

im using homage 800 what, with volta 175, 21K both, i tested frig, washing.m , boring motor 1.1, room cooler, lcd, fan n savers, every thing run fine, one day i use 3 fan 10 savers lcd n washing.m, total load on ups is 620w working fine.

[mfdarvesh]

Is External Charging of battery is recommended in these frequent load shedding?

[Naweed]

Is External Charging of battery is recommended in these frequent load shedding?

ideally battery should be slow charged to avoid heating which causes constant damage to battery plates ... under our present load-shedding of an hour every 2 or 3 hrs it is not possible .... so external charging won't make much difference

[whiteangel]

Is External Charging of battery is recommended in these frequent load shedding?

If your UPS has low charging current, then you can use an external charger as well. I am using an external charger along with my UPS to charge the batteries these days, since load shedding duration has increased. When load shedding reduces, then I will disconnect the external charger.

The thing to keep in mind is not to let the combined charging current exceed the maximum charging current recommended for the battery. If the battery is 200AH, max charging current is 200/10= 20A. But since most batteries are branded as higher AH but actual AH is much lower, I would keep the max charging current of 200AH battery to 15 or 16A. And make sure the external charger is an intelligent 3 stage charger so that it reduces charging current automatically when the battery gains enough charge.

[Asifijaz]

If your UPS has low charging current, then you can use an external charger as well. I am using an external charger along with my UPS to charge the batteries these days, since load shedding duration has increased. When load shedding reduces, then I will disconnect the external charger.

The thing to keep in mind is not to let the combined charging current exceed the maximum charging current recommended for the battery. If the battery is 200AH, max charging current is 200/10= 20A. But since most batteries are branded as higher AH but actual AH is much lower, I would keep the max charging current of 200AH battery to 15 or 16A. And make sure the external charger is an intelligent 3 stage charger so that it reduces charging current automatically when the battery gains enough charge.

A simple and an excellent way to sum it up... White angel i must ask are you an engineer by profession or playing with electronics is it just a passion to satisfy the inner urge...

[whiteangel]

I am a part time engineer, electrician, mason, plumber, computer technician, gardener, painter, mechanic and carpenter, upcoming skills include AC technician So anything that requires fixing is my thing.

[Naweed]

@whiteangel a well summed up process of charging and impressive qualifications

[mfdarvesh]

Which charger is to buy?
I have mercury radiant 1000va inverter
charging rate not mentioned on inverter
battery is Phoenix 175, unable to run 3 fans in hourly loadshedding

If your UPS has low charging current, then you can use an external charger as well. I am using an external charger along with my UPS to charge the batteries these days, since load shedding duration has increased. When load shedding reduces, then I will disconnect the external charger.

The thing to keep in mind is not to let the combined charging current exceed the maximum charging current recommended for the battery. If the battery is 200AH, max charging current is 200/10= 20A. But since most batteries are branded as higher AH but actual AH is much lower, I would keep the max charging current of 200AH battery to 15 or 16A. And make sure the external charger is an intelligent 3 stage charger so that it reduces charging current automatically when the battery gains enough charge.

[whiteangel]

For 175AH battery the maximum charging rate is 17.5 amps. If the actual AH of battery is less then you should choose lower charge current. I would keep it between 13-14 Amps just to be on the safe side. WARNING!!! over charging will cook the battery and cause permanent damage.

First you need to check the maximum charging rate of your UPS, you will need a multimeter that can measure DC amps. Once you know the charging rate, and if it is low, then the first thing you should do is to see if the charging rate of the UPS can be increased. If not then the only option is to add an external charger. Chinese battery charges are easily available in the market. Make sure you get an automatic charger that turns down charge current when battery becomes sufficiently charged. They are available in 10A, 20A and 30A configurations. A 20A automatic charger costs a little less than Rs. 2,000. For dual charging, you can simply go with a 10A charger. Keep in mind that the actual charging current of the charger might be lower than what is printed on the box. My 20A charger can only charge up to 18.5A max. It looks something like this. The knob can be used to adjust maximum charging current.

[nawan885]

Infini 3kw inverter for 125000
Solar panels original yiengli rs90 per watt
Structure was for rs 7000 per frame
Installation including material costed me around rs 70,000

Sent from my GT-I9500 using PW Forums mobile app

Yingli is same brand providing solar energy during FIFA football cup this year. It also provided same in 2010. This s China leading brand in solar energy

Sent from my GT-I9300 using PW Forums mobile app

[waqar-ahmad]

Hi All

Its been almost 3 weeks. Systek is working like a charm, Yesterday due to signal free project, Loadshedding duration was 8 hours.. UPS keep running with 2 fans (one constantly other going on& off) for these 8 hours... Over all I am very happy with this silent and robust Systek UPS

[arsh247]

Here's my experience,

I recently installed a 1640watt with Canadian solar panels. Infi inverter with Mppt charge controller and Sacredsun dry batteries.

My day time running load is about 700-900 watts. and night time load is 400-500 watts. Its been an excellent experience. I spent about Rs. 370K for everything. Day time load is taken care by the solar panels and batteries are used as backup at night time. Here's my observation, this system senses solar energy as early as 5.05am and switch over to solar power at 5.20am and then keeps powering till 7pm. (unless I exceed load beyond 1.5 kw).

Heavy loads such as Iron, air conditioning and water pump units still running on Wapda. Rest Fridge, Water Dispenser and lights, fans all solar powered.