Many people in India relate to the frustration over frequent power cuts. While grumbling about how irritating power outages are is one way to deal with them, finding the correct power backup solution is another more productive way. This is where the discussion of inverters starts. An inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) from a battery or solar panel, which most appliances and electronic equipment utilize. Keep an inverter charged; it will power your space during power cuts.
The importance and usability of inverters have been established. Even a quick search on the internet will confirm this and show you the many types of inverters currently accessible in the market. Various inverters are designed for different spaces and power requirements. Below is a step-by-step guide on choosing the right inverter for your home. It also includes some practical tips and suggestions for the best pick.
Choosing the Correct Inverter
You can always explore the different inverters available and pick the best option. That said, these steps will help you cover all significant bases and choose an inverter that is most suitable for your household and its particular requirements.
Step 1: Determine Your Power Consumption
The ideal scenario is buying what you need. You have to establish how much power you need under a power cut so that you can decide what inverters you will need to provide power at home. Calculating power use is relatively straightforward; it consists of listing all the watts demanded by the gadgets or appliances to be powered.
Suppose you need to power:
- 3 tube lights (60W × 3 = 180W)
- 2 ceiling fans (70W × 2 = 140W)
- 1 LED TV (100W)
- 1 Wi-Fi router (30W)
Your total power requirement will be = (180W + 140W + 100W + 30W) = 450W
Step 2: Calculate the Inverter Capacity
Inverter capacity is expressed in the Voltage-Ampere (VA) rating. It is the voltage and current an inverter can supply to the appliances. Here’s how you calculate VA:
VA = Power Requirement/Power Factor
Your power requirement is 450W, as per the calculation above. The average power factor for inverters is 0.7 or 0.8.
So, the suggested VA rating is = 450/0.7 = 642.8
Selecting an inverter with a slightly higher VA rating is always better than the overall power requirement. This way, the inverter can drive all the appliances properly and not be loaded. In this scenario, 700 VA inverters can be suitable.
Step 3: Pick an Appropriate Battery
The other main consideration is the type of battery, which determines how long and efficiently the inverter will power home electronic devices and appliances. So compute the battery size in Ampere Hours or Ah. How does one compute the battery size required?
Inverter Battery Capacity (Ah) = (Total Load in Watts * Backup Time in Hours) ÷ Battery Voltage
Based on the above calculations, your power requirement is 450W. Suppose you need a 2-hour backup, and the battery voltage is 12. In that case, your requirement is:
(450W * 4) 12 = 150 Ah
Practical Tips!
Here are some essential tips for a general idea of your inverter requirement:
- A 250 VA and 100 Ah battery inverter: A small home and regular appliances, such as lighting, fans, and television.
- A 500 VA inverter and a 150-200 Ah battery capacity: A medium-sized house and additional appliances, like multiple fans or a refrigerator.
- An Inverter with 800-1000 VA capacity and a 200 Ah or above battery capacity: A big home and heavy-load appliances, for example, water pumps or air conditioners.
Features to Look for in Your Home Inverter
The features of the inverters will influence the user experience. When selecting home inverters, consider the following factors:
The Technology Used
Different technologies equip the inverters with various features. For example, a sine wave inverter generates better-quality power and is better for sensitive equipment and appliances. In contrast, inverters with square waves are better for appliances less sensitive to waveform distortion. They are also cheaper than sine wave inverters.
Real-time clock (RTC) technology often found in solar inverters enhances efficiency. This built-in technology optimizes solar energy utilization according to localized power conditions.
Low Voltage Performance
Most electric devices cannot perform up to their optimal potentials under low-voltage or unstable zones. A low-voltage battery system will provide an uninterrupted power supply even under a massive drop in input voltage. This is especially useful for voltage-unstable regions, preventing the frequent draining of batteries and providing constant energy output. Sophisticated battery management systems maximize charging under low voltages, ensuring efficiency and longevity.
Fast Charging
You can reduce downtime with a fast-charging battery, as it refills power quickly. It means the battery will store maximum power in the lowest possible time and be ready for use whenever needed. The fast charging technology also enhances the lifespan of the batteries by preventing overcharging and overheating. The batteries perform efficiently and without compromising on safety.
Battery Selector Switch
Various types of batteries have specific charging and maintenance needs. A battery selector switch enables users to tailor their power system to the particular battery type, allowing maximum charging and discharging cycles. The selector switch increases battery life, optimizes performance, and saves energy wastage. By adjusting charging parameters, the selector switch maximizes each type of battery’s efficiency while minimizing damage from incorrect charging.
Wrapping Up!
Inverters come in different features and sizes. The features you require depend on your requirements. An area with premium power cuts naturally requires a premium-built inverter that can handle overload and is well-equipped with sufficient safety mechanisms. With the features and requirements figured out, check out the dimensions of the inverter you are finalizing. You will need a dedicated space to install the inverter. It should have enough breathing space to ensure easy access and maintenance while also preventing overheating. When opting for solar inverters, determine the sunlight exposure of your area and proceed with the inverter and battery selection accordingly.