Charger -> battery -> Inverter, what is the best setup?

**FFMG** · 04-18-2008, 05:06 AM

Hi,

I know that the setup I am looking for exists, but as I don't know what it is called, I don't really know what to search for.

I think it should be something like, (feel free to correct me)...

Code:

             Batteries -> Inverter -> Computer
                ^
Power -> Charger

I already have the Inverter, (300W, peak 600W) and I already have the batteries, (2x 12v Deep Cycle in parallel).
I am looking for a maximum of 7 hours of up time per week, (2 hours max at a time).

What I would like is the computer permanently connected without any loss of power and the batteries connected to the charger so that the batteries are recharged as soon as power returns.

I don't think that the Computer should be always connected to the battery/inverter, even if the charger is always 'topping it up' when in charge.
Somehow that does not feel right.

I think that there should be some kind of Auto switch between the utility power and the battery so that as soon as there is a power failure it will switch over to battery power.

So my questions are.

1- What is the name of the switch/plug that would handle switching when there is a power failure?
2- Do you think that my setup will realistically give me 7 hours per week?
3- How would you connect the battery/inverter/utility power/charger?

Many thanks

FFMG

**Furian** · 04-22-2008, 07:08 PM

Get a UPS. Not only will this do everything you want it to, it will also protect from power fluctuations out of the wall, prevent stress on your PSU, and the batteries are much smaller and more efficient than car batteries. 300W is shy for any standard computer, especially if you are running a monitor too, I mean whats the point of having a computer if you cant really use it. APC has good quality and service.

**FFMG** · 04-23-2008, 01:47 AM

Originally Posted by Furian

Get a UPS. Not only will this do everything you want it to, it will also protect from power fluctuations out of the wall, prevent stress on your PSU, and the batteries are much smaller and more efficient than car batteries. 300W is shy for any standard computer, especially if you are running a monitor too, I mean whats the point of having a computer if you cant really use it. APC has good quality and service.

Hum,

I have a UPS and it only lasts about 30 minutes, not 2 hours as I need it to.
This is why the batteries are so small.

And looking at my computer power supply I think that 300W is not that bad, I should be able to run the PC and the screen.

F.