Nowadays alternative energy is becoming more and more a part of the everyday life of modern people, and there are several reasons for that. This is the environmental safety of such production facilities, and the ability to create an autonomous power supply system, which will not worry about a sudden power outage.
If you’re going to become more energy independent, inverter generators are a great solution. The most popular option for home use is the 5000-watt power inverter. It should be enough power for most major appliances.
In this article, we will look at how to choose a battery for a power inverter.
Review Batteries for Power Inverter
Contents
In the solar power industry, a special place is occupied by storage batteries, which are assigned the role of intermediary in the transfer of electrical power received to the end-users. This can be explained by the fact that the maximum amount of electrical energy is generated by the solar battery during intensive light irradiation, which occurs during the day.
However, its greatest consumption occurs with the onset of darkness, when the mass use of lighting with household appliances. Batteries allow for storing the surplus electricity generated during the day for evening and night use.
In simple terms, we use solar panels to store energy in the batteries during the day and use it at night, and an inverter helps us to do this.
What Are the Batteries in Solar Panels For?
In the solar power industry, a special place is occupied by storage batteries, which are assigned the role of intermediary in the transfer of electrical power received to the end-users. This can be explained by the fact that the maximum amount of electrical energy is generated by the solar battery during intensive light irradiation, which occurs during the day.
However, its greatest consumption occurs with the onset of darkness, when the mass use of lighting with household appliances. Batteries for power inverters allow for storing the surplus electricity generated during the day for evening and night use.
Of course, as an option, during the day you can turn off some of the working solar modules in reserve, but this will not solve the problem of the evening electricity shortage.
How it Works?
All electric batteries are considered to be reusable sources of direct current with the capability of performing reversible chemical processes by conducting repeated cycles of charge with electric currents flowing in the opposite direction to the reverse movement of the elementary particles during discharge.
Basic operating parameters of batteries
These include:
- Сapacity.
- Energy density.
- Self-discharge,
- Temperature and atmospheric conditions.
- Type.
1. The capacity of the battery is determined by the amount of charge, which is measured when the energy is delivered to the consumers from the fully charged state to the minimum allowable output voltage.
2. Energy density is expressed as the ratio of capacity in Watt-hours per kilogram of battery weight. This varies from battery type to battery type.
3. Self-discharge is a phenomenon in which the capacity of the battery pack decreases when it is inactive. That is when the circuit is open.
4. Batteries do not tolerate sudden temperature fluctuations, heating above +40oC and cooling below -25oC.
They must not be kept near open flame due to the possibility of spontaneous ignition of vapors or unintentional heating. Water and precipitation must not be allowed to come into contact with the battery due to self-discharge currents through additional electrical circuits.
5. Type
All the lead-acid batteries:
- LIQUID;
- EFB;
- GELS;
- AGM.
LIQUID
Liquid batteries are the most common and economical type of lead-acid battery. They contain a liquid electrolyte solution (therefore called “liquid”) that requires maintenance after charging and discharging cycles. Most liquid batteries require regular electrolyte maintenance every 3-6 months.
If a liquid battery accidentally gets overcharged, it can be topped up with electrolyte, making it more resistant to improper charging. Liquid batteries have a significantly shorter life span when discharged by more than 50%.Average lifetime: 250-500 cycles. Such a battery should be installed vertically. Care should also be taken not to come into contact with battery acid.
EFB
EFB batteries are economical batteries hermetically sealed lead-acid types that are used in micro-hybrid vehicles and can withstand the cyclic loads of start-stop systems. This type of battery requires maintenance. EFB batteries are similar to liquid batteries in that they also contain a liquid electrolyte solution.
However, they are capable of twice the cyclic load and have a 16% higher duty cycle. Despite the improved performance required for start-stop systems, EFB batteries are charged in the same way as standard liquid batteries and are installed vertically. The working depth of discharge is 60% and the average number of cycles is 500-1000 cycles. Standard charging voltage: 14.4-14.5 volts.
GELS
Gel batteries were developed as a maintenance-free version of liquid batteries. Internally they have a similar structure except that the antimony in the lead plates has been replaced by calcium and silicon compounds are added to the electrolyte to form a fixed solution. Unlike liquid batteries, gel batteries can be installed in almost any position.
They offer less electrolyte evaporation, increased cycling life, and increased resistance to shock, vibration, and acid stratification. The service life is 300-500 cycles and the working depth of discharge is 50%. Standard charging voltage: 14.2-14.3 volts. Gel batteries are still in commercial use but limited due to developments in AGM battery technology.
AGM
AGM is the newest technology for non-spillable batteries maintenance-free. Instead of gel, AGM batteries use glass fiber separators that absorb the electrolyte, which increases their efficiency compared to liquid and gel batteries. AGM batteries have a lower internal resistance (which allows them to provide high current), duty cycle at 80% depth of discharge, and charge 5 times faster. The service life of 400-600 cycles. Like all sealed lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries are sensitive to improper charging. Standard charging voltage: 14.7-14.8 volts
How Many Batteries for Watt Inverter?
Usually, the number of batteries required depends on the inverter itself. A 5000-watt inverter requires anywhere from 24 V (that’s two batteries) to 48 (that’s four batteries). The difference depends on the type of inverter.
Below is a rough calculation for a more accurate individual estimate.
The number and capacity of batteries should be such that the energy that is stored in them was enough for the dark time of day, it is worth considering that the night consumption of electricity is minimal compared to daytime activity.
A 100Ah battery stores approximately 100A * 12V = 1200W. (A 100W light bulb will run for 12 hours from this battery). So if per night you consume 2.4kWh of electricity, then you need to install 2 batteries of 100Ah (12V), but here we should take into account that the batteries are undesirable to discharge at 100%, and better not more than 70%-50%.
On this basis, we obtain that the 2 batteries of 100Ah will reserve 2400 * 0.7 = 1700Wh. This is true when discharging large currents, when you connect a powerful consumer sagging voltage and capacity actually decrease.
If you want to calculate what capacity you need for a solar battery, below is a table of compliance (for a 12-volt system):
- 50W. – 20-40Ah battery.
- 100W. – 50-70Ah battery;
- 150W. – 70-100Ah battery;
- 200W. – 100-130Ah battery;
- 300W. – 150-250Ah battery.
Recommendations
During the planning and calculations, it is worth bearing in mind that most appliances work for short periods of time, the kettle heats – for 5 minutes, and the refrigerator is turned on once every 2-3 hours for an hour to maintain the temp. The boiler pump also works as the temperature of the coolant is maintained. You can also calculate other devices according to this principle.
Most batteries do not tolerate sudden temperature changes, heating above +40oC and cooling below -25oC. Also, note that low temperature can affect the self-discharge of the battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions.
What can I run with a 5kW inverter?
If you have a 5kW inverter, you can run most household appliances and even some air conditioners. However, the power output of the inverter will determine how much you can actually run. For example, a 5kW inverter can run a coffee maker, toaster, microwave, fridge, and TV all at the same time. But, if you try to run an air conditioner, you may only be able to run one or two at a time before the inverter starts to struggle.
Will a 5000-watt inverter run an air conditioner?
A 5000-watt inverter could potentially run an air conditioner, however, it is not recommended as it would put a large strain on the inverter.
How long will a 5kW lithium battery last?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the type of lithium battery, the discharge rate, and the temperature. Generally speaking, a 5kW lithium battery will last for between 1,500 and 2,000 cycles. However, if the battery is discharged at a higher rate or if the temperature is higher, the battery will not last as long.
How much does 5000 w of a solar inverter?
The cost depends on a number of factors. Some factors that could affect the answer include the type and efficiency of the solar inverter, the average amount of sunlight available, and the geographic location. Therefore, the cost may vary between $500 and $1000.
How long will a 5kw battery bank?
If you take into account a home consumption of 750-1000 watts (average), the battery capacity of 5000 watts should be enough for 5-6 hours of use.
Conclusion
Solar batteries are specially designed to store energy collected by solar panels. The energy that makes solar panels can be used to power your home or business when the sun isn’t shining. Solar batteries can also provide backup power during a grid outage.
There are many different types of solar batteries on the market, but the two most common are lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. Lead-acid batteries are the least expensive, but they require more maintenance than lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive, but they last longer and require less maintenance.
