Types of long-term backup power supply systems for a country house or cottage
The organization of a reserve of electrical energy for a cottage is justified in the event that it regularly arrives with long interruptions or the voltage in the network does not meet the standards. Stabilizers will not cope with serious potential violations, so an additional current source should cover the basic needs for lighting and auxiliary equipment.
Usually, backup power supply and uninterrupted power supply to the networks of the house is carried out with the help of a "uninterruptible" UPS on batteries or a gas generator. Why gas? The fact is that this choice is due to low fuel costs and simple operating rules.
Additional power supply equipment must show an instant response to a voltage drop or power outage, as well as ensure the operation of the main consumers for quite a long time. Uninterrupted designs are of two types: single-stage and two-stage.
Single-Stage Systems for Energy Reserves
In fact, this is a common emergency uninterruptible power supply scheme, with the only difference being that more powerful and capacious batteries are used here. Experts say that such a simple solution will help where interruptions are not so frequent, and the requirements for source power are not so categorical.
If the requirements for the duration of the operation of the equipment will increase, then it becomes necessary to use batteries of greater power and capacity. However, this solution comes with some problems:
- Lithium-ion batteries are already expensive, and with an increase in capacity, the price will increase proportionally.
- Lead plate batteries are cheaper, but they take up a lot of space and require special operating conditions because they contain acid.
- To quickly charge the battery before the next power outage, you need a large charging current and the power of the home network may not be enough.
- The operational life of the battery is up to 2,000 charge-discharge cycles, so an expensive battery will have to be changed every 2-3 years.
Two-stage power backup method
A two-stage system for organizing a backup power supply for a country house includes a generator and an uninterruptible power supply. The principle of its operation is simple - immediately after a failure of the standard power supply, the UPS is turned on, which is responsible for the emergency circuit. Next, the generator starts.
This design does not need a powerful battery, because it turns on only for a short time and the load is minimal. The battery resource in this case is spent sparingly, so its service life is more than 10 years. It is worth remembering that the battery from the car is not suitable for use in a UPS. The power of the generator is not limited and depends on the needs of the user.
Ways to connect backup power sources
For a short shutdown period, a backup power supply at home from a UPS with a battery is suitable
Uninterruptible systems for providing backup power supply are one- and two-stage. A single-stage circuit includes an inverter and batteries of sufficient capacity to provide enough energy for several hours. Batteries are charged from the network. In the event of an emergency shutdown of the central power supply, the system instantly automatically switches to home power mode. Hybrid inverters allow you to add power. If 5 kW comes from the network, the output can be from 9 to 29 kW.
For long power outages, a two-stage method is suitable. The system consists of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), battery, generator. Generator sets run on gas, gasoline, diesel fuel. They use wind and solar energy as fuel.
Vital equipment is connected to the backup system - heating components, water supply, emergency lighting, one or two sockets for household appliances. The minimum power supply for a house up to 300 square meters will be 2 kW.
Inverter Generator Honda EU10i
You can purchase a backup power supply system to connect all the equipment of the cottage. Its configuration and cost will depend on the load.
For a small house, the best option is to use compact and inexpensive sources of electricity.
- The inverter already has an automatic start function. With a battery pack, it is placed in a utility room. Works without recharging for 24 hours. It is not cheap, but silent, does not require additional investments and supervision.
- An inexpensive compact gasoline, diesel generator can simply be rolled out of the house, or placed in an open street extension. They are not equipped with an automatic start-up circuit, but are turned on manually. They have a small cost. Good for a country house.
- If the housing has a centralized gas supply, a gas generator can be installed in a separate room or on the street.
Backup power supplies for a private home generators vs. batteries
Photo: ShutterStock/Fotodom.ru
Today, generators with an internal combustion engine (most often diesel generators) and storage batteries (batteries) equipped with an inverter - a current converter (from DC to AC and vice versa) are used as alternative sources of electricity in everyday life. Batteries are connected to the network through an inverter, with the help of which the batteries are recharged when there is electricity in the network.
Photo: Soltek
An uninterruptible power supply, equipped with batteries and an inverter, will not take up much space in the house
Both types have their advantages and disadvantages. The main disadvantage of generators is the noise and exhaust gases produced during operation. But a diesel engine can theoretically function as long as it wants, as long as there is fuel. In any case, he should work for several days in a row.
Photo: ShutterStock/Fotodom.ru
Large UPSs with batteries will require a separate rack
Battery-based systems have more significant runtime limitations. Usually from several tens of minutes to several hours. Longer duration would require batteries of significant capacity, and, accordingly, the system will turn out to be too expensive. Judge for yourself: an inexpensive diesel generator with an output power of 2 kW can be bought for 25–30 thousand rubles.
A set of batteries capable of delivering 2 kW for 2-3 hours will cost about twice as much. Add to this the cost of the inverter - at least 30-40 thousand rubles. A fully assembled uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for half an hour or an hour of operation will cost at least 100 thousand rubles. But using the UPS as a backup source is a real pleasure. No exhaust, no noise, no fuel, and switching occurs almost instantly (the generator still needs to be started).
Photo: Legrand
Modular three-phase UPS of medium power Trimod HE (Legrand) with an integrated microprocessor and a modular system of battery blocks
Batteries require a separate, well-ventilated area with insulated racks. The temperature in it should not be lower than recommended by battery manufacturers (usually 15 ° C). We will talk more about choosing the type and brand of batteries, their use and storage in a separate article.
Diagram of an uninterruptible power supply system
Photo: Legrand
Compact single-phase UPS KEOR S 3 kVA 20 ′ (Legrand), power from 3 to 10 kVA (from 133 thousand rubles)
All backup power sources are selected depending on the power of the connected load. It depends on the needs of the homeowners. To calculate it, you need to sum up the power of all devices that will be connected to the power source.Keep in mind that the more this amount comes out, the more expensive the UPS will be, so it makes sense to limit the load, leaving only the most necessary - emergency lighting, powering the components of the heating and water supply system (ventilation, borehole pump, etc.). Plus one or two sockets so that you can connect a TV or other household appliances.
When choosing a generator or installing an inverter system, you first need to decide how often you need to use an additional source of electricity. So, if you are in the country only on weekends in the summer, a gasoline generator is enough. At the same time, it must be remembered that gasoline or diesel generators create a lot of noise and an unpleasant smell during operation. Therefore, they must be placed in ventilated rooms with good sound insulation. Inverter-battery systems are more convenient to use, especially if you spend a lot of time in the country and you need an uninterrupted power source all the time. Such a system, as a rule, consists of an inverter, batteries, a charger that provides battery charge, a controller that monitors the battery charge.
Ivan Khripunov
Technical specialist of the company "Kashirsky Dvor"
Features of backup power supplies
gas generators
If the house is gasified, then this is the best option. Fuel for such a device is the cheapest. The power of most of these products starts from 7 kW, which is quite enough for a country house with periodic power outages in the network.
The approximate cost is 180,000 rubles. But if you consider how much will be saved on fuel (compared to gasoline or solarium) for the entire period of operation, then the price is quite acceptable. In addition, there are almost no harmful emissions.
Petrol generators
The most common type of devices for backup power supply. This is partly because we are better versed in these engines than in diesel ones. Indeed, many owners of country houses have a personal car, therefore, there is at least a general concept of the principle of work. In addition, they are easier to maintain.
Diesel units
This name refers to several varieties of such "equipment" - diesel generators, diesel stations, and so on. An indisputable advantage is the possibility of long-term (non-stop) operation. In addition, there are no gasoline vapors that require special fire safety measures.
We have given only the most common devices for organizing reservations. But there are a number of others, which, although they are used less often, are also worthy of attention. For example, UPS, solar panels, inverter systems.
Conclusion
Practice shows that regardless of the way to solve the problem of redundant power supply system, it is still necessary to have a backup generator. According to the reviews of most owners of country houses, gasoline units are more convenient both in terms of operation and repair. For example, they can always be refueled directly from the car tank.
When deciding on the organization of backup power supply, you should not be guided by someone else's opinion, focus on friends or neighbors. The main "tip" is your own house and the property located in it (first of all, technical devices and the location of lighting fixtures). They determine the feasibility of acquiring a particular unit.
It should be taken into account that UPS, solar panels are of limited use both in terms of time and connected devices (circuits). Their kit includes batteries, and they require constant attention (condition monitoring, recharging).In addition, modern batteries (unlike the "old" models, in which individual cells could be replaced) cannot be repaired.
If funds are available, it is advisable to mount a more complex, but reliable combined redundancy scheme. For example, turning on the emergency power supply from the UPS, followed by automatic start of the diesel engine. This is more expensive, but power outages are excluded.
Inverter heating of a private house
Inverter heating systems are gradually gaining popularity
The main life support system in any home is, of course, the heating system. Without it, it is difficult to imagine the normal life of a modern person, especially in the Russian climate. The choice of heating system is important both in terms of efficiency and economy. Indeed, most often this system is operated for more than 6 months a year, and in some places all year round. Installing an inverter heating boiler is a good alternative to other heat sources. Electricity is available in our country almost everywhere (unlike, for example, gas). And the use of electric heaters is often very important, despite the high cost of electricity. Therefore, the latest developments of scientists are aimed precisely at the modernization of electrical equipment, in order to increase its efficiency and reduce the cost of heat produced. Inverter heating has a number of characteristic features compared to other types of electric heating. Let's consider them in more detail.
Inverter heating boiler device
Scheme of the device of the inverter heating boiler
The boiler heats the coolant by converting the energy of the electromagnetic field into heat. Each boiler has two circuits: magnetic and heat exchange. The first is a conductor coil on a dielectric - a copper wire wound around a pipe. An electromagnetic field is generated in the magnetic circuit. This field affects the steel core, which is located inside the heat exchange circuit and directly heats the coolant. Electric inverter heating boilers are quite a promising type of electrical equipment, which is used both on an industrial scale and in everyday life.
Pros and cons of electric inverter heating
Inverters are devices that convert direct current to alternating current. Inverter boilers operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction. This is their main difference from TEN boilers. And from here follow the main characteristics and features. Like any equipment, inverter has its own functional features.
Do-it-yourself inverter heating installation
Inverter heating boiler
So, you have decided to install modern electrical equipment in your home. In order to save some of the work, it is quite possible to do it yourself. After purchasing an inverter boiler, the required number of pipes and radiators, you can proceed with the installation of the heating system. Since no one is immune from power outages, you need to take care of the possibility of your system operating in such a force majeure mode. For this purpose, inverter heating batteries are used, the price of which is quite high, but in the long term their use is economically justified.
Turning off the equipment in the event of a power outage can go unnoticed by the owners if there are inverter heating batteries. Within 10 milliseconds, the automation will switch the equipment to backup power supply and the heating of the housing will continue. In the event that the supply of electricity to the network is resumed, the same automation will perform the reverse procedure, and the boiler will be switched to normal operation. This is especially true if it is necessary to maintain a constant temperature in the house and there is no way to monitor this personally.
Electric inverter heating batteries can be purchased in addition to the basic configuration. Their use will increase the system's offline operation time.
Using stand-alone power supplies
During operation, from time to time it may be necessary to transfer the heating system to an alternative power source. Switching the system to battery operation is much more convenient than using a generator. Whatever fuel the generator requires, it will be necessary to organize its delivery, storage and refueling to the generator. While the transfer to battery power (and vice versa) will occur without the personal participation of a person. In addition to being more environmentally friendly, this method is also more economically justified, despite the significant initial investment.
Inverter boiler for home heating
For those areas where there is no possibility of supplying a gas main, one of the best ways to heat a house is to purchase electrical equipment. Electricity is the type of fuel that is present in every home.
In addition, you do not need to prepare special documentation and permits for installing the device on electricity. Boilers of this type are affordable and compact in size.
If you look from the point of view of electricity consumption, then many owners are scared off by its high cost according to the tariff plan. But despite this, manufacturers of heating systems strive to increase the efficiency of installations and reduce heat losses. Therefore, one of the most promising devices for heating a house are inverter boilers.
Below we consider the principle of operation of an inverter boiler, the disadvantages and advantages of its use, as well as the organization of this heating system.
Inverter heating boiler
The principle of operation of the inverter boiler
Traditional electrical equipment works on the principle of transferring energy directly to the coolant through heating elements. At the same time, if the device has heating elements in the configuration, then, therefore, it is necessary to prepare a place for heating water.
Heating elements are also highly susceptible to corrosion, so they must be protected from irreversible processes.
Inverter equipment works on the basis of electromagnetic induction. The generation of the current itself occurs due to the alternating magnetic field. For this purpose, it is necessary to convert the direct network current into alternating current. The inverter copes with this task perfectly, the operation of which is possible both from the network and from batteries.
There are two types of circuits in an inverter boiler:
- Magnetic, allowing you to generate a magnetic field of an alternating type.
- Heat exchanger, which contributes to the heating of the coolant.
With an appropriate supply of alternating electricity, the coil begins to form a magnetic field. This contributes to the heating of the liquid in the system and its further transfer through the pipes.
Scheme of the induction heating system
Positive and negative sides of the inverter boiler
There are a number of advantages that inverter installations have, including:
- increase in operational parameters as a result of the absence of heating elements,
- small inertia during heating, thus, in the presence of a centrifugal pump, the coolant will heat up faster,
- the operation of the system is not affected by the chemical composition of the coolant,
- the ability to install the device anywhere.
Like other heating systems, the inverter boiler has several disadvantages:
- rather high cost of inverter equipment compared to similar devices operating on heating elements,
- has an impressive size and weight, and therefore requires strengthening the base on which the boiler will be located,
- the device needs an electronic control system for subsequent power adjustment.
Despite minor shortcomings, nevertheless, inverter boilers are very popular among consumers and the demand for them is constantly increasing.
Inverter equipment device
Organization of inverter heating
Inverter boilers are widely used not only for domestic, but also for industrial needs. The former are compact in size and can operate with batteries. As for industrial installations, they have volumetric dimensions and have enormous power.
Tip: If you are planning to install an inverter boiler, then you need to carefully design the entire heating system.
During the operation of heating equipment, the load in the electrical network will increase significantly, so all gaskets and connections must be made with a large cross section.
Inverter heating system
Particular attention should be paid to the safety of the boiler, which must be properly ensured. It is necessary to additionally install a protective block for automatic de-energization in case of power surges.
Varieties of generators
When choosing a generator for an autonomous backup power supply, it is necessary to take into account not only the cost of a set of equipment, but also the price of fuel. The parameters of the place for placement and operation must comply with the rules and regulations. This is also a big investment.
Gas generators
gas generator
Can be placed in an unheated room. They make little noise. For liquefied gas, special containers are needed - a gas tank or a cylinder. One bottle of 50 liters is enough for 15 hours of power supply for a small house. If you use the main gas, you must properly make the exhaust ventilation in the room. Draw up and coordinate with the gas services a package of documents for connecting the facility.
Gasoline generators
Gasoline generator DDE GG3300P
Advantages: the ability to work at sub-zero temperatures, the availability of fuel. They have a motor resource for 5-7 hours of work, then a break of 1 hour is needed. Automation is not included in the basic package. You need to buy it, install it, configure it separately. No operating permit required.
Diesel generators
Can work in any weather conditions. Economical - fuel consumption is 1.5 times less than that of gasoline. Operating time - 6-15 hours, depending on the capacity of the fuel tank. Disadvantages: noise, exhaust fumes, expensive maintenance compared to gasoline. To start on frosty days, it is necessary to provide fuel storage in a warm room.
Unconventional Power Sources
Scheme of a homemade wind generator
These include wind turbines, which will only work in places where the wind is constantly blowing. Geothermal installations using hot water from the bowels of the earth. But such water is saturated with minerals and toxins. You can not merge it into open sources.
Solar panels
Backup power supply of a country house with the help of solar panels is an expensive, but good solution to the problem. The equipment is environmentally friendly, silent. The kit consists of modules, controller, inverter unit, batteries. The disadvantage is the high price.
Options for the combined use of different backup power sources are possible.
