Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 22
  1. #1
    Members samtheman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Orlando, FL
    Posts
    140

    Solar Panels and Backup UPS Battery backup

    A friend of mine gave me an 980watt APC SmartUPS 1500 laying around that was hooked up to computer servers at one time and was wondering if I can use it in my Aquaponics setup probably to run the air pumps as a backup, I guess I could do a test and see how it performs, I wish it could run my 70 watt main pump also but no sure how long it could last. This is the link : http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/APC-Sm ... 23633.aspx

    I also have one deep cycle 180aph 12v battery that I would like to integrate in my system, I have a total of 80watt solar power panels laying around that I wish I could somehow use it as a backup for my system. I guess what I am asking is if any of you guys can give me a couple of ideas about putting these item for something useful in the Aquaponics setup...

  2. #2
    Members
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Fairport Harbor, Ohio
    Posts
    1,073

    Re: Solar Panels and Backup UPS Battery backup

    is that a rack mount ups? i'm not sure of the ups i just got from my job, i replaced the batteries, 2 weeks later we had a 12 hour power outage, the ups lasted for 5 hours running just my air pump.. a top fin ar 8000

  3. #3
    Members samtheman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Orlando, FL
    Posts
    140

    Re: Solar Panels and Backup UPS Battery backup

    Is not a rackmount type,
    it just seats on the floor. It uses a battery the size of a golfcart battery or a motorcycle. Here is a link to see the picture:
    http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/APC-Sm ... 23633.aspx

  4. #4
    Members
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Fairport Harbor, Ohio
    Posts
    1,073

    Re: Solar Panels and Backup UPS Battery backup

    you might get a couple of hours out of it if only using a small air pump.. best bet is to charge it up and give it a go..
    you'll have to wait for others to respond to your solar questions

  5. #5
    Moderator urbanfarmer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Zone 9b
    Posts
    2,294

    Re: Solar Panels and Backup UPS Battery backup

    Quote Originally Posted by samtheman
    A friend of mine gave me an 980watt APC SmartUPS 1500 laying around that was hooked up to computer servers at one time and was wondering if I can use it in my Aquaponics setup probably to run the air pumps as a backup, I guess I could do a test and see how it performs, I wish it could run my 70 watt main pump also but no sure how long it could last. This is the link : http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/APC-Sm ... 23633.aspx

    I also have one deep cycle 180aph 12v battery that I would like to integrate in my system, I have a total of 80watt solar power panels laying around that I wish I could somehow use it as a backup for my system. I guess what I am asking is if any of you guys can give me a couple of ideas about putting these item for something useful in the Aquaponics setup...
    A 70 watt pump will drain 5.83 amps per hour. That means your battery can theoretically provide just under 31 hours of power, but you typically don't want to drain batteries under 40% even deep cycle batteries. The solar panel can offset the difference of the air pump. Assuming you get roughly 11 hours of good sunlight a day, you can theoretically get a maximum of 60-70 hours out of your battery and solar panel, depending on specific conditions. In reality, I wouldn't count on it for more than a day or in an extreme emergency more than 2 days.

    The battery and UPS are simple. Use the contacts for the old battery to your new battery. The UPS should manage the battery charging and cycling on/off during outages. To add the solar panel, you will want to wire it in parallel to the battery. You will need a charge controller or at least a diode that will prevent the power from traveling in reverse. If you go this cheaper route, it can cause overcharging. Also, your charge controller for the solar panel should only kick in when the UPS is not charging the battery, which would work out great for you.

  6. #6
    Members
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Fairport Harbor, Ohio
    Posts
    1,073

    Re: Solar Panels and Backup UPS Battery backup

    the ups doesn't have a deep cycle battery.. they're only meant to provide enough power to computer equipment to shut it off gracefully, usually 15 to 20 minutes..
    i don't think you'll get 31 hours out of it, but give it a test run and you'll have an idea

  7. #7
    Moderator urbanfarmer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Zone 9b
    Posts
    2,294

    Re: Solar Panels and Backup UPS Battery backup

    That's the theoretical maximum based on the specifications she gave from the batter and the power draw. In real life, you seldom get near the theoretical maximum; thus, I mentioned he shouldn't rely on it more than a day. This is meant as a guide because you won't EXCEED the maximum, only approach it.

  8. #8
    Members
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Fairport Harbor, Ohio
    Posts
    1,073

    Re: Solar Panels and Backup UPS Battery backup

    one test is worth a thousand theories

  9. #9
    Moderator urbanfarmer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Zone 9b
    Posts
    2,294

    Re: Solar Panels and Backup UPS Battery backup

    one theory can save you a thousand tests

  10. #10
    Members cedarswamp's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Mullica Hill, New Jersey
    Posts
    199

    Re: Solar Panels and Backup UPS Battery backup

    Quote Originally Posted by keith_r
    is that a rack mount ups? i'm not sure of the ups i just got from my job, i replaced the batteries, 2 weeks later we had a 12 hour power outage, the ups lasted for 5 hours running just my air pump.. a top fin ar 8000

    Off topic but do you know where to find filter pads for that pump?

Similar Threads

  1. Solar Battery Backup for 12 volt Bilge water pump
    By samtheman in forum Good, Better & Best
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-14-2014, 04:46 PM
  2. Solar Panels...?
    By Apollo in forum Want To Know HOW TO..?
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 03-11-2014, 09:24 PM
  3. Bilge pump for battery backup
    By samtheman in forum Water Pumps
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 02-18-2014, 08:10 AM
  4. Schematic for battery backup system
    By samtheman in forum Good, Better & Best
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 07-21-2011, 05:45 PM
  5. Backup Power
    By wolfracer in forum General Hardware
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 10-09-2010, 09:50 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •