The Elementary Guide to Keeping Your Inverter Battery Healthy for the Hobbyist

An inverter is a device that every home uses for power backup, in the event of a power shortage. The core component of an inverter is the battery; it is the spine itself. Most often, it is the battery of any inverter that significantly affects:

• Life
• Energy
• Performance

Currently, there are three types of batteries commonly used in inverters: lead-acid, maintenance-free, and tubular batteries.

Type of batteries and their characteristics

• The inverter batteries that are frequently used are lead acid because they are

1. rechargeable
2. Light
3. Economically

Lead acid batteries generate massive amounts of current and have a lifespan of 4 years. But they do have some drawbacks:

1. Needs constant maintenance
2. Electrolytes must be replenished periodically.
3. Emits harmful gases when charging
4. Requires installation in ventilated areas

• The second type of battery is an improved version of lead-acid models called maintenance free batteries. They are so named because they are sealed and do not require regular electrolyte refills. Such inverter batteries are:

1. Safer than lead acid
2. Short-lived compared to others
3. Heavier in the pocket

But once installed, there’s no need to worry about servicing them every few months. They come under the category of fit and forget.

• The third type of battery, tubular, is widely prevalent because it is the most efficient. Designed with an intricate pattern, the battery is almost maintenance-free, yet has an operational life of nearly two decades. Their only drawback is cost, and that is offset by the value they provide.

Tips to increase battery life

Like any other technology on the planet, each inverter battery has its pros and cons. No matter what type of battery is selected, from a great Microtek inverter to a cheap local one, they all have an end date. But when proper care is taken and batteries are kept in good condition, the lifespan can be increased. Here are some guidelines for your care.

• The two fatal diseases for batteries are rust and corrosion. Both restrict the flow of energy in and out of the battery. Reduced flow equates to slower charging, which affects battery life and the backup it provides. Therefore, always make sure that there is no rust. A simple method to remove corrosion is:

1. Make a solution of hot water and baking soda.
2. To do this on the terminals.
3. Use a soft toothbrush to gently remove corrosion.
4. Apply a layer of petroleum jelly to the terminal after removing the rust.

Use the gelatin on nuts and bolts to prevent further corrosion.

• Proper charging of batteries is crucial for their age. Once installed, they should be used regularly. If there are no power outages, it is recommended to fully discharge the battery every 30 days and then recharge it.
• Every 60 days check the water level in the battery. It should be somewhere between the minimum and maximum limit. If the water level is low, fill it with distilled water only. In no case, for normal tap water. Contains minerals that negatively affect life expectancy and impurities that reduce performance.
• Over time, the capacity of each battery plummets. Better quality inverters last longer, have adequate storage capacity, but wear out over time. The advice is to change the battery of the inverter once they run out.

Increased battery capacity

Maintenance and care can keep a battery going for longer, as it does with all appliances. But there are some tricks that can also expand the backing capacity of investors.

1. Remove all foreign loads from the battery. The energy stored in a battery powers the electrical devices and appliances in a home. The greater the number of devices connected to a battery, the greater the load it supports. Therefore, the amount of energy it emits is greater. When only a few essential electronic components are connected to the battery, a small amount of power is drawn and thus the backup capacity is extended.
2. Change home accessories and appliances with energy saving options. A standard light bulb requires 75% more electricity to give the same amount of light as a CFL. A poor quality fan with a poor copper winding needs more power to run at the same speed as a better copper wire model. When energy efficient devices are used in a residence, the battery consumption of the inverter decreases and the backup period increases.

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A tool is only as useful as its manufacture. A poor quality knife will not cut a vegetable properly. Likewise, a poor-quality battery won’t be much of a backup during power outages, no matter how well it’s maintained. Therefore, always select a well-known inverter that uses a sealed, maintenance-free battery. If possible, choose lithium battery inverters.