Whole-house Power-Backup?: Reliable solution for frequent power failures.4K to 6K watts req

[GammaGlobulin]

Earlier this evening, I was sitting in the dark cogitating, as is my wont, due to local electrical power supply vagaries and uncertain power-outage times.... The local power consumers in my area love surprises. So, they have told the power company to cut the power, just any old time, and DO NOT TELL US in advance....Because, "We Love Surprises!".

 

Power-supply outages occur at the rate of about one per week, during times when there is a trickle of rain falling, and often when there is only forecasted rain.

 

As I was sitting in the dark, I thought:  This is STUPID of me!!!!  Why should I sit in the dark? Is there any benefit to me for engaging in this behavior?

 

As soon as the power was restored, I logged on to my computer.

 

I began reading about all the options.

However, I just want to know what might work very well in Thailand, either with or without a solar panel connected, but having this option.

The backup must be capable of providing 220 volts, and a steady 4k to 6k watts of power, and for period of two hours.

 

a. While I might like to connect a solar panel to the battery-inverter sometime in the future, I have no plan to do so now.

 

b. I need to be able to have more control over my life. When power outages happen at this rate, like what is happening around me locally, it's really purposeless to try to plan your life, to plan work, to plan video conferences, to meet a schedule, or to meet other's expectations, or follow-through on promises, or obligations.  Pretty near IMPOSSIBLE, i would say.....  It would be impossible for any logical person, in my view.

 

c. I am trying to find a solution that I can afford, and that is cost-effective, and not buy something so expensive that the cost is not justified relative to my needs.

 

d.  Most of the garbage I buy in Thailand seems to be quite unreliable.  Therefore, what would be the purpose of buying an unreliable backup-power-supply in order to protect me from a very unreliable power company supply?   True IRONY.

 

Also, I need something that most electricians can install...if possible....nothing super complex or complicated.

 

I need to get more control over my electrically-powered life.

Things like this just cannot be allowed to continue.

Even now, how do I know if I can even finish this Top

 

 

[sometimewoodworker]

You need an industrial UPS and to have the areas of your house wired for it.

We have only bothered to put our security system and network on the UPS 

the batteries are external to the UPS and if we want a longer run time we can just add more batteries.

The company is CyberPower the have a 2 year on site warranty (it does work I have used it)

 

this is one of their units, we have 2 x 12v 50 Ah deep cycle batteries. If you need more power either add another unit or buy a bigger one.

 

This is NOT cheap, it is effective.

we have a smaller one, the one above is 36,800 + shipping batteries not included, expect to pay at least another 12,000 and up for them (4 x 12v 50Ah) possibly more

[Crossy]

Since you are possibly going to add solar at some point, I'd be looking at one of the many on/off grid hybrid inverters.

 

We have three Deye SUN-5K-SG03LP1-EU 5kW units running in parallel, you would only need one. Should be 35-40k Baht on Lazada, then wait for payday or 11/11 vouchers for further discount.

 

Are you actually using a full 4-6kW all the time? That's a lot of energy and would need a fair size battery pack. For example, our 14kWh Lithium packs cost about 60,000 Baht. You might save some $$$ by going for lead-acid batteries since they'll be running in "standby" most of the time.

 

Can you do a power audit of what you actually need to be running, that would allow you to choose an inverter without going crazy. 

Also, how many kWh you use during the time when the power might be off. Read your meter at about the time power failures occur and again after 6 hours. That will allow you to size your battery pack.

 

Solar panels are cheap, there's really no reason not to add them if you have space, they will save you money all the time the sun is shining 🙂 

 

You could also consider a generator with an ATS (automatic Transfer Switch). It would likely be a cheaper solution although, of course, it needs fuel and maintenance.

 

EDIT Where in Thailand are you located, I may have something "in-stock" that would suit your purposes for a competitive price. PM me if you wish to remain private 🙂 

[Bandersnatch]

About a year ago I gave my meter back to PEA. I have solar and house batteries, but what really gave me the confidence to not rely on PEA as a backup was my new EV which has bi-directional charging.

 

I have connected my EV to the grid connection of my inverters to run my whole house, but a more simple solution would be to setup a permanent electric connection to a power outlet in your bedroom from where you park your EV, this would save you the hassle of running extension  cables in the dark when you have a power-cut. You would then be able to power lights, fans and your internet etc.

 

You might not be in the market for a new car at the moment but it is definitely worth considering as factor in your next car choice.