Inverter Basics: Here’s What You Need To Know About Inverter Batteries
Your inverter battery is one of the most important components of your home inverter system, and therefore, you need to pay much attention to the important factors when you buy an inverter battery. And once you have purchased the right inverter battery you need to make sure that you maintain it properly in order to get optimal output and ensure longevity of your inverter’s battery. To help, we have listed all the important aspects of inverter batteries; right from selecting the right inverter battery to maintaining it right. Come let’s take a look
Selecting the Right Inverter Battery
There are two important factors for choosing the right inverter battery
- Battery Capacity
- Type of Inverter Battery
Battery Capacity
Battery capacity is the amount of charge that a battery can hold. To select a battery with the right battery capacity you need to consider two important factors – Load Requirement and Duration of Power cut
1. Load Requirement
Your battery’s capacity would depend on the appliances (amount of load) that you would require during a power cut. Load requirement depends on the number of appliances you use when the power goes out. The more appliances you use, the more will be the power requirement. Thus, higher will be the battery capacity required.
2. Duration of Power Cut
If you live in an area with longer power outages, you need an inverter battery with a higher battery capacity. This helps provide current for longer durations. In case you purchase a battery with a lower capacity, it will drain before the electricity gets restored.
Types of Inverter Batteries
1. Flat-plate Batteries
A flat-plate battery is a type of lead-acid battery. Like any other battery, it is made up of two plates – a negative and a positive. They are low-cost and ideal for areas with low duration power outages. The major benefit of using a flat plate battery is – it charges at a high speed. However, its efficiency decreases with time. The lead wire (in the positive plate) gets damaged due to acid attacks. This causes the battery to shed its active material. Thus resulting in battery failure. Besides, flat plate batteries require regular maintenance. The distilled water needs to be refilled every 6 months. Also, they have a shorter lifespan and thus come with shorter warranty periods.
2. Tubular Batteries
Tubular batteries are also a type of lead-acid battery. They are bigger in size as compared to flat-plate batteries. Manufactured with a double layer protective covering, tubular batteries require fewer water tops. These batteries are recommended for areas that experience longer power cuts. Tubular batteries are easier to maintain. However, they occupy a lot of space – and are expensive. They take longer to get charged completely – but provide extended power backup. Due to their less positive plate shedding, tubular batteries provide increased reliability. Thus, the appliance lasts longer, resulting in a longer warranty period.
3. Gel Batteries
A gel battery is a valve-regulated lead-acid battery. It comes with a gelified electrolyte (mixture of sulfuric acid and silica fumes). Unlike other batteries, gel batteries have minimal electrolyte dissipation and spilling (grid corrosion). Thus, they provide higher efficiency. They continue to perform the same throughout their lifespan. Also, gel batteries are maintenance-free. They do not require any water top-ups. These batteries use silica gel to bind the electrolytes together. Thus, delivering great power output. Gel batteries are eco-friendly. They do not release any harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Maintenance of Inverter Batteries
Simply buying a good inverter battery is not enough. You also need to take good care of your inverter battery in order to ensure optimal performance and increased longevity. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your inverter battery in good shape.
- Store the battery in a proper-ventilated, cool place – away from light.
- Keep it away from children. Batteries release toxic gas. This can affect their health.
- Never add acid to the batteries.
- Check float indicator – and top-up water if required.
- Do not use rain or tap water. Top-up with distilled water only.
Note: Do not throw non-functional batteries in the trash or the road. Instead, give it to the distributor for recycling. You can exchange it with a reputable brand – and get a good discount.
Where to buy from?
If you don’t want your battery to ditch you at the last moment or if you want to avoid the hassles of frequent battery breakdown then go buy an inverter battery from a reputable brand like Luminous India. They are one of the most trusted names in the home electricals and power solutions space. Whether you want to buy an inverter or an inverter battery you will find a wide range of options at Luminous India.