Hi all

this is certainly not an area of my expertise so really would appreciate some assistance!

 

I purchased this inverter trolley this week ( https://www.geewiz.co.za/long-run-ups-inverter-battery/178350-3000va-mecer-axpert-pure-sine-inverter-2x-100ah-lithium-battery-trolley-12-hour-battery-life-kit-3000w-with-lithium-battery-3000-cycles-2560wh.html ) and seeking help re the inverter settings. I don’t have solar panels and will look to power tv and fridge and occasionally use a microwave and griller ( load will be less than 3kva)

I previously had a basic Ellies 720w inverter trolley and this is a bit more higher grade.

I want to maximise the battery lifespan and therefore, if the power is off in the early hours of the morning, I don’t need the inverter running so would manually switch it off and then switch it on when needed, not to lose a cycle.

My issue is, when there is eskom power and the inverter is off, it doesn’t power items connected to the inverter despite the inverter screen being on. The old Ellies inverter would still power everything connected to it. Maybe I’m being doff but if someone can assist with setting up the inverter, would appreciate it!

 

 

45 minutes ago, A4_ said:

Hi all

this is certainly not an area of my expertise so really would appreciate some assistance!

 

I purchased this inverter trolley this week ( https://www.geewiz.co.za/long-run-ups-inverter-battery/178350-3000va-mecer-axpert-pure-sine-inverter-2x-100ah-lithium-battery-trolley-12-hour-battery-life-kit-3000w-with-lithium-battery-3000-cycles-2560wh.html ) and seeking help re the inverter settings. I don’t have solar panels and will look to power tv and fridge and occasionally use a microwave and griller ( load will be less than 3kva)

I previously had a basic Ellies 720w inverter trolley and this is a bit more higher grade.

I want to maximise the battery lifespan and therefore, if the power is off in the early hours of the morning, I don’t need the inverter running so would manually switch it off and then switch it on when needed, not to lose a cycle.

My issue is, when there is eskom power and the inverter is off, it doesn’t power items connected to the inverter despite the inverter screen being on. The old Ellies inverter would still power everything connected to it. Maybe I’m being doff but if someone can assist with setting up the inverter, would appreciate it!

 

 

For starters, this is not a doff question, its a very good one, and I cannot think of a solution, unless I am overlooking something. 

@Scorp007 have you ever dealt with this type of challenge.? 

Hi, mind posting picture of the inverter when the eskom power is on

2 hours ago, A4_ said:

Hi all

this is certainly not an area of my expertise so really would appreciate some assistance!

 

I purchased this inverter trolley this week ( https://www.geewiz.co.za/long-run-ups-inverter-battery/178350-3000va-mecer-axpert-pure-sine-inverter-2x-100ah-lithium-battery-trolley-12-hour-battery-life-kit-3000w-with-lithium-battery-3000-cycles-2560wh.html ) and seeking help re the inverter settings. I don’t have solar panels and will look to power tv and fridge and occasionally use a microwave and griller ( load will be less than 3kva)

I previously had a basic Ellies 720w inverter trolley and this is a bit more higher grade.

I want to maximise the battery lifespan and therefore, if the power is off in the early hours of the morning, I don’t need the inverter running so would manually switch it off and then switch it on when needed, not to lose a cycle.

My issue is, when there is eskom power and the inverter is off, it doesn’t power items connected to the inverter despite the inverter screen being on. The old Ellies inverter would still power everything connected to it. Maybe I’m being doff but if someone can assist with setting up the inverter, would appreciate it!

 

 

If switched off the inverter it means if cannot drive your loads. 

You see the screen on while inverter is switched off as both forms of charging grid and PV will get the screen on so that you can read the stats around charging and voltage levels as well as do any settings change while not using power to drive loads. This is, actually great as loads can force the inverter to cut out if for instance the battery is low before one has a chance to correct a wrong setting. 

I hope this helps. 

Edited April 23, 20233 yr by Scorp007

As long as your inverter is on, it will waste about 40W.  On a 5KVA this will typically be 60W.  This is enough reason to want to switch the inverter off during the night.  Also, the fan noise that a lot of inverters produce can be a nuisance.  Note that the inverter will still consume a few watts even when "off".

Your previous 720W inverter was very basic and will likely just have had a relay contact drop out and switch your output to bypass.  If you want to retain that function you could implement this with a separate switch-over relay.

1 hour ago, Modina said:

As long as your inverter is on, it will waste about 40W.  On a 5KVA this will typically be 60W. 

Just because your inverter uses 40W doesn't mean ALL others have to as well. 

Many members and myself included have 24V units that only have a 25W self consumption. 

6 hours ago, Stefan Cornelissen said:

Hi, mind posting picture of the inverter when the eskom power is on

 

Here’s a pic with eskom power on but inverter off

Thanks for the feedback all - so what’s your recommendation then to prolong the battery?  Should I leave it on 24/7 or switch it off and manually disconnect certain plugs in the eve when I switch off the inverter?

there seem to be quite a lot of settings on the unit so not sure whether the standard ones are fine or need to be tweaked - any advice there?

and last question, someone I just talked with said I should never boil a kettle/ use microwave with only a 3kva - it will ruin the battery. Half the purpose of buying a 3kva was to boil kettle / use microwave. Surely using a kettle/ microwave for 3 minutes each ( not together so load would be less than 3000 w) won’t stuff up the battery sooner than watching 6 hours of tv for example assuming they both drain the battery x% ( figures are  for example - but want to understand the principle)

 

20 minutes ago, A4_ said:

Thanks for the feedback all - so what’s your recommendation then to prolong the battery?  Should I leave it on 24/7 or switch it off and manually disconnect certain plugs in the eve when I switch off the inverter?

there seem to be quite a lot of settings on the unit so not sure whether the standard ones are fine or need to be tweaked - any advice there?

and last question, someone I just talked with said I should never boil a kettle/ use microwave with only a 3kva - it will ruin the battery. Half the purpose of buying a 3kva was to boil kettle / use microwave. Surely using a kettle/ microwave for 3 minutes each ( not together so load would be less than 3000 w) won’t stuff up the battery sooner than watching 6 hours of tv for example assuming they both drain the battery x% ( figures are  for example - but want to understand the principle)

 

You can charge the battery and then switch the grid to the inverter off after switching the inverter off. I run mine as a UPS that is not always on. This won't in itself prolong the battery life. I charge my lithiums after each LS event to be ready to switch it on when needed during LS. My panels that were on the Axpert have been rewired to another inverter. 

Using close to the 2400W limit of the inverter for boiling water and microwave will have a serious affect on battery life. We use ours on the micro but only for say 3min at a time for heating food but never for preparing. Water boiling is via gas cooker on a small 1.7kg bottle. Light enough to pick up from the floor cupboard. 

Just as one would not drive a car as fast as it could I would not run the inverter at maximum rating of 2.4kW.

Battery settings need to be done for the specific battery under the USR portion. Also the alarm, back to grid and back to battery. 

Edited April 23, 20233 yr by Scorp007

48 minutes ago, Scorp007 said:

You can charge the battery and then switch the grid to the inverter off after switching the inverter off. I run mine as a UPS that is not always on. This won't in itself prolong the battery life. I charge my lithiums after each LS event to be ready to switch it on when needed during LS. My panels that were on the Axpert have been rewired to another inverter. 

Using close to the 2400W limit of the inverter for boiling water and microwave will have a serious affect on battery life. We use ours on the micro but only for say 3min at a time for heating food but never for preparing. Water boiling is via gas cooker on a small 1.7kg bottle. Light enough to pick up from the floor cupboard. 

Just as one would not drive a car as fast as it could I would not run the inverter at maximum rating of 2.4kW.

Battery settings need to be done for the specific battery under the USR portion. Also the alarm, back to grid and back to battery. 

thanks for this.

Its 3000va so assuming it’s running at say 2,500w for 5/10 minutes over a 4 hour period , that wouldn’t be overdoing and causing damage

55 minutes ago, A4_ said:

thanks for this.

Its 3000va so assuming it’s running at say 2,500w for 5/10 minutes over a 4 hour period , that wouldn’t be overdoing and causing damage

I suppose not but it is still asking it to work at maximum power. It is just how I feel about modern production items. 

2 hours ago, A4_ said:

thanks for this.

Its 3000va so assuming it’s running at say 2,500w for 5/10 minutes over a 4 hour period , that wouldn’t be overdoing and causing damage

2400W/24V = 100A being pulled from the battery. I wouldn't suggest doing that too often, that would be demanding 1C from it which most can't handle. I used to run a 2000W kettle on my 24V unit and it would scream bloody murder, but I would only do that with the batteries charged and the sun on full as I have 600W of panels on there which helps out. I think the best idea would be to look for a smaller kettle that is solar friendly and only draws 1kW.

25 minutes ago, jumper said:

2400W/24V = 100A being pulled from the battery. I wouldn't suggest doing that too often, that would be demanding 1C from it which most can't handle. I used to run a 2000W kettle on my 24V unit and it would scream bloody murder, but I would only do that with the batteries charged and the sun on full as I have 600W of panels on there which helps out. I think the best idea would be to look for a smaller kettle that is solar friendly and only draws 1kW.

Spot on. I once had 2000W kettle on for seconds when SWAMBO did not know we are still on the inverter. My heat pump I will only run when I get in 800W of PV. 

Even with the 2 banks of the OP the 50A per bank of perhaps under charged batteries is a no go. 

My old fashioned capacity test takes me up to 20hrs per battery at a C/20 = 5A load after each battery was charged full. Not a few minutes. One wonders how the sparky tested the 8 batteries to come to his verdict. 

Edited April 23, 20233 yr by Scorp007

3 hours ago, jumper said:

2400W/24V = 100A being pulled from the battery. I wouldn't suggest doing that too often, that would be demanding 1C from it which most can't handle. I used to run a 2000W kettle on my 24V unit and it would scream bloody murder, but I would only do that with the batteries charged and the sun on full as I have 600W of panels on there which helps out. I think the best idea would be to look for a smaller kettle that is solar friendly and only draws 1kW.

Agree - I’m in process of looking for a smaller kettle. Seen some between 1,100 and 1,400w

just to confirm- your concern is:

a) the battery will deplete quickly and will need to recharge
b) It will ruin the battery / get fewer cycles

c) it will reduce life of the inverter

 

5 minutes ago, A4_ said:

Agree - I’m in process of looking for a smaller kettle. Seen some between 1,100 and 1,400w

just to confirm- your concern is:

a) the battery will deplete quickly and will need to recharge
b) It will ruin the battery / get fewer cycles

c) it will reduce life of the inverter

 

Point C. 

Premium equipment might/will derate with increased temperature. I am not sure these inverters will alway do it in time. 

10 hours ago, A4_ said:

Agree - I’m in process of looking for a smaller kettle. Seen some between 1,100 and 1,400w

just to confirm- your concern is:

a) the battery will deplete quickly and will need to recharge
b) It will ruin the battery / get fewer cycles

c) it will reduce life of the inverter

 

A little bit of all of them to be honest, but I would worry a bit more about the batteries. These inverters are pretty tough and my 24V unit still runs a small off grid cabin and has been going for 6 years, but I don't use a kettle on it anymore.

The batteries are a bit more of an issue for me as you will probably be pulling the max they can handle and as @Scorp007mentions, you will get less capacity from them when drawing higher currents and that will also affect the battery lifespan.

I think the smaller kettle will be the best investment to make all your equipment last longer.

2 examples. 600ml @ 600W. Get the pink one or blue or white. Silikon collapsible. 

From Leroy Merlin the 1300W normal kettle. 

Edited April 24, 20233 yr by Scorp007

11 hours ago, A4_ said:

Agree - I’m in process of looking for a smaller kettle. Seen some between 1,100 and 1,400w

just to confirm- your concern is:

a) the battery will deplete quickly and will need to recharge
b) It will ruin the battery / get fewer cycles

c) it will reduce life of the inverter

 

Then get something like a 500w kettle. It is 500ml which is two cups.

https://reliablestore.co.za/products/300w-portable-fast-boiling-water-kettle-500ml-travel-outdoor-electric-kettle-water-heater-insulable-water-boiler?variant=41866935042209&sfdr_ptcid=28846_617_685681313&sfdr_hash=d88f79dfbcd4226cc861786093653081

 

Oh sorry see Scorp above already also gave examples, the lower the watt on 220V the better, it is 100% as per above posts on C draw, or Ah required.

Yes a 1000W mic for a second draws at the same rate as being on for an entire hour. But here you can actually add, cause it doesn't start exactly at the rated W, it sometimes uses 40% more. So your 1000W mic becomes a 1400W mic for a split second.

 

Edited April 24, 20233 yr by Eurard

11 hours ago, A4_ said:

Agree - I’m in process of looking for a smaller kettle. Seen some between 1,100 and 1,400w

just to confirm- your concern is:

a) the battery will deplete quickly and will need to recharge
b) It will ruin the battery / get fewer cycles

c) it will reduce life of the inverter

 

b and c

 

Think of your car.

Leaving the engine to idle (c) vs revving the living daylights out of it (a & b & c).

 

Where letting the engine idle would be stay in the lower end of the inverter max, at 25% range.

On 2023/04/23 at 7:09 AM, A4_ said:

My issue is, when there is eskom power and the inverter is off, it doesn’t power items connected to the inverter despite the inverter screen being on. The old Ellies inverter would still power everything connected to it. Maybe I’m being doff but if someone can assist with setting up the inverter, would appreciate it!

 

We just finished installation of a Mecer 3kW inverter with 24V 100Ah lead battery at my friends home. If correctly wired and configured as an UPS (01: UtI) it will do it all automatically. If you really want to switch off the inverter you need a change over bypass switch to feed all consumers from grid. But remember, it then will not charge and maintain the batteries full either. At the frequency we actually have LS it is my advice to leave it on all times. During nights you may have an urgency and need lights in the house.

For the settings: 01: UtI, 02: 0.2C, 05: USE, 06: LtI, 07: tfI, 11: 0.2C, 19: fIP, 26: 27V (lead), 27: 26.4V, 29: 11V.

Note: C is the battery capacity in Ah. If you have 100Ah battery 0.2C would be 20A.

12 hours ago, Scorp007 said:

2 examples. 600ml @ 600W. Get the pink one or blue or white. Silikon collapsible. 

From Leroy Merlin the 1300W normal kettle. 

I was looking at this piccolo actually. There’s also the black and decker - only 650w which is so low. Heard it takes 5-6 mins to boil. There’s also a Smeg mini but that’s 1400w still

 

BLACK+DECKER Travel Kettle, 0.5L, 650W available to buy online at @TAKEALOT We offer fast, reliable delivery to your door.
https://www.takealot.com/black-decker-travel-kettle-0-5l-650w/PLID90020323

On 2023/04/24 at 9:26 PM, A4_ said:

I was looking at this piccolo actually. There’s also the black and decker - only 650w which is so low. Heard it takes 5-6 mins to boil. There’s also a Smeg mini but that’s 1400w still

 

BLACK+DECKER Travel Kettle, 0.5L, 650W available to buy online at @TAKEALOT We offer fast, reliable delivery to your door.
https://www.takealot.com/black-decker-travel-kettle-0-5l-650w/PLID90020323

https://www.takealot.com/fussion-1-7-litre-1200w-cordless-leaf-kettle/PLID72111900

Another one. 

Hi guys I'm struggling with a meccer inverter SOL-I-AX-5P.. It's connected to a Hubble am2 battery.. The battery is charging but no output ac