 |
Frequently
Asked Questions |
| |
|
|
| |
How do I properly charge
a deep-cycle battery? |
|
| |
Deep cycle batteries
must be charged according to their capacity (amp hours). Please refer to
your manufacturer’s instructions for individual instructions. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
How do I properly discharge
a deep-cycle battery? |
|
| |
All deep cycle batteries
vary in depth of discharge rates. It is not good for any deep cycle battery
to be discharged more than 50% on a regular basis. As in charging deep cycle
batteries, the manufacturer specifications should be consulted for accuracy. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
What is a battery bank? |
|
| |
A battery bank is the
primary means to store your energy for future use. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
How do I know what
size a battery bank I need? |
|
| |
Battery banks must
be sized to your estimated usage. Through many years of experience, we estimate
a conservative household with one or two occupants with a 4000watt inverter
should have a minimum of 1600amp hours at 24v DC. Due to the complexity
of sizing accurately, please contact us for more information. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
How do I know what
size an inverter I need? |
|
| |
To determine this,
the maximum amount of energy needed to run your electrical appliances (microwave,
washer, television, lights, etc.) at the same time is calculated in terms
of wattage. Every inverter is sized according to wattage – it is better
to go over than not have enough watts. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
How do I know when
to run my generator? |
|
| |
Our primary line of
inverters will automatically start your generator when needed. Or, you can
manually monitor your solar system with an “e-meter” or amp
hour meter (fuel gauge), this tells you how much energy is still left in
your batteries and will help you determine if running a generator is needed. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
How do I know what
size of generator I need? |
|
| |
To determine this,
the maximum amount of energy needed to run your electrical appliances (microwave,
washer, television, lights, etc.) at the same time is calculated in terms
of wattage. Every generator is sized according to wattage – it is
better to go over than not have enough watts. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
How do I whether I
need 12v or 24v? |
|
| |
Most 12v systems are
mainly designed for recreational vehicles and small cabins and homes. 12v
is not recommended for larger systems and needs. Your system will be more
efficient if the input voltage is close to the output voltage. Because of
individual requirements, it is best to have each system properly sized. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Do all systems need
to be housed separately or can I put the system in my garage? |
|
| |
Inverters are best
installed at the closest possible point of its power source (i.e. batteries).
It is more efficient to “push line than supply voltage”. Batteries
are not recommended housed in a garage setting because of ignition sources
and explosive gases. Generators are usually housed separately strictly for
noise and emission protection. Therefore, all Abney Electrix systems are
designed away from living areas for safety and noise control. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
What types of inverters
are available and what are their differences? |
|
| |
There are three
basic types: square wave, modified sine wave and true sine wave.
- Square wave inverters
are mostly obsolete and are not recommended due to their inefficiency,
harshness for ac appliances, and noise.
- Modified sine
wave inverters are the most popular inverter. This type of inverter
is used in most recreational vehicles and off-grid systems. For most
electronic devices, these work well. They are not, however, recommended
for highly sensitive electronics and ac motors (fans and pumps).
- True sine wave
inverters are best for sensitive electronics, and ac motors (fans and
pumps). The output wave pattern of a true sine wave is virtually the
equivalent to 60hz grid power.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
      |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|