Home > How inverters work

JAP Inverter (usually comes with an integrated charger) simply converts electrical energy (alternating current AC) into chemical energy and stores same in a battery as direct current DC. In the event of a regular power failure, it does the opposite, it converts the chemical energy (direct current DC)from the battery back into electrical energy (alternating current AC) and your home or office is live again.
Sounds too simple? There is no clearer way to tell the story. Let us look at the whole package and see if things could get clearer.

The Inverter module (with an integrated charger) consists of an enclosed case where the brain resides, it does the following;

* convert regular electrical energy into chemical energy
* it stores this chemical energy in the battery or batteries
* it cuts off electrical supply to the battery once it is fully charged to avoid degrading the battery
* it cuts off power supply from the battery to your home or office once the battery gets to a predetermined level to avoid killing the battery (even a new battery can go dead in a month if this important feature is not taken care of)
* it is controlled by a switch to power on or off the inverter (it could be automatic but automatic switching is not recommended if you may have the inverter supply power to loads when you are not around - wasted energy)

How long does a typical inverter backup system last?
A short answer would be as long as the battery lasts but a better answer would be as long as you want it to last.

So, how long?

Use the following table as a rough guide but make sure you select your configuration based on actual load otherwise you will end up short changing yourself and of course we would not even entertain any complaints whatsoever. It's your choice to select, so do it in a responsible manner and everyone will be happy.

Remember - If you increase the number of batteries for any given configuration, you will only increase the duration and not the capacity for example, if you choose to use 4 batteries for a 2.5 KVA inverter, you will end up doubling the duration and not the load the inverter can carry. So, 2.5 KVA inverter will not support a load that is higher than the normal capacity regardless of how many batteries you select.

You may also consider changing all your regular electric bulbs to energy saving bulbs as this will increase the duration threefold assuming only the bulbs are drawing power from the inverter. Each energy saving bulb is just 20 watts while the regual bulb is 60 watts or more. Original energy saving bulbs cost around N300.00 while the fake cost around N80.00 (I have bought them so many times, so sad).

Is an inverter system cost effective?

A very simple way to analyze the cost effectiveness is compute or calculate the cost of getting a generator, the cost of buying fuel or diesel, servicing, noise, pollution and of course in some residential areas you are required to power off your generator after 12 midnight so that security men can do their work without any distractions.

Is the inverter maintenance free?

Yes and no.

Yes, because the inverter does not require any maintenance whatsoever. That does not mean that if you pour water on it, that it may not pack up or even shock you if you are connected to it. All that is required is for the inverter to be placed in an area with enough ventilation.

No, because the battery usually come with a life span and warranty attached to it. A typical battery comes with a 1 year warranty but users have been known to use batteries for up to 2 years before talking about replacements.

It is recommended that each battery be checked for the acid level once in 6 months and each battery should be 'topped' with distilled water every six months.

We hope we can comfortably say that you know understand what JAP Power Inverter is, how it works, what it can do, what it cannot do and how to get one delivered and installed in your home or office.