Battery backup for modem/router/phone question

[Robotron2k84]

Most UPS's for computer use are way way smaller than half the generator output.

I have multiple 2,200 (2.2 KVA) rack units in my house for different systems. Probably should trade it all in on a power-wall.

Most consumer generators would not fit my power needs. However, I still don’t have a generator and have provisions for cooling food beyond a powered refrigerator, and can limp along for about a week without power.

Next house is definitely getting a solid 25KVA diesel or propane generator with proper battery storage, since sunlight half the year will be a problem.

[Kyle1886]

My theory though faulty; when the power goes down pull the UPS plug from the wall outlet and plug into the generator line and only power the modem/phone and a 7w light a total of 43w giving a few hours of phone/wifi, not other PC stuff in that room.

Modem to UPS is much less time.

Back to the drawing board.

Thanks all.

Kyle

[SW1917]

Just went through this about a week ago - have a 300wt solar gen plugged into wall ac. Supplied power to computer,alarm cameras,modem,fans for 5hrs during power outage. Most models will list UPS status as a selling point since some can't do it. Cost was $159 sale on Amazon

Have decided to get 2k(2000 watts) unit with 1k worth of solar panels so could run fridge,swamp cooler,etc and last a few days

Short answer - yes it will work, just buy generator with UPS feature with enough wattage to run needed items -no damage to battery since when at full charge it just bypasses battery's

[brassburnz]

Ok understanding the intent of a UPS as a specialty device. My question goes a little further. What are everyone’s thoughts on using a Jackery or Yeti power source as a “UPS”? Not sure what the effects of having equipment draw on the device while plugged in and charging for long periods would be?

I have a Jackery 240 and 500. Both have a pass-through charging circuit which allows your to use the pure sine wave inverter and charge at the same time. However, Jackey literature states constant pass-through charging will affect battery life.

Jackery uses lithium ion NMC batteries. This chemistry allows the battery to cycle 500 times before you lose the top 20% of battery life. After 500 cycles to max state of charge (SOC) is 80%. The Jackery 500 has 514 watt hours of storage. To make the math easier, let's say it has 500 watt hours. After 500 cycles, the max SOC drops to 400 watt hours.

Jackery states that continuous pass-through charging will reduce your max SOC faster than letting your battery go though the normal discharge/charge cycle. In case of a power outage, I have my Jackery ready for my modem/WiFi router.

There are "solar generators" with true UPS circuitry, not just pass-through. You need to carefully read the product descriptions. UPS is "uninterrupted power supply" which is not the same as "back up battery supply." UPS circuits automatically switch from your 110/120 volt alternating current (AC) grid power to battery power.

There are hybrid charger/inverters with automatic transfer switches (ATF), but you still need to add a battery. I have an AIMS modified sine wave inverter charger with ATF and a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery. I don't have it connected to my modem/WiFi router. I read on another forum the MSW inverter would damage the electronics. I don't know if that is true or not. Not willing to chance damaging something that works just fine as it is.

Here are a couple of links to some helpful YouTubers.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVsNMiYQkqwIq_gd0rTJF9g/videos

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoj6RxIAQq8kmJme-5dnN0Q/videos

[brassburnz]

Thank you Idsnet.

As a follow up if I plug the UPS into one of my Honda inverter generators, will that "clean" up the UPS output?

Respectfully
Kyle

If you have a Honda inverter generator, run everything from that. The generator provides AC to the UPS battery charger that converts it to DC. The UPS battery sends DC to the modified sine wave inverter. The MSW inverter sends MSW AC to your electronics. Each conversion step is a loss of energy and nothing gets "cleaned up."

[Fizz]

If you have a Honda inverter generator, run everything from that. The generator provides AC to the UPS battery charger that converts it to DC. The UPS battery sends DC to the modified sine wave inverter. The MSW inverter sends MSW AC to your electronics. Each conversion step is a loss of energy and nothing gets "cleaned up."

The standard/entry level UPS does not do the conversion you mention in normal circumstances. It'll pass whatever AC input to the UPS until a power loss is detected. Your jackery units appear to operate like a double conversion unit that most UPS are not.

Almost all generators produce sinusoidal signals, but they're not as clean as utility power, but still leagues better than modified sine.

[brassburnz]

The standard/entry level UPS does not do the conversion you mention in normal circumstances. It'll pass whatever AC input to the UPS until a power loss is detected. Your jackery units appear to operate like a double conversion unit that most UPS are not.

Almost all generators produce sinusoidal signals, but they're not as clean as utility power, but still leagues better than modified sine.

I have two small inverter generators. One is 800/1000w and the other 2000/3000w. I've always wondered about the inverter sine wave. Both were inexpensive so I'm assuming the electronics are marginal. Glad to hear they are probably cleaner than MSW.