The battery is the most important part of an inverter. An inverter battery is designed to supply small amounts of current for a long duration. All power backup devices like inverters and UPS work by converting DC to AC, like all the appliances in our home run on AC.
There are various types of batteries available for an inverter. Let us look at some of them and understand their differences.
Types of Inverter Batteries
- Gel Batteries
A gel battery is a very reliable valve-regulated, lead-acid battery filled with silica inside it. These batteries are built to last and are pretty sturdy, require little maintenance, and are safe for the environment. Gel batteries produce no fumes and can be used in spaces with little ventilation.
- Flat Plate Batteries
Flat plate batteries are lead-acid batteries; they are cheaper than gel batteries but have a shorter lifespan. These batteries are recommended for places with minimal power cuts, and they need shorter recharge times than other batteries.
- Tubular Batteries
Tubular plate batteries are also lead-acid batteries; they are costlier than flat plate batteries and are much longer-lasting. They are considerably more reliable and have a more extended warranty period.
Consequently, these batteries are much heavier and take up more space than flat plate batteries.
Inverter Battery Maintenance Tips
Regular power cuts are one of the most frequent problems faced by the people in India, and this is why taking proper care of your inverter is necessary. Inverter batteries don’t require regular maintenance as most of them are designed to be sturdy and long-lasting, but timely care is mandatory for optimal performance of the battery. Following a few easy maintenance tips can help extend your battery’s life.
- Keep Your Inverter Terminals Clean and Corrosion-free
Make sure to wipe and clean off any dust from the inverter terminals and keep them safe from corrosion and rust, as that can significantly impact the life and performance of the battery.
If you see a buildup of rust and corrosion, use a solution of baking soda and hot water on the affected area and use a toothbrush to brush it off.
To prevent corrosion and rust buildup, keep the inverter in an airy space away from moisture; you can also use petroleum jelly on the terminals to keep rust at bay.
- Place the Inverter in an Open Space
Ensure the inverter is kept in an open, airy space to allow the heat to dissipate effectively. Proper air circulation is essential for the optimal functioning of an inverter.
- Keep the Inverter Away from Flammable Objects
You must keep the inverter in a safe space, away from anything that could catch on fire. If it is near any flammable object, the battery could catch fire and lead to a fire hazard.
- Check the Water Levels
Periodically check the water levels of your inverter battery every 45-60 days. Make sure the water levels are maintained at the recommended levels. It is also necessary to top up the battery with distilled water; the impurities from regular tap water can impact the battery’s performance.
- Use the Inverter Battery
That seems redundant, but the inverter is not used if you’re not experiencing any power cuts. Ensure to discharge the batteries thoroughly once a month and recharge them to maintain backup times.
- Replace the Batteries Periodically
Batteries are not meant to last forever; all batteries have a lifetime and lose the ability to hold their charge over time. Changing the worn-out batteries for new ones is necessary to ensure your inverter’s backup time is not compromised.
- Don’t Overload the Batteries
Don’t connect loads greater than the recommended amount on your inverter, as this can be catastrophic as it might lead to your battery burning out much more quickly. Your inverter is designed to supply tiny amounts of electricity for an extended period; make sure to disconnect loads when they are not used to keep your inverter healthy.
- Don’t Continuously Drain the Battery
Waiting for the battery to run out entirely before recharging damages the cell walls, reducing longevity and performance. Ensure to recharge the battery when the batteries are down to a reasonable level but not completely drained out.