Power problem

Good answer, I have rated it as such too....

Its difficult, without a huge post, to get a complete answer in a blog.......! This was as good as you can get I feel.....

I have a pass through inverter which does maintain the charge on the back up battery bank as long as utility power is present. The size of your battery bank determines for how long the inverter can run before the battery is depleted.

If the power outage last longer than the battery bank can sustain then you need some other way to recharge. If you are sure the outage only last 3 - 5 hours then a pass through inverter plus battery is suficient. A little bit expensive, but not too bad over the long haul. If the outages extend for a full day or more, the cost of enough batteries becomes excessive. At this point a small DC genset starts to look economically attractive. Local pricing of equipment not to mention each persons ability do DIY plays a very large part in determning the exact economic break even point.

The big difference with a DC genset compared to an AC genset is this. The DC genset only runs when battery charging is needed. When it runs, it is loaded optimally for maximum BSFC economy This optimal loading means minimum fouling and also means you can get the longest interval between oil changes. In between engine run time, you use a suitably sized inverter to create AC power.

An AC genset has to run anytime you want any amount of AC power.

the cost of purchasing a 100A house current driven charger is way more than the cost of buying a 100A alternator.

Hello Conrads

Just seen a BBC World documentary about your problem. I can now better understand your wanting to emigrate. In my place we would probably use all the democratic tool we may have to try and change the situation, In your case, who would be the replacement?

quoting one of Napoleon generals at the Russian front: "we are going from bad to worse"

Wangito

Hi Wangito

I think the emigrate is going to happen. Just the time and where to go?? I just don't know who/where to ask in order to get the right advise?? thx for understanding.

Hallo Conrads. I'm also from SA and sharing in the gloomy fate!! Did you complete the installation - and success?? Any tips??