PV Gap

Salvador Said:

Connecting solar battery to APC UPS?

We Answered:

The 12v battery in the APC UPS and the 12v 55 Ahr battery in your other link are the same voltage and share the same chemistry. The main problem you will encounter is cooling. The APC inverter normally only needs to run a few minutes or until it's internal battery is depleted and the heat sinks on the circuit board are sized accordingly. They are undersized for continuous use. The original case also won't supply sufficient airflow. The transformer will also run very hot if used continuously at full (390 watt) load.

To reuse the inverter for your intended 90 watt load, you'll need to find a way to keep the aluminum blocks (usually identified as HS1 and HS2) cool. Either find a way to add more radiating area, add a fan, or both. You'll also need to provide a suitable enclosure since high voltages may be present anytime batteries or mains power is connected.

Don