Last Updated on 1 year by admin
Why Off-Grid inverters require pre-charging?
The quick response is that it will protect the inverter from high inrush current.
To put it another way, if you connect batteries to inverters without pre-charging, it could cause serious damage. This happens when the inverter cannot handle the inrush current. Pre-charge circuits prevent the initial power spike from damaging the inverters. A pre-charge circuit can aid in protecting the inverter by using PTC thermistors. We’ll explain the cheapest and most effective way to pre-charge your off-grid inverter in today’s article.
Components required to pre-charge your inverter
Pre-charging typically involves the use of a resistor. However, unless you live close to an electronics store, it can be challenging to get the right resistor when connecting a high current battery system to an inverter.
As a result, we have developed a simple and affordable solution. Just a 24 V Dual Filament bulb will do. You may get this at an auto parts store. It is preferable to buy a holder that fits the bulb if you don’t have a soldering iron. Pre-charging resistor is usually high price, using a bulb is much cheap.
Now you need to wire the bulb to light up both filaments in series mode. Make sure it’s not connected in parallel mode. The bulb now functions as a 48 V bulb. Typically, two wires connected to the lower terminals of the 24V bulb will illuminate both filaments in series. Do your own testing to make sure it’s wired correctly.
For 24V Inverter
Use a 12V bulb with two filaments and follow the same process as described below.
How to pre-charge an inverter
This is required only when connecting the inverter to the battery for the 1st time. Also, you may need to pre-charge if you disconnect the batteries for servicing ..etc.
You are now set to connect the batteries to the inverter. Make sure the batteries are properly wired and the terminals are securely fastened.
As the 1st step, connect the negative wire which comes from the batteries to the inverter (- connector). Next, connect the positive wire which comes from the batteries to one end of the bulb and then hold the other end of the bulb wire to the inverter positive terminal. The bulb will light up and go out in a few seconds. This confirms that the pre-charging is completed. You can safely remove the bulb and connect the positive battery wire directly to the inverter.
Using a bulb has even more advantages than using a resistor. When using a resistor, it is impossible to tell if the inverter capacitors have been fully pre-charged or not. But when we use a bulb, we know that when it turns off, the pre-charging is finished.
Despite the fact that we haven’t said anything specifically, always use all necessary safety precautions when working with electricity. If you don’t utilize the proper wiring and tools, DC current in particular can damage your property significantly. Therefore, before beginning any DIY project, always ensure that all safety precautions have been taken.
