"How To Turn Your UPS To Portable Power Station" Do you want to learn how to turn your uninterrupted power supply (UPS) to a portable power station, do you want to learn how to convert your Old UPS into a powerful inverter. Are you searching for how to turn your UPS to portable power station, how to convert UPS to inverter, how to convert your UPS to power inverter, how to convert your uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to inverter or how to turn UPS to inverter. If yes, Infoguide Ng has brought a complete step by step guide of how to turn your UPS into a portable power station. This article outlines a DIY project focused on converting an old Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) unit into a functional power inverter capable of handling approximately 250 watts of load. This article details the process of modifying the UPS hardware, specifically focusing on disabling the irritating internal beep and connecting an external, higher-capacity battery for extended backup time, advising against batteries larger than 20 Ah to ensure proper charging. After completing the modifications, the article demonstrates the inverter's capacity by successfully running various appliances, like light bulbs and soldering irons, for an extended period, while noting that a high-load tool like a drill machine causes the unit to trip. Ultimately, the goal is to create a reliable, cost-effective power backup solution from repurposed electronics.
This article details the process and specifications for converting an old Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) into a powerful home inverter.
The project focuses on building a UPS inverter using an old UPS. This conversion allows the device as capable of up to 300 watts to function as a backup power source.
Acquisition and Cost
A suitable used UPS was purchased without a battery for 5$. This unit was acquired from a location specializing in the repair of desktops and laptops, and where lithium-ion batteries are commonly purchased.
Initial Modifications and Preparation.
Once the UPS is opened, the first necessary step is dealing with the internal buzzer. When used as an inverter or backup device, the UPS emits a beeping sound that can be irritating. To resolve this:
- You can have the buzzer removed by an electronics repair shop.
- Alternatively, you can significantly reduce the sound by covering the buzzer with electrical tape or cellotape.
After addressing the buzzer, the original wiring must be prepared for the new external battery. It is crucial to pay careful attention to the connections, ensuring that the red wire connects to positive and the black wire connects to negative. If the existing wires are light, it is recommended to replace them or use a 90-number thick wire for the connections. The physical body of the UPS may need slight modification (using pliers) to allow the necessary wires to be easily routed out of the casing.
Battery Selection and Charging Capacity.
A larger battery is required for adequate backup, as the small 7 Ah batteries typically used in original UPS units do not provide enough capacity.
- Recommended Maximum Capacity: Users should not employ a battery larger than 20 Ah (ampere-hours).
- Charging Limitation: If a battery larger than 20 Ah is installed, the UPS will not be able to charge it effectively, as it requires 8 to 10 hours to complete the charging process. While the UPS can technically run on a larger battery (like a 100 Ah unit), it will not charge it.
For demonstration purposes, a 7 Ah bike battery was used for testing when a larger 20 Ah unit was unavailable.
Performance and Load Capacity Testing.
The converted inverter operates with a noticeable beep when turned on. The reliable working load capacity was determined through testing:
Load Tested - Wattage - Result - Backup Time (7 Ah Battery) - Backup Time (16-20 Ah Battery).
Drill Machine - 350 Watts - Failed/Tripped immediately - N/A - N/A.
Stable Load Up to 250 Watts Worked successfully for half an hour, others, 1 to 1.5 hours and 4 to 5 hours.
The stable load test confirmed that the device easily ran items totaling approximately 150 to 250 watts. This successful test load consisted of:
- Two 40-watt bulbs.
- One 100-watt bulb.
- Two 35-watt soldering irons.
These items were successfully run for half an hour on the small 7 Ah battery.
Operational Limits.
The best performance is achieved by maintaining the load at 250 watts or less. If the device is forced to handle loads beyond its capacity, it will automatically trip, auto-cut, or shut down.
Understanding the capacity limit is like knowing the maximum weight a small car can tow; while it might be capable of pulling slightly more momentarily, consistently overloading it (e.g., trying to pull a heavy truck) will inevitably cause the engine (or the UPS in this case) to overheat and shut down.
I believe this step by step guide will help to learn how to turn your UPS to portable power station.
Here's a video that explain How To Turn Your UPS To Portable Power Station (DIY UPS to Portable Power Station Conversion Guide).
