Inverter or Ecoflow (Loadshedding backup solution )

William1102

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Hi all

Clearly loadshedding is something that’s here forever so need to implement some solution

Want to power the double door fridge, 65” 4K TV , Samsung Soundbar , router and ONT a couple of lights , not mandatory but mum wants the kettle during loadshedding defy one says 1800-2100w or any recommendations for a lower power one

Will move towards the end of year so solar isn’t an option at the moment

Any suggestions on a solution for this I’d like to spend around 8-15k

Thanks
 
Firstly, they are both inverters, just different brands.

8 to 15k is unfortunately not going to work for your application. Kettle? Mom must get a gas stove.

You will need something that's minimum 24V, that already puts you at around R15k just for the battery. You budget is just good enough for the TV and other electronics and lights.
 
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You've got a lot of important considerations there. Given your requirements and budget, I would personally advise against an Ecoflow system. They are quite handy and portable, but in terms of value for money and customization, a DIY inverter/trolley system could probably serve you better.

Regarding the load, it is challenging to provide an accurate estimation without knowing the exact energy consumption of your devices. This is particularly true with fridges, as they can have unexpected spike draws. As a result, I would strongly recommend measuring the load using a Kill-a-Watt or similar power meter. This will help you get a more precise idea of your energy needs.

For your ONT/router, instead of running them off a larger system, consider purchasing a dedicated mini-UPS or two. They are affordable, efficient and designed specifically for these types of devices.

The kettle is a tough one. While I understand its importance, it's also a significant power draw. Gas is indeed a better bet. If it's necessary, you might look into low wattage travel kettles as a more energy-efficient alternative. More on this in a moment.

Lastly, for your budget, you can forget 24V, although I have to agree with @TheChamp that is the best way to go.

Anything smaller is only good for running a TV and a few lights. Looking at a 12V/1000W inverter 'trolley' with a small lithium 100ah battery e.g., this Axpert trolley might fit your budget, but is limited in what it can offer you. The capacity alone on the battery is 12V * 100ah = 1200Wh. Ignoring any inefficincies for a moment, even your small 650W travel kettle, will take a good 5-10 minutes to boil 500ml, using a good 650w*10minutes=108wh, almost 10% of the capacity of the system in one swoop.
My 58" TV, PC, and a few lights use about 350W. The above system would only give me a runtime of 1200Wh/350W=3.42 hours till you have a flat battery - never good.

So you need to adjust these figures. On lithium one aims to never use more than 80% of the capacity. So 1200Wh becomes 960Wh. Then you need to adjust it for the inefficiencies of the inverter (usually about 85%). Now we are down to just 816Wh of capacity. Lets deduct the 108Wh that you will use for the kettle, leaving you with 708Wh. 708Wh/350W=2.02hours of runtime. Not nearly enough, but can be done.

Foget the kettle, fridge, and run the TV at a lower brightness, turn off the soundbar and extra lights, and you can easily survive with 1200Wh for 3+ hours, if not 4.
 
these 2 devices is the cheapest i could google that could meet that need ,it is over budget
But not as much as a ready made unit that is plug and play would be


2.5kwh battery power and 3000w output

I would personally not buy a pwm solar controller unit if i intend to put solar panels on later





Plug and play you are looking at this

 
these 2 devices is the cheapest i could google that could meet that need ,it is over budget
But not as much as a ready made unit that is plug and play would be

2.5kwh battery power and 3000w output

I would personally not buy a pwm solar controller unit if i intend to put solar panels on later


Quick one, is this solarenergy a legit store? They seem to always have good stock and their prices are very decent.
 
Hi all

Clearly loadshedding is something that’s here forever so need to implement some solution

Want to power the double door fridge, 65” 4K TV , Samsung Soundbar , router and ONT a couple of lights , not mandatory but mum wants the kettle during loadshedding defy one says 1800-2100w or any recommendations for a lower power one

Will move towards the end of year so solar isn’t an option at the moment

Any suggestions on a solution for this I’d like to spend around 8-15k

Thanks

Here we go again
 
Someone posted a link to them
As a bit better price on an item i linked in a chat a day or two ago hopefully they will chime in
 
Spend the money on a gas stove, or gas burner.
Find a small inverter trolley and use that for the other stuff.
Sadly, your budget is a little low for what you require
 
Love my Ecoflow Delta Mini
Recharges to 100% in under 2hrs

Whereas my Mecer Inverter takes 6hrs to recharge batteries
Recharging 882wh isn't exactly something to brag about

ie a mecer axpert 24v with 30A charge rate would top that up in 1hr and 9min

On a 20A charge rate even the cheap 1440w 24v mecer would recharge that in 1h44min

That's the problem with comparing recharge time while ignoring battery capacity

These expensive units is a joke if you really look at the specs on a apple vs apple comparison
 
Recharging 882wh isn't exactly something to brag about

ie a mecer axpert 24v with 30A charge rate would top that up in 1hr and 9min

On a 20A charge rate even the cheap 1440w 24v mecer would recharge that in 1h44min

That's the problem with comparing recharge time while ignoring battery capacity

These expensive units is a joke if you really look at the specs on a apple vs apple comparison
All Ecoflows from the tiny river to delta pro charge in under 2hrs, not just my delta mini
Even when you add additional batteries to the deltas they all charge in under 2hrs
I tested it at work the other day, 3 x 2kwh batteries all fully charged quick quick
We need fast charging this year thanx to you guys that keep voting ANC
 
Love my Ecoflow Delta Mini
Recharges to 100% in under 2hrs

Whereas my Mecer Inverter takes 6hrs to recharge batteries
i would go with Ecoflow simply because most of my friends who've bought Mecer Inverters have had some point had them go pop, bang or just refuse to work.

I've had 3 and 1 died after exactly 1 year and one after 2 years. A friend has their 3kva device i think it was - he's on his 3rd unit in 9 months. Yes replaced under warranty but still a pita to have to send it back and forth.

I don't know why but they seem to have become less reliable than in the years past.
 
Love my Ecoflow Delta Mini
Recharges to 100% in under 2hrs

Whereas my Mecer (24v ?)Inverter takes 6hrs to recharge batteries

882Wh vs 2560wh?

Have both 24V Mecer (2560Wh) 1 x 25.6V LFP and Kool 1KW (1280Wh)
Both take about 2 hours to refill after LS

Mecer is used for TV lights and network
Kool is used for Freezer if power is out for more than 10 hours.

Happy with both.
 
882Wh vs 2560wh?

Have both 24V Mecer (2560Wh) 1 x 25.6V LFP and Kool 1KW (1280Wh)
Both take about 2 hours to refill after LS

Mecer is used for TV lights and network
Kool is used for Freezer if power is out for more than 10 hours.

Happy with both.
This stupid Mecer doesnt care what batteries I use or how long I used them for.
The charger sits at 28.4 volts for 6 hours every day after loadshedding , then goes and rests at 27.2
 
Thanks all for the suggestions

Wanted to add in Durban so only need to run a load for 2 hours
 
All Ecoflows from the tiny river to delta pro charge in under 2hrs, not just my delta mini
Even when you add additional batteries to the deltas they all charge in under 2hrs
I tested it at work the other day, 3 x 2kwh batteries all fully charged quick quick
We need fast charging this year thanx to you guys that keep voting ANC
Were they all depleted ?
Does t have a bigger charger and just limit to 0.5c based on quantity of batteries

ie charging at 3kw if 6kwh of batteries (3x2kwh)

I doubt it in such a small form factor cause the yet force from the fan would have it flying around the batteries /jk
 
Saying my inverter recharges my batteries after load shedding is statement that can mislead people

This discussion misses an important variable usage

ie if your avg usage rate is lower than recharge rate then it will always recharge in 4hrs or less

The problem comes in once you exceed the charge rate

Which is much easier on a 12v system with 10A charging
 
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