Windy Nation VertaMax Power Inverter - Manual (Page 12)

VertaMax User Manual
Revision 1.1
Actual operating time from a battery will depend upon the current draw from the battery. A battery will deliver
less total power (energy) as you draw higher amps. A 100 amp-hour battery can deliver 5 amps for 20 hours
(100 amp-hours) but it will only deliver 50 amps for 1 1/2 hours (50 x 1.5 = 75) or 75 amp-hours at the higher
rate.
Also remember, battery life is decreased if the battery is discharged fully. Lead acid batteries have the
longest life, if they are kept fully charged.
4.4.3 Battery Capacity
Select a battery or system of batteries that will provide your Inverter with proper DC voltage and an adequate
amp-hour capacity to power your application. Even though VertaMax Inverters are highly efficient at DC-to-
AC inversion, their rated output capacities are limited by the total amp-hour capacity of connected batteries
and the support of charging devices connected to the battery (e.g. a vehicle alternator, solar panel, wind
turbine, battery charger).
STEP 1: Determine Total Wattage Required
Add the wattage ratings of all equipment you will connect to your Inverter. Wattage ratings are usually listed
in equipment manuals or on nameplates. If your equipment is rated in amps, multiply that number times AC
utility voltage to determine watts. (Example: a ¼ in. drill requires 2½ amps. 2½ amps × 120 volts = 300
watts.)
Note: Your Inverter will operate at higher efficiencies when used at about 75% - 80% of the inverter’s rating.
STEP 2: Determine DC Battery Amps Required
Divide the total wattage required (from step 1, above) by the battery voltage (12) to determine the DC amps
required.
STEP 3: Estimate Battery Amp-Hours Required
Multiply the DC amps required (from step 2, above) by the number of hours you estimate you will operate
your equipment exclusively from battery power before you have to recharge your batteries. Compensate for
inefficiency and wiring losses by multiplying this number by 1.2. This will give you a rough estimate of how
many amp-hours of battery power (from one or several batteries) you should connect to your Inverter.
NOTE: Battery amp-hour ratings are usually given for a 20-hour discharge rate. Actual amp-hour capacities
are less when batteries are discharged at faster rates. For example, batteries discharged in 55 minutes
provide only 50% of their listed amp-hour ratings, while batteries discharged in 9 minutes provide as little as
30% of their amp-hour ratings.
You must allow your batteries to recharge long enough to replace the charge lost during Inverter operation or
else you will eventually run down your batteries.
5 TROUBLESHOOTING AND SUPPORT
The VertaMax is ruggedly constructed and requires minimal care. It is recommended to inspect all the
connections at least two times per year for insulation damage or corrosion and to ensure all connections are
tight and secure.
5.1 M AINTENANCE & C ARE
Clean the heat sink and area around the controller of any dirt or debris with a moistened cloth.
Tighten the screws on the DC input terminals. Be sure vents and fans are free of dust or debris.
Inspect any batteries for cracked or bulging cases and corroded terminals.
5.2 F USE R EPLACEMENT
Warning: Be sure all AC and DC connections are removed and the unit is powered off
Important: Do not attempt to replace the fuses if you are not comfortable with electronic devices.
Important: ESD Precautions must be observed as stated in Section 2.1
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