WITH an energy expert agreeing that load-shedding is here to stay for the next few years, we need to find a way to keep connected. Many homeowners are turning to technological solutions to keep their Wi-Fi up and running when the lights go out.
Among the technological solutions to these power-outage problems are devices like the inverter and UPS (uninterrupted power supply).
To find out more about these devices, Berea Mail contacted Dr Katleho Moloi, an energy expert and acting HOD for the Department of Electrical Power Engineering at the Durban University of Technology.
What is an inverter?
As the name suggests, this device works to invert the power supply stored in a battery to run appliances that are usually plugged in and powered by electricity. It is important to note from the outset that power stored in a battery is stored as direct current (DC) while electrical power is alternating current (AC).
“In simple terms, an inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC),” explained Moloi.
ALSO READ: Load shedding back-up devices
Inverters typically work in conjunction with solar panels.
“The energy we get from the sun is DC, and all home appliances use alternating current, so we cannot power these appliances with a DC source. An inverter is a compact device – there are a lot of components inside which convert DC to AC, including capacitors, diodes and switches. This is necessary because you can only store power in DC form – you can’t store the electricity supplied by Eskom because it is AC,” said Moloi.
Home Wi-Fi is also powered by AC, which means that power stored in DC form must be inverted to keep Wi-Fi devices working during load-shedding – although fibre connections present some challenges.
“Fibre connection will be difficult to supply with an inverter device because the fibre link (outside the home) is powered by AC. That is why cellphone reception and internet connectivity are weaker when there is load-shedding where the tower is located – because towers use AC. They have some backup power supply in a DC battery, but when the battery depletes, connectivity is lost,” said Moloi.
Inverter prices in a nutshell
- Inverters range in price. An inverter that delivers 720W should keep laptops and Wi-Fi running or keep a TV and streaming service operational. This is priced in the R10 000 range.
What is a UPS?
A UPS (uninterrupted power supply) utilises multiple backup power sources to ensure the power supply is not broken.
“This is utilised when designing systems for a hospital, for example, where there is a critical load and the power supply cannot be interrupted. With UPS, if you lose the main line – you have other power sources available – such as solar or wind power, and a generator – just as there are multiple streams or rivers carrying water into the ocean – UPS cannot have a single power source,” explained Moloi.
ALSO READ: How to stay lit during load shedding while increasing your property value
A UPS is a compact device which may include a solar panel and inverter.
“UPS is a very good option for someone with a fibre connection because UPS has multi connection points with AC or DC options. The current design gives you flexibility, whereas an inverter does one thing – convert DC to AC,” said Moloi.
UPS costs in a nutshell
A UPS with a 12 volt 100 MPA battery is priced in the R9000 range. UPS devices can range from about R3 000 for a 500W continuous device to about R6 000 for a 1 200W continuous device. To power a TV for 2-4 hours, a 600W device should be sufficient.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. To receive news via our Telegram group, send a WhatsApp message to 084 418 2286.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
