SOLUPS: A Hybrid Solar Powered UPS Using Prismatic Lithium- Iron Phosphate Battery Pack

Abstract

This study aimed to design and develop a solar-powered uninterruptible power supply (UPS) called SOLUPS, that can serve as a renewable backup power source. The study addresses related questions on the design of the SOLUPS such as the charging time, run-time, impact of other variables, and economic factors. Descriptive and developmental research methods were employed with the researchers’ knowledge of electrical engineering to conceptualize the design of the SOLUPS. This study designed and developed a solar-powered uninterruptible power supply (UPS) called SOLUPS, a backup power source. Results revealed a significant effect of the load wattage on the run-time, with the 200W load wattage providing longer run-time as compared to the 350W load wattage. The load type also influences the run-time, with DC loads having a slight advantage over the AC type of load. The study concludes that the SOLUPS’ design effectively addressed the research objectives and provided reliable backup power through solar energy. The charging time, run-time, and economic factors of the SOLUPS demonstrate its potential as a practical solution for power interruptions and the utilization of renewable energy. The SOLUPS is made of a 1280Wh Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LiFe PO4) battery pack with a 100Ah battery management system and a 5A capacitive active balancer. A low-voltage disconnect module is also added to protect the battery pack from draining. SOLUPS can deliver up to 800W of AC power with a pure sine wave.