Profilux UPS - DIY Questions

[waitwut]

I'd like to put my Profilux 4 on a UPS so that it can continue to run a powerhead in the event of a power outage.

A regular AC UPS charging a battery and then converting that back to DC seems inefficient. There are small DC UPSes with 12V outputs that look suitable but I've I've already got a 12V lead acid battery for my Tunze safety backup power supply and I want to try to run the Profilux off that as well. Wondering if anyone has experience with this?

There's dirt cheap UPS circuits on AliExpress which automatically switch to a battery in the event of a power failure - I'm not sure I trust a €2 circuit with this (and I very much don't trust their charging function to not burn down my apartment). I could also buy another Tunze safety connector and change the plug if necessary but I'm not sure if the Profilux needs exactly 12V or not. There's also pre-made options like this, unfortunately they don't have the regulated version in stock. Will the Profilux function normally with a voltage in the range of normal 12V lead acid battery (~11 - 13V I believe)?

Interested in hearing the solutions others have come up with and/or product recommendations!

 

[Macca_75]

Just run it from the 12V battery 100% of the time and have the 12V battery connected to a reliable charger that will maintain the battery at float voltage. If AC fails the Profilux will continue to run (at least until the battery is drained) and if the AC is restored before then the charger will (re)charge the battery back to float voltage

 

[ingchr1]

I just use a regular APC UPS. I wouldn't think that much power is being lost in the extra conversion.

You could design something using an industrial DC power supply that also has a battery input. Here's a couple of manufacturers that probably have something that would work.

Power Supplies-Acopian ACDC/DCDC Power Supplies, DCDC Converters

Acopian Made In USA Reliable ACDC/DCDC power supplies & DCDC converters-fast shipping. Order Online. Switching,Linear,Regulated,Custom,HV,Redundant,2U.

www.acopian.com

DuraComm Power Supplies - DuraComm

Founded in Sep. 1992, DuraComm Power Supplies is a worldwide recognized leader in ultra-reliable AC -to-DC switch mode power supplies commonly used in the communications industry.

duracomm.com

 

[KStatefan]

I run mine directly of the battery with a charger hooked up to it. I had orginally planned on having it 24 volts but only one battery was shipped and were discontinued. The 24 volts was for my Tunze powerheads.

 

[waitwut]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I wanted to run it off the same battery as the powerheads not just because it seems wasteful to do an AC > DC > AC conversion - it also doesn't make a lot of sense to have separate batteries for the powerheads and for the Profilux because if one runs out the other is basically useless.

If others have had good results with running the Profilux directly off the battery I will give that a try as well.

 

[Macca_75]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I wanted to run it off the same battery as the powerheads not just because it seems wasteful to do an AC > DC > AC conversion - it also doesn't make a lot of sense to have separate batteries for the powerheads and for the Profilux because if one runs out the other is basically useless.

If others have had good results with running the Profilux directly off the battery I will give that a try as well.

i think staying DC the whole way is far more effecient. If you were concerned about the voltage of a battery varying (between say 11v and 14v) you could look for a DC/DC convertor. they basically take a "range" of DC inputs and have a fixed stable output.
No name version

8-40V to 12V 10A DC Voltage Stabilizer Car Power Supply Regulator Waterproof

Feature:1:Waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, small volume, simple installation.2:Not isolation shape DC regulated power supply module, high stability of output.3:Wide voltage input, built-in over current, over voltage, over temperature, short circuit, and automatic protection functions.4:Great...

areyourshop.com

through to top of the range stuff like Victron

https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-Orion-Tr-DC-DC-converters-isolated-100-250-400W-EN.pdf

(you use the Victron in Power Supply mode, it takes the varying input and gives a stable output). You can also specify to 2 decimal points the voltage out.

 

[waitwut]

Thanks for the suggestion - this exact device is available on AliExpress and a 3A rated version is only €10 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004043152719.html

Have ordered one and will see how it goes!