MWXNE believes that when you build an inverter system, there is a question that you will definitely consider, that is, how many batteries should I equip the inverter with? Especially for a high-power inverter like 4000 watts, sufficient power is required to support its operation. Configuring enough batteries for the inverter system can not only provide sufficient power for the system, but also extend the system life and ensure the stability of the inverter operation. In this article, MWXNE POWER will give you a detailed answer on how many batteries are needed for a 4000-watt inverter, and how to optimize the battery configuration according to different needs.
Working principle of 4000-watt inverter
Before discussing the number of batteries with you, MWXNE will first introduce you to the working principle of a 4000-watt inverter. The core function of an inverter is to convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) to power various home appliances or equipment. A 4000-watt inverter means that it can deliver up to 4000 watts of power to an appliance in a period of time. To maintain such power output, the battery pack must provide sufficient power, and the capacity, quantity and type of the battery will directly affect the performance of the system.
Factors affecting the number of batteries
When considering the number of batteries required for a 4000W inverter, you need to consider the following key factors:
- 1. Voltage requirements: Each inverter will have a rated input voltage, which cannot be changed. For the common 4000W inverters on the market, the common input voltages are 12V, 24V and 48V. The higher the voltage, the lower the current required, which means the number of batteries required is also less, which we will analyze in detail for you in the following paragraphs.
- 2. Battery capacity: Battery capacity is expressed in ampere hours (Ah), which refers to the amount of energy that the battery can store. The larger the battery capacity, the longer the battery can continue to supply power. Take a 100Ah battery as an example. It can provide 100 amps of current in 1 hour, or output 10 amps of current for a long time in 10 hours.
- 3. Power demand and usage time: Assuming that you plan to run the 4000W inverter for several hours every day, the battery pack you build must be able to support several hours of power supply.
- 4. Battery effective working capacity: MWXNE needs to remind you that not every battery can work at 100% efficiency. Generally, the efficiency of the battery is between 85% and 95%. This means that the actual available power will be lower than the nominal capacity.
How to calculate the number of batteries
Calculation formula:
Number of batteries = (Inverter power (W) x working time (h)) / battery voltage x battery capacity (Ah) x battery effective working capacity x inverter efficiency.
It should be noted that the output voltage of the battery system you equip for the inverter must match the rated voltage of the inverter. You can connect the batteries in series to increase the battery voltage.
We assume that the rated input voltage of the 4000W inverter is 48V
Step 1: Determine the total watt-hour demand
First, you need to calculate the power consumption of the 4000W inverter per hour. A 4000-watt inverter consumes 4000 watt-hours (Wh) of energy in 1 hour. Assuming you want the inverter to run continuously for 3 hours, you will need 4000 watts * 3 hours = 12000 watt-hours of power.
Step 2: Calculate the required current
Next, use the formula watt-hour = volts x amp-hours to calculate the current that the battery needs to provide. Since the input voltage of the inverter is 48V, the amp-hours that the battery bank needs to provide are:
12000 watt-hours ÷ 48 volts = 250 amp-hours.
Step 3: Determine the number of batteries
12V battery system
If you use a battery with a battery voltage of 12V and a capacity of 100Ah. In order to achieve the demand of 250 amp-hours, you must connect multiple batteries in parallel, with each 4 12V batteries connected in series to form a voltage of 48V. Therefore, in order to provide 250Ah, you need at least 3 sets of batteries in series, each containing 4 12V batteries, for a total of 12 batteries.
24V Battery System
Similarly, you need to connect two 24V batteries in parallel to provide a 48V output voltage. If your 24V battery voltage is 100AH, then you need 3 groups, that is, six 24V 100AH batteries to power the inverter.
48V Battery System
If you are using a 48V 100Ah battery, you only need to connect 3 batteries in parallel to meet the 3-hour operation of the 4000-watt inverter.
Choice of Battery Type
When choosing a battery, common battery types include lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Each battery has its advantages and disadvantages:
- Lead-acid batteries: Lead-acid batteries are relatively cheap, they are heavier, usually have a shorter service life, and require regular maintenance, such as checking the electrolyte and cleaning the battery terminals. This battery is suitable for applications that do not require high weight and space, but is not suitable for occasions that require frequent charging and discharging.
- Lithium-ion batteries: Lithium-ion batteries are known for their high efficiency, light weight, and long service life. Despite their higher price, their superior performance and durability make them an ideal choice for more and more users. Lithium-ion batteries are particularly suitable for occasions where long-term stable power supply is required, such as when used with a 4000-watt inverter, which can provide higher energy efficiency and less maintenance requirements.
Measures to extend battery life
To ensure the life and performance of the battery pack, you can take the following measures:
Avoid deep discharge: Deep discharge will damage the internal structure of the battery, thereby shortening its service life. It is recommended to keep the battery's state of charge between 20% and 80%. By avoiding fully discharging the battery, you can effectively protect the battery and extend its service life.
Regular maintenance: Especially for lead-acid batteries, regular inspection and maintenance are key to extending their service life. Regularly cleaning the battery terminals, checking the electrolyte level, and keeping the battery surface clean can prevent corrosion and other problems and ensure that the battery is always in optimal working condition.
Use the right charger: Different types of batteries require different chargers. Make sure to use a charger that is compatible with the battery to prevent overcharging or undercharging. This not only improves charging efficiency, but also effectively protects the battery from damage caused by improper charging.
Maintain a suitable temperature: The performance and life of the battery will be affected by temperature. Store the battery in a dry and moderate environment as much as possible, avoiding extreme high or low temperature conditions to maintain its optimal performance.
Regularly test the battery status: Use a battery tester to check the health of the battery regularly to detect potential problems in time and ensure that the battery can operate normally.
Conclusion
If you want to choose the right number of batteries for a 4000-watt inverter, you need to consider multiple factors such as input voltage, battery capacity, system power requirements, and usage time. Based on the calculation of the 48V system, you need at least 12 100Ah 12V batteries. If you choose other voltage systems, the number of batteries required will increase accordingly. Reasonable configuration of the battery pack and selection of the right battery type can not only ensure the efficient operation of the system, but also extend its service life.
