For my little IT business, the possibility of power cuts is very bad news indeed. So we invested in one of these things – a “UA1101l” power storage unit. On paper, it stores about 3.6 MJ (megajoules) or 1 kWh (kilowatt hour) in EV (electric vehicle) grade LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries.
My tests suggest that in reality the above storage figures are a tad optimistic. It actually delivers 2.5 MJ | 700 Wh – which is still sufficient to keep our servers and internet connectivity up for a few hours during a power cut.
It powers our modem/router rack, environment/security server, 6 security cameras, media server, emergency stair lighting, electronic door entry system and Christmas tree for a bit over four hours. With enough juice to recharge a mobile phone or two as well via its various USB outputs. Various types and sizes are available, though the more interesting and advanced units generally need to be ordered directly from China.
UA1101l
This UNIT, known simply as a “UA1101l”, is fanless and noiseless. Its nicely-made all aluminium shell acts as a giant heatsink for its inverter and BMS (battery management system). It’s also quite compact: 192mm x 192mm x 385mm and weighs just 12.5kg. So it can carried around and redeployed to power the central heating electrics or deep freezer, if needed.
Or simply used for a romantic candle-lit dinner for two, or perhaps a not-so-romantic fish-and-chip supper for two, without the inherent fire risk and health hazards that actual burning candles present. This model has two 300 lumen LED lights built-in each end…
I’ve not really had the device long enough to comment on its overall performance. But as things stand, I’d say its real weakness is that it will only recharge at 200 watts. If you are simultaneously draining it, say to run a modem or a server, it can take an absolute age to charge. Even with no drain it takes well over five hours to charge from zero to 100%.
My plan is to keep testing it for a further month or two, to establish any other short comings it may have. Then I will likely purchase a significantly more powerful unit. I’ll still keep this one. Having the best part of 1kWh of electrical energy in-store is always a good idea when threatened with power cuts. Meantime here is a link to the supplier whence this unit was purchased…
Finally, if you have a device similar to this, then I’d be very interested to learn about it. Please let us know in the comments box below…
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