We’ve all heard tubular or SMF batteries explode more frequently in inverter and UPS applications.
People are generally unaware that these explosions can kill them, as the explosion causes sharp plastic and lead nails mixed with acid to hit people with force, causing burns, amputations, or even death.
A lot of accidents have occurred; some are reported in the press, and others are not.
What causes these accidents needs to be understood very clearly.
- The Inverters used with Tubular batteries can cause a blast if the inverter charging circuit overcharges the battery beyond its charging limits or the charging limit of the Inverter and UPS is set at higher limits than the battery can take. All tubular or SMF battery has the limitation of charging voltage being cut off. Suppose that setting is not done in Inverter or UPS according to the battery installed with that particular voltage. In that case, the battery can bulge initially and can explode ultimately.
- Most UPS and inverter manufacturers give switches at the back of their products for settings of different types of batteries, but this is not sometimes known to the customer and seller. They don’t care to set the switch before installing the battery and Inverter/UPS, which leads to the overcharging or undercharging of the battery. The overcharging causes bulging and blasts and undercharging reduce the backup time of the inverter and UPS. Also, the local UPS and Inverter manufacturer is making the product without much awareness, which also become one reason for battery blast.
- The proper distilled water is to be used when refilling the battery as this also causes the problem for the storm as the charging takes place, the chemical reaction takes place in the battery which creates various types of gases in the battery which can become the cause of significant explosion in the storm.
- The Vent Plugs cleaning also becomes one of the significant causes of explosions as people who have installed batteries in the vicinity are not aware that when the battery is charged or discharged, the vent plugs are meant for evaporation of those gases. If those get choked, then these can cause an explosion. These vent plugs need to be cleaned regularly, and if possible, the battery vent plugs are to be removed once in 6 months. After cleaning, they can be installed again, but this has to be done by the battery professional only so that no untoward accident happens.
- Temperature to be maintained around the battery placement as high temperature also becomes one of the reasons for battery explosion as the battery being charged and discharged the battery is getting heated inside. If the temperature outside is also very high, it can cause the bulging of the battery or explosion at times.
- Proper ventilation where the product is placed is also essential, as the gases are released in the atmosphere when the battery is charged or discharged. Hence, one has to see that those gases are removed in the open air rather than accumulated in a closed-door space, as these are poisonous gases and can be hazardous to the health of human beings.
- Time-to-time servicing of the Inverter/UPS is also essential by the technical people so that they can check that proper charging voltage is maintained by the Invert/UPS and can check the battery voltages and adequate cleaning of the battery and other routine maintenance of the product.
- No cigarettes or burning of any material around is allowed as the inverter/UPS batteries emit a lot of poisonous gases, and the lighting of cigarettes or any kind of flames around them can cause an explosion, so one should keep these away.
Conclusion
Tubular or SMF batteries are exploding more often in inverter and UPS applications. This causes sharp plastic and lead nails mixed with acid to hit people hard, causing burns, amputations, or even death. Inverters with tubular batteries can cause a blast if the charging circuit overcharges the battery beyond its charging limits or if the charging limits are set higher than the battery can take. Additionally, the local UPS and inverter manufacturers are making the products without much awareness, and the proper distilled water should be used when refilling the battery. Explosions in batteries are caused by a chemical reaction inside the battery that makes different gases. Vent plugs must be cleaned regularly and removed every 6 months, and temperatures must be maintained around the battery placement. Proper ventilation where the product is placed is also important, and technical personnel must regularly service the inverter or UPS. Smoking or burning any kind of material around the batteries can cause explosions, so one should keep these away.
Clean energy solutions are the priority of every Govt, and Su-vastika has always strived to make it happen. Su-vastika is a Government of India Recognized Star Export House in Gurugram, India. The company has recently announced the launch of its Electronic Genset, which is dubbed “Power on Wheels.”
It is a pollution-free and much more cost-effective replacement for traditional diesel generators.
The company has installed its electronic genset in their Gurugram-based manufacturing facility as a real-life example, where it is successfully powering the entire factory. The installed electronic genset, which also serves as the best demo for the intended purpose, successfully runs loads of 100 KVA, including capacitive, resistive, and mixed loads.
One of the key features of Su-vastika’s Electronic Genset is its customization capabilities. The capacity can be increased or decreased per the individual’s needs. Even after the installation, the duration of its Electronic Genset can be increased or decreased by reducing the load or increasing the battery capacity. The lithium battery gets charged in 4 to 5 hours completely, so in case of intermittent power cuts, it charges quickly and is ready to give back up again.
Because Su-vastika’s Electronic Genset uses reliable and proven Lithium batteries, the life cycle of the battery is expected to last for 5 to 7 years, depending on the power cuts.
This Electronic Genset is super-clean, with no hanging wires It is completely safe, as there is no inflammable diesel to deal with or worry about electric shocks. It not only looks good but takes much less space which makes it suitable for even the tightest of corners.
Users can simply plug in and forget. Su-vastika Electronic Genset can easily handle all your power needs for over a decade.
Over time, Suvastika’sElectronic Genset will be much more cost-effective than a diesel generator.
Because no matter the load, a diesel generator will always use a set amount of fuel, while our Electronic Genset reduces the consumption when the load is decreased. Running on electricity charges takes one-fourth of the cost compared to diesel pricing for running the same load. With no maintenance required, it will keep adding to the savings for years.
This system can run on the solar as well by adding an MPPT Solar charge controller with the solar panels, and this system is designed to add Solar without making any changes in the system.
Su-vastika’s Electronic Genset will undoubtedly bring a massive shift in how we generate and store power.
To learn more, visit: https://suvastika.com/ or send an email to info@suvastika.com
Elevatophobia
Phobia is an arbitrary fear of an object, space, feeling, or situation. Social phobia (Fear of Social Interactions), Arachnophobia (Fear of Spiders), Mysophobia (fear of germs or dirt), Acrophobia (Fear of heights), etc. are some common types of phobias.
One more type of phobia, though not officially listed as one, is Elevatophobia or Elevaphobia, which causes discomfort, panic, despair, and anxiety in people daily.
People with Elevatophobia don’t deliberate on the need for a cure because avoiding situations involving exposure to their fear is their best relief. Their avoidance gives them temporary respite from their problem. For people with lift phobia, climbing hundreds of stairs is more convenient than using an elevator for a few minutes.
There are countless causes of Elevatophobia, but some actions taken by elevator manufacturers and installers to increase elevator safety can significantly reduce the sufferer’s fear. One way to increase lift safety is by installing ERD— a storage-based technology. You will know more about this technology in the article below. Let’s explore!
What constitutes Elevatophobia?
Elevatophobia, commonly described as the fear of elevators, does not often exist as a standalone phobia. It is triggered by two underlined phobias: Agoraphobia and Claustrophobia.
Agoraphobia: It is the fear of being trapped in a situation or place with no way to escape, such as standing in a line or being trapped among a crowd. The fully enclosed design of elevators is the perfect trigger for this phobia.
Indeed, most people with agoraphobia don’t particularly worry about riding elevators. Some still find it difficult to picture themselves in a box with no escape route.
Claustrophobia: It is not unusual for people to be apprehensive about enclosed places, though the intensity of fear varies. Some people only become a little uncomfortable in an enclosed place, while others get into full-blown panic mode. With an elevator being a limited and enclosed space, it is not difficult to imagine why people get panic attacks.
Symptoms of Elevatophobia
Phobias, including Elevatophobia, must not be brushed aside and given proper attention. The constant fear of a situation, place, things, etc., is so detrimental that it can limit the sufferer’s life. Proper management of thoughts helps you not only live with your fear but sometimes overcome your fear by either eliminating or managing the symptoms.
A person experiencing Elevatophobia doesn’t always need to be in an elevator to feel the fear. Sometimes the mere thought of being in that situation can elicit a response. It is because the human brain can create a reaction even when the person is not exposed to a particular fearful situation.
A person with Elevatophobia can experience the following physical and psychological symptoms.
Physical symptoms
- Trembling
- Nausea
- Difficulty breathing
- Dry mouth
- Feeling faint
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Hyperventilation
- Blood pressure spike
- Feeling butterflies in the stomach
- Sweating
- Palpitations
- Upset stomach
- Shaking
- Pain in the chest
- Chills
- Hot flushes
- Headaches
Psychological symptoms
Elevatophobia in some situations also triggers psychological symptoms such as:
- Nearness to death
- Dread
- Mood swings, irritability
- Panic attacks and anxiety
- Fear of illness
- Hopelessness and dejection
Safety standards of Are modern-day elevators
Riding elevators is associated with some degree of risk. But an endless supply of misinformation about risks associated with using elevators is causing unnecessary panic. People still think during a malfunction, the elevator car will fall in a free-fall like in the past. But there is little truth about it, considering modern elevator systems’ technological and design changes. Modern lift systems are braced against accidents in the following way.
Robust cables for support
Present-day lifts are supported and kept in place by multiple robust cables to fully support the lift car’s motions. These cables are made to carry more than the weight of a fully occupied car. The benefit of multiple cables is that if one cable fails or breaks, others can still keep the lift car in place.
Integrated with ERD devices
Power failure is another safety concern surrounding elevators. Unlike in the past, today, high-quality elevator systems are integrated with Emergency Rescue Device, which provides power backup to lifts in the absence of power from the mains supply. The transition from the grid to ERD power is so smooth that passengers don’t feel the slightest jerk or stoppage in the lift’s regular operations.
ERD integrated lifts come with ECU (Electronic Control Unit) system that lets the lift cab occupants know whether the lift is on the grid or ERD power. A screen fitted inside the lifts shows the status of the remaining backup and how long the lift can operate on the ERD power.
ERD technology is revolutionizing the power backup landscape by providing prolonged power for operating bigger loads such as lifts in case of sudden power cuts. Su-Vastika is among the few renowned companies working on this technology to make it a reality.
Tips for overcoming Elevatophobia
Being unable to ride elevators can make your routine life harder, considering that the use of lifts is becoming widespread. Whether you experience a slight uneasiness or a severe panic attack, it is essential to look for a solution sooner than later.
Be logical about your fear
Consider your fear logically; if you are worried about getting trapped, consider everything you can do in that situation. For instance, you must know how to prompt the emergency staff by calling emergency numbers.
Face your fear
Some people think about avoiding lifts due to their fear of getting stuck. But exposure is a much better technique for overcoming fear than escaping. The more you avoid, the bigger your fear will grow. Facing your fear will be scary initially, but you will learn to combat it with time.
Stay calm
Though easier said than done, staying calm will help you think logically and stop you from getting overwhelmed. Try the following to stay calm:
- Try using the lift with someone with no such phobia; they can help you stay calm
- Stand straight and focus on your breathing moments
- Try using the lift when it is not crowded
Conclusion
Lift phobia is officially not recognized as a fear, but it still makes countless people uncomfortable daily. Many people try to avoid lifts because they feel unsure about their safety. Ensuring higher safety standards for lifts by installing ERD is one way to make lifts less appalling. However, the above-mentioned tips for overcoming Elevatophobia can also effectively combat the fear.
In several developing nations, power outages are commonplace, whether in residential or business sectors. Su-vastika, one of India’s most promising power storage and power start-up companies, is leading the charge and transforming the power backup storage sector in the country. But, in a country like India, where power outages and power cuts occur more frequently than in developed economies, how did Su-vastika bring this much-needed change?
The answer lies in the hard work and the path paved by Su-vastika’s mentor Mr. Kunwer Sachdev. Kunwer Sachdev is called The Solar Man of India and Inverter Man of India. He is one of India’s most respected entrepreneurs, known for his contribution to expanding the inverter and solar technologies in the country. He is the founder of one of India’s most well-known inverter brands, i.e., Su-Kam. After Su-Kam was liquidated, the brand was taken away from Kunwer Sachdev. He was forced to leave Su-Kam. Today he is mentoring start-up Su-vastika, which is built on a new thought as far as technology is concerned.
Due to his effort, India has finally been introduced to Energy Storage System or ESS. The energy from the electric grid or any other renewable energy source is stored in these rechargeable battery systems, which then release when needed. The Energy Storage System, or ESS, developed by Su-vastika, is a rechargeable battery system that stores energy from the electric grid or any renewable energy source and provides that energy back when needed. The primary component of an ESS is a LiFePO4-based Lithium-ion battery.
The superior static switches used in this patent technology by Su-vastika’s ESS system minimize switching time to just 2 to 5 milliseconds, quick enough to prevent a computer and most sensitive equipment from resetting. This makes it an ideal alternative to generators and lead-acid battery-based home UPS/inverters. Providing a never seen before high energy storage capabilities, faster switch time, negligible maintenance costs, zero pollution, long-lasting batteries for lifelong usage, and an insane amount of power ideal for large commercial and industrial spaces, ESS is a solution that is finally taking the industry away from non-renewable energy based solutions such as diesel towards a solution that is based on renewable source of energy- the sun.
Founded by Khusbhoo Sachdev, Su-vastika is fast becoming one of India’s top power backup and storage solutions providers.
Su-vastika’s LiFePO4-based UPS is miles away from traditional UPS. Su-vastika’s UPS is offered in a variety of power configurations to meet your load-specific power backup needs. It undergoes rigorous quality control, including Automated Testing Zig, and is backed by a strong after-sales support network and warranty to provide you with a limitless energy supply for life. It ensures an adaptive Performance using ATC, making it an ideal power backup solution for even harsh weather conditions. This means that when there is a temperature change, the user can select the appropriate charging stage thanks to the presence of a smart ATC. Therefore, whereas a generic battery may cease charging as the temperature rises, the Su-vastika premium UPS series with ATC will continue to charge. For maximum charging efficiency, the Su-vastika Premium UPS with ATC’s Generation Four microprocessor performs the charging process in six thoughtful steps.
Another of their innovative products (Emergency Rescue Device/ERD) is making days of becoming stuck in an elevator without a way out and experiencing claustrophobia a thing of the past. This is only made possible by Su-vastika’s latest innovation, ERD, a world-class power storage solution to solve the lift’s power failure problem. The existing ARD technology, Automatic Rescue Device, only starts when the elevator stops, activates after 30 to 60 seconds, and can only carry you to the next floor and open the door. When the input power source or mains power fails, the Emergency Rescue Device (ERD), an electronic and electrical device, provides emergency power to the elevators with a 3-phase power supply.
By providing power stored in batteries through a specialized Power Bank, it will offer almost immediate protection from input power interruptions. Using ERD instead of ARD will ensure a smooth operation on battery power without any jerks, as there will no longer be a break in power. Since it is a pure sine wave and the frequency is exactly 50Hz, the power quality provided by the ERD is superior to that provided by the electricity providers. Compared to the utility supplier, even the voltage provided has excellent stability.
Fuelled by constant innovation, highlighted by the filling of patents with over 60 already filed and 6 granted, Su-vastika is transforming India’s power backup storage sector, which has even helped it secure the recognition of India’s highest governing body, The Government of India. At a time when power cuts have become a reality in many developing countries, Su-vastika’s environmentally friendly energy storage solution is paving the way for the country to the brighter times ahead.
The ability to choose different battery sizes is a crucial and must-have function for any UPS.
The advanced UPS by Su-vastika includes a battery selection capability that gives customers the advantage of choosing the proper battery size needed for UPS installation.
Let’s use Dimple as an example to understand it better.
Almost every day, there are power outages in her region lasting three hours or longer. Therefore, she requires a battery with a capacity of 230 AH, which is the largest size on the market. Thanks to it, she can now have a daily backup for three hours.
But what will happen if, say, in three years, the electricity situation in her area changes and power outages now last only one to fifteen minutes?
Since the UPS has a large charger and small batteries cannot be charged with that charger, Dimple is currently unable to modify the battery size. If Dimple insists on using a smaller battery, charging it with that bulky old charger will only result in the battery swelling.
Since the charging current is pre-determined for different sizes of batteries in the case of Lead Acid batteries, if Dimply is using a 50Ah battery, she would require 5 to 6 Amp charging to sufficiently charge the battery of that size.
Here are a few scenarios she might have to deal with depending on the option she chooses:
- She can only use a 5-amp charger, which means the charging time will be longer.
- She can raise the charging current to speed up charging, but the battery life will suffer due to it.
- The period between water toppings will be shorter if the battery is a tubular lead acid battery.
If water topping is performed once every six months, then watering every three months on average will be a necessity. However, it will increase the wear and tear of the battery’s plates, thus, shortening the battery’s lifespan.
As you should have realized by now, the correct battery charging current is necessary for various battery sizes in Lead Acid batteries, whether it’s a VRLA tubular, Gel, or any other type of Lead Acid battery.
This is why Su-vastika has created a UPS with a functionality that allows users like Dimple to alter the UPS’s charging current and make selections according to the size of the battery using a button at the back in order to solve this issue.
This feature will also enable her vendors to offer their customers like Dimple a variety of options based on their budget and the needs of their area and client by using this capability to choose the appropriate battery size.
Since the price of the battery is significantly greater than that of the UPS, the price of the entire system is determined by the size of the battery. And because the dealer is compelled to sell the bigger Ah battery to the customer, the price of the entire system is excessively high.
Take the Delhi region as an example, where the necessity for a backup inverter/UPS is currently only 10 to 15 minutes, compared to 2 to 3 hours a few years ago.
The Inverter/UPS installed at the customer’s location has a bigger charger that is fixed in Ampere, say 15 Amp, so if they put a small size of the battery, say 50 Ah, that will not be possible. As a result, when the customer wants to change the battery, the dealer and customer have no choice but to choose a smaller battery.
In case they choose to put in a 50Ah battery, the battery will run the risk of getting damaged as a result of a higher charging current. This means that the requirement of the charging current is 5 Amp, but since the Inverter/UPS is intended for 15 Amp, which is 3 times its requirement, the battery will be destroyed within the first months.
Su-vastika’s UPS provides various sizes of charging current. Similar to their Falcon Plus model, it starts with 2.5A, 5A, 10A, and 15A so that the smallest battery, 24 Ah to 230 Ah, can be easily installed.
The price of the battery might range from Rs 2,500 to Rs 12,000, which can soon add up for typical users. Customers will now finally have the opportunity to select the ideal battery based on their demands with Su-vastika UPs.
You can see diesel sets everywhere, whether you visit shopping centers, residential communities, or office buildings, especially in underdeveloped and emerging countries like India. However, this practice of getting power through Diesel generators in case of power failure is fast becoming a thing of the past. This is because these DG sets not only pollute our environment but emit an irritating sound that often deprives us of a good night’s sleep.
Su-vastika has created the ESS (Energy Storage Solutions), which uses a lithium battery as a storage option. It can be installed with or without solar power and aids in operating the electronic generator silently. This ESS has a 10KVA to 500KVA capacity range, looks beautiful in any complex, and offers dependable backup during a power outage.
Advantage of ESS over DG Set
- ESS provides instant power backup.
One of the main benefits of ESS is that, unlike DG sets, which break in the event of a power outage, ESS does not have this problem. This technology has no jerks or breaks as it starts immediately. ESS is automatic and seamless, in stark contrast to DG systems that require roughly a minute to resume the electricity through the generator.
- The running cost of ESS is low.
The cost of running a diesel generator is three times or more than the power provided by the power company, making ESS a special and less expensive solution than running a diesel generator.
As the ESS has a battery as a backup, the consumption per unit of electricity produced is further decreased in cases of 50% or 70% ESS loading, as opposed to diesel generators, where the cost is unaffected by lower load because the diesel consumption doesn’t vary significantly.
- ESS has a longer lifespan
The ESS has a shelf life of 50 years as compared to the diesel generator’s 10-year lifespan. Even their battery can last between 7 and 10 years, representing significant cost-savings in operation.
- ESS is easier and cheaper to maintain
Diesel generators contain moving parts and require a battery to start automatically, making it important to service them every 300 hours or even less in some cases. Since a DG set includes moving parts, we also need an attendant to fill it up with diesel. However, an attendant is unnecessary for the ESS because it has no moving parts.
- ESS can run on Solar
The cost of the system can be recovered in 2 to 3 years if we include a solar feature that allows the batteries to be charged using solar energy. Since solar panels can last up to 25 years, the cost of power generation is also significantly reduced.
There is no substitute for such a low cost of electricity because the solar-powered ESS can be built anywhere there is space for solar panels and where solar energy can be used effectively. Even with power on the grid, this system will be able to run on solar and battery power if it is available since the cost of the power will be far lower per unit than the cost of grid power. This will save money on electricity even when power is available on the grid.
Therefore, it is safe to say that ESS is the future of power backup, given all these benefits over DG sets.
About Su-vastika Solar
Su-vastika Solar is a start-up company that provides revolutionary power storage solutions and is driven by technology, enthusiasm, and invention. Regarded as one of India’s leading solar power generation firms, the company focuses on meeting the specific demands of Indian customers by delivering world-class products designed to survive the Indian environment and temperature conditions.
The technology patents underpin their innovative products making the Su-vastika Heavy Duty UPS truly efficient.
Let us take a look at some of Su-vastika’s technology patents:
- Patent 396079 – A System And Method For Providing Backup To A Consumer-Friendly Lift/Elevator.
Based on 3 Phase storage solutions explicitly made for escalators and lifts, ARD is a ten-year-old device technology used in lifts and escalators that can not only stop the lift abruptly but can only help the lift open the gate at the adjacent floor. This technology has a very fast switchover time, and no lift is notified of a power outage. Even when the lifts or escalators are not in use, they continue to function normally. The elevators and escalators continue to operate regularly even while not in use.
- Patent 399112 – An IoT-Based System And Method For Multiple Battery Selection.
The server in this IoT-based system has charging profiles for every type of battery. The microprocessor of the EV charger, solar charge controller, inverter, UPS, and other devices can be added to and programmed with any new battery charge profile provided by the battery manufacturer via IoT.
- Patent 403781 – An IoT-Based System To Perform Multiple Tests With Adjustable Test Sequence And Test Limits To Calibrate The Testing Device Periodically.
Inverter/ UPS transformers, online UPS, stabilizer transformers, isolation transformers for solar systems, electric vehicle chargers with isolation transformers, and other transformers used in various applications are all covered by this patent. Before being employed in the production process, each of these single-phase or three-phase transformers must pass certain testing requirements. It is tested and analyzed online by uploading the data to the server. Depending on the demands of the various transformer parameters, the testing parameters can be deployed via the server and modified. Numerous parameters that Su-vastika has developed will be put to the test utilizing Power Analyzers and other testing tools.
- Patent 403377 – Hand Held Test/ Comparison Device For Comparing
In order to prevent damage, BMS safeguards against overcharging, overcurrent, over-voltage, overcurrent leakage, under-temperature, leak current and discharging below the threshold limit. BMS also aids in the management of temperature and energy. Both active and passive BMS technologies can be tested using this new IoT-based BMS technology breakthrough.
