OxyFlow 5 Oxygen Concentrator - Loadshedding solution needed

[StrusBOB]

Hi guys,

I need help with a solution to keep an Oxygen Concentrator powered on for atleast 2 to 3 hours during loadshedding. Any suggests will be appreciated?

 

[Soprono]

Do have have the power usage of the machine still or know the power draw of them? They look relatively light on power but any accurate figure you might have would help with a solution?

 

[SnowmanZA]

From the maintenance manual found here:

http://files.chartindustries.com/visionaire_tech-manual_MN138-1_revH.pdf

It says the following:
Electrical (+/- 10%): 115VAC, 60 Hz, 3 amps, 290 watts 115VAC, 60 Hz, 3 amps, 190 watts (VisionAire 3) 115VAC, 60 Hz, 3 amps, 200 watts (VisionAire 2) 220-240 VAC, 50 Hz, 1.5 amps, 290 watts 220 VAC, 60 Hz, 1.5 amps, 290 watts 230 VAC, 50 Hz, 1.5 amps, 180 watts (VisionAire 2) 230 VAC, 50 Hz, 1.5 amps, 175 watts (VisionAire 3)

So, less than 300W

I think a small UPS that can be fitted with extra external batteries should be able to run it for a few hours

 

[StrusBOB]

From the maintenance manual found here:

http://files.chartindustries.com/visionaire_tech-manual_MN138-1_revH.pdf

It says the following:
Electrical (+/- 10%): 115VAC, 60 Hz, 3 amps, 290 watts 115VAC, 60 Hz, 3 amps, 190 watts (VisionAire 3) 115VAC, 60 Hz, 3 amps, 200 watts (VisionAire 2) 220-240 VAC, 50 Hz, 1.5 amps, 290 watts 220 VAC, 60 Hz, 1.5 amps, 290 watts 230 VAC, 50 Hz, 1.5 amps, 180 watts (VisionAire 2) 230 VAC, 50 Hz, 1.5 amps, 175 watts (VisionAire 3)

So, less than 300W

I think a small UPS that can be fitted with extra external batteries should be able to run it for a few hours

Do you perhaps have a brand or suggestion to purchase the ups?

 

[SnowmanZA]

Do you perhaps have a brand or suggestion to purchase the ups?

Not really, I guess I would phone a few UPS suppliers and get some quotes.
Here is one that comes up at the top of my google search for UPS suppliers in JHB:

UPS, UPS Systems & Power Protection | PHD Powerhouse

PHD Powerhouse are specialist providers of top-of-the line UPS Systems and Power Protection and more at low costs. Contact us today to protect your power.

www.phdpowerhouse.co.za

I guess if you tell them you need to backup a 300W load for 2-3 hours, they should be able to suggest something.

 

[SoF_ZA]

A few things to consider:

1) It has a compressor inside - aka a motor. Pure sine wave is required. Modified sine will kill it.
2) Startup current is going to be high (motor). Bank on 3x (+-900W). Hopefully no more. Check this carefully (ask manufacturer what the startup current is on your particular model or have someone that knows what they are doing measure it) - this has screwed me in the past.
3) Get one that is silent. Doesn't beep and the active cooling is not loud. Or put it somewhere where you can't hear the noise.
4) If 12v system. At 50% DOD on lead acid you need +-160Ah to run for 3 hours.

Good luck.

 

[SoF_ZA]

I think that if you do this properly you are hovering around R10k.. This is very flexible depending on startup current required as well as the battery that you use. Just remember - If you discharge a lead acid to 50% it will likely last you about a year (if used on a daily basis)..

Perhaps lithium is better (higher initial cost but much longer life).

Be very clear with your supplier as to what you require and how long it should last (lifetime).