In the future, renewable energies such as solar and wind power will play a significant role in this regard.
MEAN WELL (distributed in Spain and Portugal by Electrónica OLFER) announces the new NTS/NTU inverter series and the new NPB charger series. These products not only solve problems in areas without AC power but can also be used as a UPS backup power source to improve system stability.
The NTS/NTU series are pure sine wave inverters. The output voltage (AC), frequency, and energy-saving mode can be selected via a configuration button, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your system. These devices provide low-voltage input protection, overvoltage alarm, and shutdown protection to prevent excessive battery discharge. The RJ-11 communication port allows monitoring of the inverter's input and output battery voltage, enabling you to view your system's status at any time.
Figure 1: DIP switch position
KEY FEATURES:
1. Output Voltage, Frequency, and Power Saving Mode Settings.
Users can use the DIP switch to configure the output voltage, frequency, and power saving mode. See Table 1 for configuration options. The power saving mode turns off the output power under extremely low load conditions to reduce battery drain. For emergency power applications, such as healthcare, it is recommended that the non-power saving mode be enabled to ensure continuous system operation. The factory setting is 110VAC/60Hz or 230VAC/50Hz, plus the non-power saving mode.
Table 1: DIP switch configuration option
2. Alternating Current (AC) Sockets
Table 2 indicates the different AC sockets and approvals according to the corresponding region.
Table 2: Overview of AC Plugs
3. RS-232 Communication
As shown in Figure 2, the inverter status can be monitored by PC via the RS-232 and RJ11 communication line.
Figure 2: Communication Configuration.
The NPB series is a complete product line with a wide output range: 2- or 3-stage charging curves can be selected. The potential meters can regulate the charging voltage and current required to meet the demands of various batteries.
4. Adjustment for load curve, voltage and load current
As shown in Figures 3 and 4, two- or three-stage load curves can be selected via a DIP switch, and the factory setting is three stages. Voltage and current can be adjusted using Vo Adj and Io Adj, respectively.
Figure 3: Mechanical schematic of the NPB loader
The combination of NPB + NTS / NTU is a perfect solution for areas with unstable AC power or locations where a medical or emergency power source is needed.
Figure 4: 2 or 3 stage charging curve
APPLICATIONS
Application 1: Home Electrical System
Configuration: NPB-360-48 + NTS-1200-148 + batteries + solar charger
When the grid power supply is working, all household appliances use grid power to operate, and at the same time, the NPB charger can charge the battery with AC. In the event of a brief power outage, the energy stored in the battery can be converted by the NTS-1200 to generate AC power and keep the appliances running for a certain period of time. If the house is equipped with solar panels, this home electrical system can convert solar energy into DC power via the solar panels on the roof during the day, which is used to charge the battery. After the solar power source is lost at night, the energy stored in the battery can be converted into AC power via the inverter to meet nighttime appliance usage. The entire smart power supply system saves energy and is environmentally friendly. See Figure 5.
Figure 5: Energy system for homes
Application 2: Intelligent Security System
Configuration: NPB-360-12 + NTU-1200-112 + Battery Packs
A battery-based UPS system is often used as a backup power source for small telecommunications and monitoring systems. The system typically consists of batteries, inverters, chargers, and other components. When the mains power supply is normal, the NTU-1200 will supply power directly to the back-end security equipment. Simultaneously, the NPB-360 charger can charge the system's battery. Once the mains power supply is interrupted or fails, the power supply system consisting of the NTU-1200 can supply AC power for 10ms to ensure the operation of the entire security system and improve its overall reliability. See Figure 6.
Figure 6: Intelligent security system
Application 3: Caravan Inverter Application.
NPB-360-12 + NTU-1200-112 + Battery Packs.
As shown in Figure 7, the NPB-360 + NTU-1200 battery pack is installed in the caravan and equipped with an AC input socket. The AC input socket can provide a direct (bypass) AC power supply for the charger to charge the battery. If the caravan is parked at a campsite with an AC socket, the user can directly connect the caravan's AC socket. At this time, the power to the equipment connected to the NTU-1200 in the caravan will be supplied directly from the mains electricity supply. When the caravan is out in areas without AC power or the vehicle is in motion, the power to the equipment in the camper is transferred from the battery to the NTU-1200.
Figure 7: Inverter application in a caravan 
Author: Gn Chen / MEAN WELL Technical Service Center
Translation: OLFER Electronics Marketing Department
