I have an aquarium which has a pump that needs to run 24/7. The bacteria in the pump would not be able to survive for more than about 1-2 hours if the power failed, so I want something to kick in and power the pump if this happens.
Pump power requirements:
Manufaturer states it is a 5 watt motor in the pump. Having measured this, it varies from 8 watts when it first kicks in, then about 3 seconds later levels off around 5 to 6 watts. The motor is a 240V motor.
I have a DIY circuit with a PIC (16F690) that detects power failure and screams loudly (buzzer), so I see no reason that couldn't be used to also control the battery system.
This is where I get stuck. I have no idea how to build an inverter, but I have seen them on eBay for about £15. Obviously there's no charger.
What would be the easiest approach to building this, or would I do better (from a cost perspective) just to buy a cheap PC UPS?
Pump power requirements:
Manufaturer states it is a 5 watt motor in the pump. Having measured this, it varies from 8 watts when it first kicks in, then about 3 seconds later levels off around 5 to 6 watts. The motor is a 240V motor.
I have a DIY circuit with a PIC (16F690) that detects power failure and screams loudly (buzzer), so I see no reason that couldn't be used to also control the battery system.
This is where I get stuck. I have no idea how to build an inverter, but I have seen them on eBay for about £15. Obviously there's no charger.
What would be the easiest approach to building this, or would I do better (from a cost perspective) just to buy a cheap PC UPS?