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Power outages are quite common here(india) and I want something better than a UPS: I don't wanna shut down the system. I was quiet inspired by Make Your Computer UPS Last for Hours that uses a car battery with a UPS. I was wondering if I could save on the DC to AC conversion and back and make the battery last longer.

I could not find anything on how laptop power supplies work but I am assuming they are more effecient.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Laptop power supplies are often ~19.5 V DC in, so your concept would work. \$\endgroup\$
    – Brian Carlton
    Commented Jun 28, 2017 at 0:31
  • \$\begingroup\$ In order to give a helpful answer, you need to supply more information about your computer's power supply requirements. Your concept is generally a sound one, as you may be able to avoid the inefficiency of a double conversion. \$\endgroup\$
    – Glenn W9IQ
    Commented Jun 28, 2017 at 10:53
  • \$\begingroup\$ I am trying to run a two gpu setup on a standard cpu so my current requirements are quiet high almost 500w. And im interested in heavier and more commercial applications as that is where those inefficiencies would really scale up. \$\endgroup\$
    – praneeth mendu
    Commented Jul 3, 2017 at 23:54

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Car batteries emit hydrogen gas and contain acid that can be VERY dangerous for children and pets, so they are not a good choice for using inside of your house. Gel cel batteries are what are used in small desk-top UPS systems, they are a lot safer.

The DC voltage into your PC must be regulated to within a fairly tight band and as batteries drain, the voltage drops. So you need a voltage regulator / DC to DC power supply. Plus you would also need a float charger.

But if you are going to do that, just get a bigger UPS!

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    \$\begingroup\$ AGM batteries are now quite common. The do not off gas in normal operation. \$\endgroup\$
    – Glenn W9IQ
    Commented Jun 28, 2017 at 10:50

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