OpenSCUPS is an open-source hardware project that combines solar energy storage with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), primarily designed for home servers, NAS devices, and related equipment. The system is built using commonly available (“off-the-shelf”) components, controlled by custom electronics based on the ESP8266 microcontroller.
This project was born out of the need for an affordable home battery system that could also function as a reliable UPS during power outages. Commercial solutions were either too expensive or lacked key features. Therefore, OpenSCUPS was developed as a do-it-yourself alternative, focusing on:
- Cost-effectiveness (targeting a return on investment in under 5 years)
- Sustainability and energy independence
- Safety and extensibility
System Features:
- Supports continuous loads of up to 20 Amps DC12V / 200W 220V
- Works with standard 12V batteries, chargers, and power supplies
- Communication via MQTT messages for integration with home automation
- Over-the-Air (OTA) firmware updates
- Central control board based on the ESP8266 (custom PCB)
- Built using a steel enclosure for fire safety
Hardware Notes:
- The main control board is designed around the ESP8266 microcontroller (e.g., Wemos D1 Mini).
- The current design uses an external temperature sensor housed in a separate enclosure that communicates via MQTT.
- For improved reliability, future versions could:
- Use a more modern microcontroller (e.g., ESP32)
- Integrate the temperature sensor directly onto the PCB
- Reduce dependence on Wi-Fi for local safety-critical communication
License:
This project will be released under an open-source license to encourage learning, adaptation, and contributions by others. Final license details will be added soon.