EG4 Electronics EG4-LL-24V 12V 400Ah Lithium Battery User Manual
- May 15, 2024
- EG4 ELECTRONICS
Table of Contents
USER MANUAL
LITHIUM BATTERY
12 V 400 Ah /24 V 200 Ah
EG4-LL-24V 12V 400Ah Lithium Battery
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ABBREVIATIONS
AWG – American Wire Gauge | Isc – Short-Circuit Current |
---|---|
A – Amp(s) | In. lbs. – Inch Pounds |
Ah – Amp hour(s) | kW – Kilowatt |
AC – Alternating Current | kWh – Kilowatt-hour |
AFCI-Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter | LCD-Liquid Crystal Display |
AHJ – Authority Having Jurisdiction | LFP – Lithium Iron Phosphate or LiFePO4 |
ANSI – American National Standards | L1-Line 1; Typically, a black wire |
Institute | L2-Line 2; Typically, a red wire |
BAT-Battery | mm – Millimeter(s) |
BMS – Battery Management System | MPPT-Maximum Power Point Tracking |
COM-Communication | mV – Millivolt(s) |
CT-Current Transformer | N-Neutral; Typically, a white wire |
DC – Direct Current | NEC – National Electrical Code |
DIP – Dual In-line Package | NEMA- National Electrical Manufacturers |
DOD – Depth of Discharge | Association |
EG – Equipment Ground | NFPA – National Fire Prevention |
EGS – Equipment Grounding System | Association |
EMC-Electromagnetic Compatibility | Nm – Newton Meters |
EPS – Emergency Power System | NOCT-Normal Operating Cell Temperature |
ESS – Energy Storage System | PC – Personal Computer |
E-Stop-Emergency Stop | PCB – Printed Circuit Board |
E-Stop NO – Emergency Stop Normally | PE – Protective Earth (G or Ground); |
Open | Pnum-Parallel Number |
FCC-Federal Communication Commission | PPE – Personal Protective Equipment |
GE – Grounding Electrode | PV – Photovoltaic |
GEC – Grounding Electrode Conductor | RSD – Rapid Shut Down |
GEN-Generator | SCC- Standards Council of Canada |
GES – Grounding Electrode System | SOC – State of Charge |
GFCI-Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter | STC – Standard Testing Conditions |
GFDI-Ground Fault Detector/Interrupter | UL-Underwriters Laboratories |
Imp – Maximum Power Point Current | UPS-Uninterrupted Power Supply |
IEEE-Institute of Electrical and Electronic | V – Volt(s) |
Engineers | VOC – Open-Circuit Voltage |
IP-Ingress Protection | VMP – Voltage Maximum Power |
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
2.1 EG4 LL 12V 400AH SPECIFICATIONS
MODULE OPERATING PARAMETERS
Voltage | 12.8V |
---|---|
Capacity | 400Ah |
Charging Voltage (Bulk/Absorb) | 14.0V (+/-0.2V) |
Float | 13.5V (+/-0.2V) |
Low DC Cutoff | 11.8 – 11.4V |
(depending on load – start high, lower if needed)
Charging Current| 100A (Max. Continuous)
Discharging Current| 100A (Max. Continuous)
ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS
Charging Range | 32°F – 113°F (0°C to 45°C) |
---|---|
Discharging Range | -4°F – 122°F (-20°C – 50°C) |
Storage Range | -4°F – 122°F (-20°C – 50°C) |
Ingress Protection | IP20 |
BMS PARAMETERS
CHARGE | SPEC | DELAY | RECOVERY |
---|---|---|---|
Cell Voltage Protection | 3.8V | 1s | 3.45V |
Module Voltage Protection | 15.0V | 1s | 13.8V |
Over Charging Current 1 | >220A | 10s | – |
Over Charging Current 2 | ≥250A | 3s | – |
Temperature Protection | <23°F or >167°F | ||
<-5°C or >75°C | 1s | <41°F or >149°F |
5°C or 65°C
DISCHARGE
Cell Voltage Protection | 2.3V | 1s | 3.1V |
---|---|---|---|
Module Voltage Protection | 9.6V | 1s | 12.0V |
Over Charging Current 1 | >220A | 30s | 60s |
Over Charging Current 2 | >380A | 3s | 60s |
Short-Circuit | >775A | <0.1mS | – |
Temperature Protection | <-4°F or >167°F | ||
<-20°C or >75°C | 1s | >14°F or <149°F |
-10°C or <65°C
PCB Temp Protection| >221°F (>105°C)| 1s| <176°F (<80°C)
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
PARAMETER | SPEC | CONDITION | |
---|---|---|---|
Cell Balance | 100mA | Passive | |
Balance | Cell Voltage |
Difference >40mV
Temperature Accuracy| 3%| Cycle
Measurement| Measuring Range
-40°F ‒ 212°F
(-40°C ‒ 100°C)
Voltage Accuracy| 0.50%| Cycle
Measurement| For Cells/Module
Current Accuracy| 3%| Cycle
Measurement| Measurement Range
+/-200A
SOC| 5%| –| Integral Calculation
Power Consumption (Sleep & Off Mode)| <300uA| | Storage/Transport/Standby
Power Consumption (Operating)| <14mA| | Charging/Discharging
Communication Ports| | RS485/CAN| Customizable
Bluetooth Monitoring| | | Customized EG4 App
Maximum Modules in Parallel| 16
Dimension (H×W×D)| 6.1 in×19 in×20.2 in (15.5 cm×48.2 cm×51.3 cm)
Weight| 98.1 lbs. (44.5 kg)
2.2 EG4 LL 24V 200AH SPECIFICATIONS
MODULE OPERATING PARAMETERS
Voltage | 25.6V |
---|---|
Capacity | 200Ah |
Charging Voltage (Bulk/Absorb) | 28.0V (+/-0.4V) |
Float | 27.0V (+/-0.2V) |
Low DC Cutoff | 23.5 – 22.6V (depending on load – start high, lower if needed) |
Charging Current | 200A (Max. Continuous) |
Discharging Current | 200A (Max. Continuous) |
ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS
Charging Range | 32°F – 113°F (0°C to 45°C) |
---|---|
Discharging Range | -4°F – 122°F (-20°C – 50°C) |
Storage Range | -4°F – 122°F (-20°C – 50°C) |
Ingress Protection | IP20 |
BMS PARAMETERS
CHARGE | SPEC | DELAY | RECOVERY |
---|---|---|---|
Cell Voltage Protection | 3.8V | 1s | 3.45V |
Module Voltage Protection | 30.0V | 1s | 27.6V |
Over Charging Current 1 | >220A | 10s | – |
Over Charging Current 2 | ≥250A | 3s | – |
Temperature Protection | <23°F or >158°F | ||
<-5°C or >70°C | 1s | <41°F or >140°F |
5°C or <60°C
DISCHARGE
Cell Voltage Protection | 2.3V | 1s | 3.1V |
---|---|---|---|
Module Voltage Protection | 22.4V | 1s | 24.0V |
Over Charging Current 1 | >220A | 30s | 60s |
Over Charging Current 2 | >300A | 5s | 60s |
Short-Circuit | >500A | <0.1mS | – |
Temperature Protection | <-4°F or >167°F | ||
<-20°C or >75°C | 1s | >14°F or <149°F |
-10°C or <65°C
PCB Temp Protection| >221°F (>105°C)| 1s| <176°F (<80°C)
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
PARAMETER | SPEC | CONDITION |
---|---|---|
Cell Balance | 120mA | Passive |
Balance | Cell Voltage |
Difference >40mV
Temperature Accuracy| 3%| Cycle
Measurement| Measuring Range
-40°F ‒ 212°F
(-40°C ‒ 100°C)
Voltage Accuracy| 0.50%| Cycle
Measurement| For Cells/Module
Current Accuracy| 3%| Cycle
Measurement| Measurement Range
+/-200A
SOC| 5%| –| Integral Calculation
Power Consumption (Sleep & Off Mode)| <300uA| –| Storage/Transport
Power Consumption (Operating)| <20mA| –| Charging/Discharging
Communication Ports| | RS485/CAN| Customizable
Maximum Modules in Parallel| 16
Dimension (H×W×D)| 6.1 in.×19 in.×20.2 in. (15.5 cm×48.2 cm×51.3 cm)
Weight| 99.2 lbs. (44.5 kg)
DANGER!
Hazardous Voltage Circuits!
AVERTISSEMENT! Circuits à tension élevée!
SAFETY
3.1 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
International safety regulations have been strictly observed in the design and
testing of the inverter. Before beginning any work, carefully read all safety
instructions, and always observe them when working on or with the inverter.
The installation must follow all Applicable national or local standards and
regulations.
Incorrect installation may cause:
- Injury or death to the installer, operator or third party
- Damage to the inverter or other attached equipment
3.2 IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTIFICATIONS
There are various safety concerns that must be carefully observed before,
during, and after the installation, as well as during future operation and
maintenance. The following are important safety notifications for the
installer and any end users of this product under normal operating
conditions.
-
Do not disassemble the battery. Contact your distributor for any warranty issues in need of repair for proper handling instructions.
Incorrect servicing or re-assembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire and voiding of warranty. -
Use caution when working with metal tools on or around batteries and system. Risk of electrical arcs and/or short circuiting of equipment can lead to severe injury or death and equipment damage.
-
Beware of high battery current. Please ensure that the battery module breakers and/or on/off switches are in the “open” or “off” position before installing or working on the inverter. Use a voltmeter to confirm there is no voltage present to avoid electric shock.
-
Do not make any connections or disconnections to the system while the batteries are operating. Damage to system components or risk of electrical shock may occur if working with energized batteries.
Do not make any connections or disconnections (PV, battery, grid, communication, etc.) while the inverter is operating. -
Make sure the battery and rack are properly grounded.
-
An installer should make sure to be well protected by reasonable and professional insulative equipment [e.g., personal protective equipment (PPE)].
-
Before installing, operating, or maintaining the system, it is important to inspect all existing wiring to ensure that it meets the appropriate specifications and conditions for use.
-
Ensure that the battery and system component connections are secure and proper to prevent damage or injuries caused by improper installation.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, read all instructions Avertissement: Pour Prévenir les blessures, lire toutes les instructions
- All work on this product (system design, installation, operation, setting, configuration, and maintenance) must be carried out by qualified personnel. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than those specified in the operating instructions unless qualified to do so.
- Read all instructions before installing. For electrical work, follow all local and national wiring standards, regulations, and these installation instructions. All wiring should be in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70.
- The battery and system can inter-connect with the utility grid only if the utility provider permits. Consult with the local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) before installing this product for any additional regulations and requirements for the area.
- All warning labels and nameplates on this battery should be clearly visible and must not be removed or covered.
- The installer should consider the safety of future users when choosing the battery’s correct position and location as specified in this manual.
- Please keep children away from touching or misusing the battery and relevant systems.
- Never charge a battery below the specified minimum charging temperature or damage may occur. Please refer to this manual or spec sheet for charging parameters.
DISCLAIMER
EG4 reserves the right to make changes to the material herein at any time
without notice.
Please refer to www.eg4electronics.com for
the most updated version of our manuals/spec sheets.
BRIEF INTRODUCTION
The EG4 12V & 24V-LL rack-mounted lithium batteries are ideal for low-voltage energy storage system applications. These batteries use lithium iron phosphate cells with the highest safety performance and a battery management system (BMS) that can monitor and collect voltage, current, and temperature of each cell within the module in real time. The BMS also includes a passive balance function and an advanced battery control strategy, which can help improve the battery pack’s performance. The battery includes dual, on board, fire- extinguishing modules for added safety.
INSTALLATION
5.1 PACKAGING LIST & PLACEMENT
When the product is unpacked, the contents should match those listed below:
5.2 LOCATION SELECTION AND INSTALLATION
5.2.1 STORAGE
There are a few steps you can take to ensure that batteries are stored safely
and in a state that will ensure they are not damaged during storage. These are
detailed below.
Battery State
The state of the battery when placed into storage will affect how long it
can be stored as well as the battery’s condition when it is brought out of
storage. EG4 recommends that each battery is brought to a 100% SOC (state of
charge) before placing it in storage. Lithium iron phosphate batteries will
lose a certain percentage of their total charge while in storage, depending on
how long they are stored and the conditions they are stored in. We recommend
recharging the batteries after 8 – 9 months in prolonged storage.
Environmental Factors
The environment you store your EG4 battery in can greatly affect the health
of the battery. For best results, the temperature should remain moderate,
between 41°F and 68°F (5°C and 20°C). Keep the battery away from locations
where it may get wet or locations with high humidity (>55%). Store the
batteries away from combustible materials.
5.2.2 REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLATION
WARNING:
Before using batteries, inspect them for signs of damage. Never use damaged or
puffy batteries.
Please contact the distributor if a battery is received in this state or
experiences this issue.
- Avoid exposing batteries to conductive materials, such as water, strong oxidizers, and strong acids.
- Avoid putting batteries in direct sunlight or on extremely hot surfaces.
- Keep all flammable materials out of the working area.
- Use caution when handling batteries and/or battery-powered devices to avoid damaging the battery casing or connections.
IMPORTANT: Never position the battery upside down or face down!
5.2.3 INSTALLATION
Cable Size | Min. Insulator Voltage | Torque Value | Distance |
---|---|---|---|
2/0 AWG (min.) | 600V | 60 in. lbs. (7 Nm) | 10 ft. |
4/0 AWG | 600V | 60 in. lbs. (7 Nm) | 18 ft. |
NOTE: This chart applies for a 200A continuous output (one battery). Where ambient temperature is above 86°F (30°C), cable size must be increased according to NEC 310. The 2 AWG cable included in the package is intended only for the connection from the module to an EG4 battery rack.
DANGER: When adding or removing a battery from any rack, cabinet, or busbar, turn off ALL batteries, and use a voltmeter to confirm there is no voltage present. This will prevent users from encountering live (powered) busbars by accident. Failure to do so can result in severe injury and/or death.
Tools Needed for Installation
The tools required may vary depending on how you choose to mount your battery. Typically, the following items are needed to install the battery into an EG4 battery rack solution or general racking.
- 10mm socket and ratchet
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Torque wrench
- M8-1.25 terminal bolts (included in package)
Connecting Cables to the Battery Terminals and Busbars
- Identify the positive and negative terminals on the battery. These are labeled and color coded (red for positive, black for negative).
- Verify you have all hardware to attach the cable properly. Check to ensure the bolt threads fully into the terminal and can be tightened to the proper torque.
- Connect the cables to your battery terminals by removing the M8 terminal bolts, inserting them through the eyelet of the proper cable, and reseating the bolt into the terminal block to the correct torque.
- Connect the positive battery cables to your positive busbar by removing the bus bolts, inserting them through the eyelets of the proper cable, and reseating the bolt into the busbar to the proper torque value. Repeat with all negative cables.
- DO NOT finger tighten the battery terminal bolts. They require a specific torque to ensure they do not loosen during operation. Failure to properly tighten the terminal bolts can result in serious damage and will void the warranty.
5.2.4 INSTALLATION IN EG4 BATTERY RACK
-
Insert the battery into the rack slot, beginning with the top slot and progressing downward. Slide in until the battery is firmly seated in the rack.
-
Follow steps 1-3 in Connecting cables to the battery terminals and busbars from Section 3.2.3 – General Installation.
Use the included 2 AWG power cable to connect each battery to the busbar. -
DO NOT finger tighten the battery or busbar terminal bolts. Both require a specific torque [60 in. lbs. (7Nm)] to ensure they do not loosen during operation. Failure to properly tighten the terminal bolts can result in serious damage and will void the warranty.
-
Clearly identify the location of the system’s positive and negative terminals (red to the positive terminal and black to the negative) to ensure no connection errors. Then connect to the equipment or switch terminals.
Grounding
You can attach a grounding wire from the rack/cabinet to an equipment
grounding conductor, then terminate the EGC at a grounding electrode.
WARNING: Do not ground rack/cabinet or door to negative or positive bus bars!
For example, in this image, there are 6 EG4-LL 12V 400Ah batteries wired in parallel. This battery bank still maintains the appropriate 12V needed for a system. However, the Amp hour rating of this bank has increased to 2400Ah. In addition, the potential output amperage of the rack increases. Size main battery cables appropriately! Refer to an NEC approved ampacity chart for specifications.
5.3 BATTERY OVERVIEW
5.3.1 SYSTEM CONNECTIONS
An example system connection diagram can be found below:
Overview of System Components
The battery module is made up of sixteen “AAA” grade cells, a BMS, a housing, a breaker, and wire. It can be installed in a standard 19-inch cabinet and communicates with external devices via CAN/RS485 as well as with other EG4 batteries via RS485. The modules can be connected in parallel to meet expansion requirements. Inter-battery communications support a maximum of 16 modules.
Battery Diagram
No.| Item| Description|
---|---|---|---
1| Handle| Handle to carry module|
2| Rack mount ear| For rack mounting|
3| Battery positive terminal| Terminal M8 screw|
4| Circuit Breaker| Shuts down power supply|
5| HD LCD| HD touch screen|
6| ON/OFF Button| Button to turn BMS On/Off|
7| Battery negative
terminal| Terminal M8 screw|
8| Ground Screw| Grounding point for chassis|
9| ID Board| DIP switch board for BMS|
10| CAN port| CAN bus port for communication| Pin 4 – CAN_H
Pin 5 – CAN_L
11| Reset Button| Emergency reset|
12| ALM LED| Alarm status LED|
13| RUN LED| Run status LED|
14| RS485 port| RS485 communication port| Pin 1 & Pin 8 – RS485_B
Pin 2 & Pin 7 – RS485_A
15| SOC LED| State of charge LED| Pin 1 & Pin 8 – RS485_B
16| Battery-Comm ports P| Parallel battery communication port| Pin 2 & Pin 7 –
RS485_A
6. OPERATION GUIDE
6.1 BATTERY COMMUNICATIONS
Each EG4 battery is designed with you in mind, displaying as much
informationas possible in the simplest manner. EG4 Electronics includes the
option of connecting the battery to PC software to monitor the module status.
This allows you to see and understand exactly what the battery is doing as
well as troubleshoot if problems arise.
When a single battery is used, it will communicate directly with the system via the RS485 or CAN port.
6.1.1 CONNECTING MULTIPLE BATTERIES IN PARALLEL
- Ensure all battery breakers and BMS are OFF.
- Set the address code of each battery according to the DIP Switch ID Table (see the DIP Switch ID Table) making sure there are no duplicate addresses.
- Establish communication between the batteries via the “Battery-Comm” ports starting with the right port on the last battery address and terminating on the left port of the host.
- The battery with the No. 1 address (referred to as the host) connects tothe system via communication cable using the RS485/CAN interface. See image to the right)
5. Power on each battery breaker and BMS one at a time beginning with
the host battery.
6.1.2 DIP SWITCH ID TABLE
EG4-LL batteries interface with an inverter by designating a “Host” battery
(DIP switch ID No. 1). The ID code range is 1‒16, and the communication mode
can support up to 16 modules in parallel. The battery will connect directly
via a battery communications cable or a standard CAT 5, 5e, or 6 cable (for
closed loop communications with non-EG4 inverter types). For Victron
communication cables, contact your distributor.
REMINDER: If you have multiple batteries, all DIP switch settings must be different from each other. This allows all equipment to see each battery in the bank separately.
DIP Switch ID Table
6.2 LCD SCREEN
Each module has a built-in HD LCD touch screen used to display important
information about the cells including voltage, current, temperature, SOC, and
others.
6.2.1 BUTTON DESCRIPTION
There are 4 function buttons below the display with detailed descriptions as
shown in the table below.
No. | Description |
---|---|
1 | Up |
2 | Down |
3 | Return |
4 | Enter |
6.2.2 WAKING UP THE LCD SCREEN
Press any key to wake up the screen when the power is on, and the
information will be shown on the display.
Main Page Information
No. | Module Description |
---|---|
1 | Name |
2 | Status |
3 | Voltage |
4 | Current |
5 | SOC |
6.2.3 CELL INFORMATION
Check individual cell voltage by pressing the “Enter” button on the main page
(shown in mV). There are 2 pages. Pressing “Up” and “Down” changes the page.
Note: 12V modules only display 4 cells due to 4 packs being in parallel (4s4p
config.).
6.2.4 TEMPERATURE INFORMATION
Press “Enter” on the Cell Voltage page to view the temperature information of
the PCB and the cells (Shown in °C)
Note: There are only 2 temperature sensors distributed evenly among the 4
packs.
6.3 COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL SELECTION
IMPORTANT: Only the host battery (Address 1) needs to be set to the
inverter protocol; all other batteries must have unique addresses starting at
address 2 and ascending in chronological order. You must connect the CAN/RS485
port of the host battery to your inverter’s (or communication device’s) BMS
communication port.
6.3.1 PROTOCOL CHANGE/SELECTION PROCEDURE
-
Power off all battery DC breakers and BMS power buttons.
Ensure that the voltage between positive and negative busbars is 0V. -
The inverter protocol can only be changed with the host battery temporarily set to address 16 (all dials down). After the dial is changed, restart the battery (with only the BMS power button) for the settings to take effect. (See image on right.)
-
On the host battery, press and hold the “Return” key for 5 seconds to enter the “Protocol Setting.”
-
Select the corresponding RS485 program or CAN program, and press Enter.
EG4 LL 24V RS485 Protocol List
EG4 LL 12V CAN Protocol List
NOTE: The only supported 12V CAN protocol at this time is for 12V Victron systems.
EG4 LL 24V CAN Protocol List
5. Press the “Return” key to return to the main interface.
6. Change the host DIP switch address back to address 1. (See image on
right.)
7. Power cycle the host battery, and the BMS will correspond to the protocol
selected.
6.4 BMS TOOLS INSTALLATION AND INTERFACING
The PC software “BMS Tools” provides real-time battery analysis and
diagnostics. The battery cannot communicate with BMS Tools and a closed loop
inverter at the same time.
6.4.1 DOWNLOADING AND INSTALLING BMS TOOLS
- Visit https://eg4electronics.com/resources/software-drivers and navigate down to the BMS Tools section and click Download.
6.4.2 INTERFACING WITH BMS TOOLS
-
While all power is off, set the DIP switch ID address of the battery to Address 16.
-
Connect your USB cable to your PC and to the RS485 port on the battery.
-
Power on the battery.
-
Confirm the RS485 cable’s COM is set correctly in the BMS Tools program. Refer to the Device Manager on the PC for more information.
-
Change the Baud Rate to 9600.
-
Change the “ID” to 64.
-
Select, “Start Monitoring”.
-
The “Com State” will now change from “Offline” to “Online”.
The system will now monitor the battery’s values in real time.
-
To review these steps, please watch our step-by-step guide at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHLefvjPN8c
6.4.3 INTERFACE MENU DEFINITION
WARNING: Although there are multiple tabs in the BMS Tools software, the
following tabs should not be tampered with as any unauthorized changes will
void the warranty of this product and risk damaging and/or rendering the
product permanently inoperable.
- BMS Parameter
- BMS Control
- Software Parameter
If you are experiencing any issues with the battery module or the BMS, please contact your distributor for assistance or troubleshooting steps.
Interface Menu Definition
Item | Definition |
---|---|
BMS Monitoring | Real-time data and status monitoring of the BMS |
BMS Parameter | BMS parameter setting management (restricted, unauthorized |
changes will void warranty)
BMS Datalog| BMS operation data logging to PC (for manufacturer use)
Historical Record| Real time BMS operation data records (exportable)
Communication| Record of sending and receiving of battery pack data
(exportable)
6.5 BATTERY CHARGING
6.5.1 CHARGE CYCLE
Ensure the proper settings are set on the charge controller and/or inverter
being used to avoid overcharging or damaging the module. (Refer to the
Technical Specifications for a full list of charging/discharging parameters.)
IMPORTANT: It is normal for LFP batteries that have their own internal BMS and that are wired in parallel to demonstrate a wide variety of SOC readings during any given charge or discharge cycle. Variations of up to 10% are common. This is not cause for concern or indication that the module is providing less than the maximum capacity. This is caused by even slight variations in wiring resistance to each battery, internal resistance, temperature differences, and even variations in each cell. Even a slight variation causes one battery to take more of the load or charge for a short time. Over the duration of the discharge or charge cycle, this will balance out with the lagging battery then taking the load or charge at the other end of the cycle resulting in recovering the full listed KWH capacity of the pack. The voltage differences created as batteries diverge in SOC will eventually cause them to converge at some point in the cycle.
TROUBLESHOOTING, MAINTENANCE & DISPOSAL
7.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE BMS
The BMS (Battery Management System) is intended to safeguard the battery and
battery cells against a variety of situations that could damage or destroy
system components. This protection also aids in keeping the battery and
battery cells operational for a greater number of life cycles. Each EG4-LL
battery is specifically configured to ensure peak performance and operation
with any system.
7.1.1 BMS PROTECTION
PCB Temperature Protection
The BMS will ensure that the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) does not overheat.
This is the part that houses most of the “brains” of the battery. This feature
will turn off the battery if it begins to overheat.
Cell Balance Protection
Cell balance ensures that each cell is within a specific voltage range of
each other. Cell balance is crucial for ensuring that the battery is operating
properly for its lifespan. This is always done automatically.
Environmental Temperature Protection
It may be dangerous to attempt using the battery in extreme heat or cold.
Continued operation in these conditions may result in permanent damage to the
battery module and its components. To prevent this, the BMS is designed to
measure the temperature while charging/discharging and will shut down the
battery to prevent damage.
Voltage Protection
The BMS is designed to continuously monitor the voltage of each individual
cell and ensure that they are not over/undercharged.
Current Protection
The BMS is designed to constantly monitor the charge/discharge amperage and
has built-in safeguards against exceeding specific parameters. These include
built-in timers that shut off quickly in the event of short circuits,
extremely high amperage and delayed shut down for amperage that is only
slightly above the maximum capacity.
7.2 TROUBLESHOOTING
7.2.1 ALARM DESCRIPTION AND TROUBLESHOOTING
When the ALM light on the battery control panel is on, it means that the
battery has given an alarm or has been protected from potential damage. Please
check the cause of the failure through the app or BMS Tools and take
appropriate measures or go directly to the battery site to troubleshoot.
BMS Tools alarms are shown in the table below:
Warning and Protect Status Definitions
S tat u s | Name | Definition | Action |
---|---|---|---|
Warning /Protect | Pack OV | Pack over-voltage | Module needs to be discharged to |
lower its voltage.
Cell OV| Cell over-voltage| Check individual cell voltage in BMS Tools.
Pack UV| Pack under-voltage| Module needs to be charged.
Cell UV| Cell under-voltage| Check individual cell voltage in BMS Tools.
Charge OC| Charge over-current| Incoming current needs to be reduced.
Discharge OC| Discharge over-current| Discharge current is too high; lower
loads.
Temp Anomaly| Temperature anomaly| Check ambient and module temperature.
MOS OT| MOSFET over-temperature| BMS temperature is too high. Power off module
and cool down location.
Charge OT| Charge over-temperature| Power off module and cool down location.
Discharge OT| Discharge over-temperature| Power off module and cool down
location.
Charge UT| Charge under-temperature| Power off module and warm up location.
Discharge UT| Discharge under-temperature| Power off module and warm up
location.
Warning| Low Capacity| Low battery capacity| Module needs to be charged.
Warning| Other Error| Error not listed| Contact the distributor
Protect| Float Stopped| Float Stopped| Contact the distributor
Protect| Discharge SC| Discharge short-circuit| Discharge current is too high,
turn BMS and breaker off and back on to reset. Lower loads.
HELPFUL TIP : The “Historical Record” tab can indicate what occurred with the module before entering a warning or protection state. It is recommended to export this data into a text (.txt) file to provide to the distributor for any additional troubleshooting assistance.
Other Common Faults and Solutions
F a u l t | Analysis | Action |
---|---|---|
Inverter communication failure | Check communication port connection, and | |
battery ID setting. | Input proper “host” battery DIP switch address, and |
power cycle the battery.
No DC output| Open breaker, or battery voltage is too low.| Check battery
breaker or charge the battery.
Power supply unstable| Battery capacity is not at full power.| Check for
proper battery cable connection.
Battery can’t be charged fully| DC output voltage is below the minimum charge
voltage.| Check the charging settings on the inverter to ensure they match
battery requirements.
ALM LED always on| Short circuit| Disconnect the power cable and check all
cables.
The battery output voltage is unstable.| Battery management system does not
operate normally.| Press the reset button to reset the battery, then reboot
the
ALM LED flashes 20 times with SOC1 LED on.| Unbalanced voltage within a cell|
Deep discharge the battery bank (<20% SOC), then charge battery bank fully.
ALM LED flashes 20 times with SOC2 LED on.| Unbalanced temperature| Contact
the distributor.
ALM LED flashes 20 times with SOC 3/4 LED on.| BMS damaged| Contact the
distributor.
Different SOC value of batteries in parallel operation.| No issue| Deep
discharge the battery bank (<20% SOC), then charge battery bank fully.
Low voltage protection with no LED on| BMS is in low voltage protection, and
is in sleep mode| Contact the distributor.
Deeply discharged with “ RUN ” LED on| The battery voltage is too low to
start BMS.| Contact the distributor.
NOTE: If any of the warnings or faults from both tables persist, please contact the distributor for additional troubleshooting steps.
7.3 BATTERY END OF LIFE
The EG4 LL battery is designed to last for more than 15 years when used
correctly. We have worked tirelessly to ensure that our batteries will
maintain a charge after thousands of cycles. However, when it does come time
to retire the battery, there are a few things to consider.
Lithium iron phosphate batteries are considered a hazardous material and should not be disposed of by simply placing them in the trash. There are several websites and organizations that will accept this battery to recycle at little to no cost to its user. At EG4, we understand that we are working with customers across the United States and the world. Our recommendation is to get online and search the term “Lithium Battery Disposal Near Me.” There will likely be an assortment of organizations that can safely dispose of LFP batteries. We recommend calling ahead of time to ensure that the location is still open and accepting material.
If, however, users are unable to locate a disposal location safely, EG4 is here to help. Before dumping the battery or disposing of it incorrectly, please contact our customer service team for assistance.
EG4 WARRANTY
The warranty must be registered within the first year of purchase to remain valid. If users choose not to register the product, the warranty may be invalidated. This limited warranty is to the original purchaser of the product and not transferable to any other person or entity. All BMS and cell exchanges are covered throughout the warranty period. If a full replacement warranty is needed the warranty is prorated 1/9th per year after the first year at the current retail pricing.
8.1 WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS
Under this limited warranty, EG4 Electronics has no obligation to the product
if it is subject to the following conditions, including but not limited to:
- Damages incurred during installation or removal
- Damages caused during mishandling of product
- Inappropriate environmental exposure
- Damages caused by improper maintenance
- Unauthorized tampering, altering, and/or disassembly of product
- Using the product for purposes other than those intended by the manufacturer
- Lightning, Fire, Flood, or Acts of God
- Any product whose serial number has been altered, defaced, or removed
The equipment sold by EG4 Electronics is designed to be installed only by licensed, trained, and insured solar electrical installation professionals. We strongly advise customers to seek the assistance of such a professional to implement these products, and we make no warranty of the purchaser’s safety, success of equipment implementation, or compliance with local codes and regulations.
EG4 Electronics disclaims all additional warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to, any implied warranty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the information they disseminate and /or fitness of the materials sold for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales or promotional materials on these items. Each party hereby irrevocably waives its rights to trial by jury in any action or proceeding arising out of this agreement or the transactions relating to its subject matter. All installation advice provided by EG4 before, during, or after purchase of solar equipment is purely for the purpose of general concept education and must not replace the expertise of a licensed and trained solar specialist. The Customer agrees to full indemnification for EG4 henceforth from any legal recourse relating to and arising out of losses, direct or consequential, from the installation of the products purchased by the customer more than the value of the equipment purchase price.
Notes
CONTACT US
support@eg4electronics.com
+1 903-609-1988
www.eg4electronics.com
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>