SIGNATURE SOLAR EG4 Lithium-ion Battery User Manual

EG4 Lithium-ion Battery
User Manual

Manual OVERVIEW

▶ CONTENT
The EG4 series of Lithium iron phosphate battery modules are designed for Telecom and energy storage applications. The battery modules include an integrated, intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) that monitors, manages, and logs all individual battery cell parameters, such as voltage, current, temperature, capacity, cell balancing, and state of health for operator safety and module protection.
This product user manual describes the type, size, and structure of the battery modules including BMS characteristics and module installation details.

Chapter Content

1. Overview
   Background, Applications, and Advantages

2. Principle and Structure
   Operating principles and connecting structures

3.  Parameters
   All battery module parameters and protections

4. Installation and Testing

5. Computer Software
   Installation, connection, and communication

6. Shipping, Storage, and Disposal

7. Safety, Symbols, and Cautions

BEFORE YOU START

Read all the safety information provided in this document prior to installing or operating the equipment. Contact Customer Support immediately for a free consultation, if you have any questions about the handling, operation or safe use of the battery.
To handle or operate the battery modules, you shall:

• Be knowledgeable and qualified to perform electrical work
• Read the complete user manual before operating or handling battery modules
• Remove any possible metallic shorting risk from your body, such as jewelry, watches, rings, necklaces, etc.
• All tools shall be insulated

OVERVIEW

BACKGROUND AND APPLICATIONS

The EG4 series battery modules are the first lithium-ion modules for Telecom and energy storage applications. Lithium-ion batteries are a new generation of “green energy”  batteries. In recent years, the rapid advancement of lithium- ion battery technology has accelerated the pace of replacement of traditional lead-acid batteries. Compared with traditional lead-acid batteries, lithium- ion batteries boast high energy density, small volume, lightweight, long life, and a wide temperature range along with other advantages, particularly safety, with the use of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP)and intelligent battery management systems. At present, the lithium iron phosphate battery technology is very mature, with the cost gradually declining. It is becoming widely used in mainstream and high-end standby power solutions and home energy storage applications and is the preferred battery technology for communication backup power sources.

ADVANTAGES

1. High-performance LFP cells for long life, safety, and a wide temperature range
2. High energy density, small size, lightweight, maintenance-free, and zero emissions
3. LFP cells are connected with fire retardant wire and copper connecting bus bars for stability and safety
4. Built-in BMS, with battery voltage, current, temperature, and state of health (SOH) management 5. LEDs indicate the battery State of Charge (SOC) and operating status
5. Intelligent cell balancing while charging to ensure consistent battery capacity and extended service life
6. Optional heating function for use in low-temperature environments
7. Optional integrated Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) communication module to support remote, dynamic battery module monitoring
8. Standard 19-inch metal rack mount battery module enclosure for simple installation
9. Flexible customization of dimensions
10. Easily connect battery modules in parallel for increased capacity

PRINCIPLE AND STRUCTURE

OPERATING PRINCIPLE

EG4-48V series battery modules are primarily used as standby, storage, or backup energy sources. However, battery modules initially require a charge cycle from some power source (such as utility grid power sources, generators, or solar photovoltaic (PV) systems) to obtain their cycle capacity. They can then provide continuous power to loads when power sources are disrupted or not available; until their capacity is too low to continue the discharge cycle. Once a power source returns, the battery module is recharged and the
charge/discharge cycle continues.

CONNECTING STRUCTURE

When using more than one EG4-48V series battery module, it is imperative to use Bus Bars to provide steady and even charging across your battery bank.

PARAMETERS

MODELS

The EG4-48V series battery module product specifications are in Table 3.1
Table 3.1 EG4-48V series battery module products

Model Type| Voltage(V)| Capacity| Energy| Length| width| Height| Weight  (Kg)
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
EG4-48V50| 51.2| 50Ah| 2560Wh| 442mm| 435mm| 134mm| 31.0
EG4-48V100| 51.2| 100Ah| 5120Wh| 442mm| 470mm| 155mm| 43.0

**CONTROL PANEL

**

EG4-48V series battery module is shown in figure 3.2.
Figure 3.2 EG4-48V series battery module
Table 3.3 Descriptions

Flashing – charge/discharge
6| RS485| RS485 Communication interface|
7| Breaker| Switch the module output on/off| Optional
8| ALM| LED indicates Alarm|
9| SOC| The state of charge| 4 green LEDs (each designates 25% SOC)
10| DO| Dry contact with optocoupler circuit| Optional
11| Fuse| Easy-to-replace fuses| Optional

Table 3.4 Assignment of ID addresses

Inverter
comms|
ON| ON| OFF| ON| 2| Module 2|
ON| ON| OFF| OFF| 3| Module 3|
ON| OFF| ON| ON| 4| Module 4|
ON| OFF| ON| OFF| 5| Module 5|
ON| OFF| OFF| ON| 6| Module 6|
ON| OFF| OFF| OFF| 7| Module 7|
OFF| ON| ON| ON| 8| Module 8|
OFF| ON| ON| OFF| 9| Module 9|
OFF| ON| OFF| ON| 10| Module 10|
OFF| ON| OFF| OFF| 11| Module 11|
OFF| OFF| ON| ON| 12| Module 12|
OFF| OFF| ON| OFF| 13| Module 13|
OFF| OFF| OFF| ON| 14| Module 14|
OFF| OFF| OFF| OFF| 15| Module 15|

Note: In Table 3.4, the Code designates switch positions for a specific module Address (or ID). The switch position denotes a binary coding scheme where “OFF” (up) is “1” and “ON ” (down) is “0”. For example, “ON
ON ON ON” is binary “0000” or decimal Address “0”; “ON ON OFF ON” is binary “0010” or decimal Address “2”; “ON OFF ON ON” is binary “0100” or decimal Address “4”, and so on. This allows encoding in the range of 0~15, which can support up to 16 modules in parallel. If more modules are needed in parallel, please contact Signature Solar; we will design the module to meet your requirements.
Table 3.5 LED indicator description

State| Warning/ Normal| RUN| ALM| SOC LED| Definition
---|---|---|---|---|---
25%| 50%| 75%| 100%|
OFF| | OFF| OFF| OFF| OFF| OFF| OFF| All OFF
Standby| Normal| ON| OFF| ON as battery capacity indicates|
Warning| ON| Flash 2|
Protection| OFF| ON|
Charge| Normal| Flash 1| OFF|
Warning| Flash 1| Flash 2|
Protection| OFF| ON|
Discharge| Normal| Flash 2| OFF|
Warning| Flash 2| Flash 2|
Protection| OFF| ON|
BMS failure| OFF| Flash2| OFF|

Note: For State of Charge (SOC), each ON LED indicates an increment of 25% SOC.
Note: Flash 1——Flash once every 1.2S; Flash 2——Flash once every 2.4S.

Table 3.6 Communication interface definition for front panel RJ45 connectors

PIN-1
WHT/ORG| PIN-2
ORG| PIN-3
WHT/GRN| PIN-4
BLU| PIN-5
WHT/BLU| PIN-6
GRN| PIN-7
WHT/BRN| PIN-8
BRN
CAN| | | | | | | |
RS485| | | | | | | D+|
Battery| | | | | | | |
Comm| | | | | | | |

Figure 3.7 Interface on the battery panel

BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM BMS

VOLTAGE PROTECTION

• Over Voltage
  While charging, if any individual cell voltage exceeds the cell protection limit or if the battery module voltage exceeds the module protection limit, the BMS will disconnect the battery module terminals to shut off charging. Once all cell voltages and the battery module voltage have decreased below the set recover limits, the BMS will automatically reconnect the battery module terminals and allow charging to resume. The voltage settings are shown in table 3.6.

• Under Voltage
  While discharging, if any individual cell voltage is below the cell protection limit or if the battery module voltage is below the module protection limit, the BMS will disconnect the battery module terminals to shut off discharging. Once all cell voltages and the battery module voltage have increased above the set recover limits, the BMS will automatically reconnect the battery module terminals and allow discharging to resume.
  The voltage settings are shown in table 3.6.

CURRENT PROTECTION

• Charge Over Current
  While charging, if the current exceeds the maximum continuous current rating by 2% and remains for greater than 10 seconds, or if the current exceeds the rating by 20% and remains for greater than 3 seconds, the BMS will disconnect the battery module terminals to shut off charging. The BMS will automatically reconnect the battery module terminals and allow charging to resume after 180 seconds. Resolve the fault condition to avoid further shutdowns or the BMS will lock the module after 5 attempts and require a manual reset. The settings are shown in table 3.6.

• Discharge Over Current
  While discharging, if the current exceeds the maximum continuous current rating by 2% and remains for greater than 10 seconds, or if the current exceeds the rating by 50% and remains for greater than 3 seconds, the BMS will disconnect the battery module terminals to shut off discharging. The BMS will automatically reconnect the battery module terminals and allow discharging to resume after 60 seconds. Resolve the fault condition to avoid further shutdowns or the BMS will lock the module after 5 attempts and require a manual reset. The settings are shown in table 3.6.

• Short Current Protection
  While discharging, if the current exceeds the maximum continuous current rating by 100% and remains for greater than 1 second, the battery module output circuit breaker will trip and disconnect the battery module terminals to shut off discharging. The BMS will require a manual reset. Resolve the fault condition to avoid further shutdowns. The settings are shown in table 3.6.

• Reverse Polarity Protection
  If the battery module terminals are connected to a load or source with the polarity of the terminals reversed, the BMS will immediately disconnect the battery module terminals and enter the polarity protection state to protect the battery module from damage. The BMS will require a manual reset. Ensure the terminal polarity error is corrected before proceeding.

TEMPERATURE PROTECTION

• Cell
  There are several thermal sensors to monitor cell temperature. If the temperature of any cell is less than 23F or greater than 158F, the BMS will disconnect the battery module terminals to terminate charging. The BMS will automatically reconnect the battery module terminals and allow charging to resume after the temperature returns to within 32F to 140F.
  If the temperature of any cell is less than -4F or greater than 167F, the BMS will disconnect the battery module terminals to terminate discharging. The BMS will automatically reconnect the battery module terminals and allow discharging to resume after the temperature returns to within 14F to 149F The settings are shown in table 3.6.

• PCB
  A thermal sensor exists to monitor the printed circuit board (PCB) temperature. If the PCB temperature exceeds 221F, the BMS will disconnect the battery module terminals. The BMS will automatically reconnect the battery module terminals once the temperature is less than 176F. The settings are shown in table 3.6.

• Module
  A thermal sensor exists to monitor the battery module’s ambient temperature. If the ambient temperature is less than -13F or greater than 158F, the BMS will disconnect the battery module terminals. The BMS will automatically reconnect the battery module terminals once the temperature returns to within 5F to 140F. The settings are shown in table 3.6.

CELL BALANCE

• Smart Cell Balance
  While charging, if any cell voltage exceeds 3.40V and the voltage difference between the cells becomes greater than 40mV, the BMS will initiate the balancing process for those cells. The balance current is based on the cell voltage differences and is limited to 100mA.

Table 3.7 Parameter Setting

Module voltage
protection| 59.2V Warning
60.0V Trip| 55.2V Recover
Discharge| Cell voltage protection
2.3V Trip| 2. 5V Warning 2| 3.1V Recover
Module voltage
protection| 45.0V Warning
43.2V Trip| 48.0V Recover
2| Current| Charge| Normal| 100A| Max continuous
Discharge| Normal| 100A| Max continuous
30A recommended
Over-current protection
1| 102.0A Trip
10s delay| 60s Recover
Over-current protection
2| 150.0A Trip
3s delay| 60s Recover
Short protection| 200.0A Trip
1s delay| Manual reset
3| Temperature| Cell| Temperature Protection| ≤23F or ≥158F
Trip Charging
-4F or ≥167F
Trip Discharging| 32F-140F
Recover Charging
14F-149F
Recover Discharging
PCB| ≥221F Trip| 5176F Recover
| | Module| | ≤-13F or ≥158F
Trip Ambient| 5F~140F
Recover Ambient

INSTALLATION AND TESTING

PREPARING TO INSTALL

Rules Of Safety
The installation, operation, and maintenance of EG4-48V lithium iron phosphate battery modules shall be performed by trained and qualified professional personnel. Before installation or use, please read the product safety precautions and related operating instructions. Strictly abide by the following safety rules and any local safety regulations, otherwise, personal injury or damage to the product may occur.

1. Ensure any source or load connected to the battery module terminals are in good condition and free from defects.
2. Before installation, ensure all grid power sources are shut down, the battery module output circuit breaker is “OFF” and the battery module is switched “OFF”.
3. All electrical wires shall have the same grade of insulation. Also ensure electrical wires are free from nicks, cuts, or exposed metal.
4. Ensure the battery module and associated equipment have reliable and secure grounding affixed.

INSTALLATION ENVIRONMENT
The installed battery module environment requires specific parameter ranges for safe, long-term operation.
The environmental requirements are shown in table 4.2.
Table 4.2 Environmental Requirements

Keep away from heat and flame.

Figure 4.1 Installation Process
TOOLS AND MATERIALS
Suggested items for installation are shown in table 4.3.
Table 4.3 Tools And Materials

SITE SURVEY
● Equipment Inspection

1. Ensure loads and sources connected to the battery module terminals are in good condition and free from defects.
2. Ensure source voltages will not exceed the battery module charge voltage range shown in table 3.6, charge voltage range.
3. Ensure source currents will not exceed the battery module normal charge current limit shown in table 3.6, normal charge current.
4. Ensure total load currents will not exceed the battery module normal discharge current limit shown in table 3.6, normal discharge current.

● Ground Check
Check if the battery module and associated equipment have reliable and secure grounding affixed.

BATTERY CHECK

1. Check the battery module packaging for damage before proceeding; provide documentation if any damage is found (such as purchase receipts, shipping receipts, pictures, videos, et cetera).
2. Check the battery module packing list to ensure all components and accessories exist.
3. Carefully unpack the battery module and check for any damage before proceeding; provide documentation if any damage is found (such as purchase receipts, shipping receipts, pictures, videos, et cetera).
4. Be careful while handling battery modules to avoid any damage or injury.

INSTALLATION

CAUTIONS
Battery module installation requires attention to critical details, such as:

1. Installation space and load-bearing limits. Ensure there is sufficient space for airflow around the battery module(s); mounting brackets are affixed securely between the battery module(s) and a structural frame to prevent vibration, and the hardware and structural components are capable of supporting the battery module(s) combined weight.
2. Wire specifications. Ensure all source and load wires connected to the battery module(s) are of sufficient temperature rating and wire gauge (or cross-sectional area) to accommodate the battery module(s) maximum continuous operating current and intermittent fault current.
3. Project layout. Ensure the entire construction layout of cables, wiring, source/load equipment, fuses, switches, enclosures, and battery module(s) is reasonable and allows for maintenance activities.
4. Wiring layout. Ensure all wires and cables are routed neatly and securely, without kinks or against abrasive/sharp edges; also consider the benefits of moisture-proofing and corrosion prevention.
5. At least two people should perform the battery module installation for reasons of safety.

CAUTION： Ensure the installation site is safe before proceeding.

INSTALLATION STEP
Battery installation steps are shown in table 4.4.
Table 4.4 Installation Steps

off. Ensure there
are no voltages present before proceeding.
2| Mechanical installation| 1. Enclosure and mounting connections
2. Battery mounting connections
3| Electrical installation| 1. Grounding wire connection
2. Battery module connections
3. Source/Load connections
4. Communication cable connection
4| Electrical commissioning| Turning on the system

● Step 1. Power Sources
Before installation, ensure all grid power sources are turned off and tagged. Turn off all battery modules and disconnect all loads. Ensure there are no voltages present before proceeding.
● Step 2. Mechanical Installation

1. Mounting brackets. Ensure mounting brackets are attached on both sides of the battery module enclosure. If they are not attached, locate the mounting brackets and hardware within the shipment packaging and connect a mounting bracket to each side of the battery module enclosure using the provided hardware.
   Ensure the mounting brackets are attached securely and not loose.

2. Battery module(s). The preferred method to mount battery modules is within a standard 19-inch rack or cabinet. The battery module handles, attached to the front, are used to lift the battery module onto the rack supporting plate then push the battery module into the rack until the battery module mounting brackets touch the rack frame. Then attach mounting bolts through the battery module mounting bracket to the corresponding rack frame mounting nuts. Ensure the mounting brackets fit firmly against the rack frame then tighten the bolts to 6 Foot Pounds.

● Step 3. Electrical Installation

1. Grounding wire. Affix a grounding wire of sufficient wire gauge from the battery module enclosure grounding screw (located on the front panel) to the rack frame (or cabinet) earth ground point. Ensure the connection is secure and corrosion-free.
2. Battery module(s). With only a single battery, connect the battery module terminals directly to the source or load; ensure proper polarity of connections. If there are multiple batteries to be connected in parallel, ensure that all battery module output voltages are within 0.1 Volt (100 milliVolts) before proceeding. If battery module outputs are not within 0.1 Volt (100 milliVolts), charge the respective battery modules until they are. Then ensure all battery modules are turned off before connecting each battery module “+” (positive) and “-” (negative) terminal to its respective rack “+” (positive) and “-” (negative) bus bar, using the large gauge connecting wire provided.
3. Source/Load. Connect all sources and loads to the rack bus bar, observing proper polarity. NOTE: there may be fuses, contactors, switches, etc. between the rack bus bar and the connected sources and/or loads.
4. Communication cable. If a single battery is used, skip this step.
   When multiple batteries are connected in parallel, set the battery module Address (or ID) of each battery module according to table 3.4 (also ensure no duplicate address codes are used). Then connect one end of the provided RJ-45 communication cable into a battery module front panel RJ-45 jack (labeled “BatteryComm”) and connect the remaining end of the RJ-45 communication cable into another battery module front panel RJ-45 jack (labeled “Battery-Comm”). Continue connecting communication cables until all battery modules are connected. To monitor the battery module parameters, connect a computer to the “RS485” jack using a USB to serial converter/adapter according to Table 3.6 and Chapter 5.

● Step 4. Electrical Commissioning
After all previous steps have been completed, turn ON each battery module (including their respective output circuit breaker to ON), one at a time, pausing between each to allow the batteries to stabilize. Continue until all battery modules are ON and terminal voltage is detected on the bus bar. If any battery module does not start, the front panel “ALM” (alarm) lights or the output circuit breaker goes OFF, immediately turn OFF all battery modules and disconnect the offending battery module from the rack bus bar and remove it from the rack for further inspection. Once all connected battery modules are deemed functioning properly, then turn ON or enable power sources and loads, one at a time, while monitoring the battery modules, sources, and loads for any anomalies. If any battery module front panel “ALM” (alarm) lights, or any circuit breaker trips, or fuses blow or arcing, or smoke, immediately turn OFF all battery modules, sources, and loads and correct the fault before proceeding.
Caution： If you have any questions about the installation, stop and contact technical support to avoid damage or accidents.

PC SOFTWARE

PC SOFTWARE

● Software Menu

INSTALLATION OF SOFTWARE
Start the software
CONNECT AND COMMUNICATE

Connect the battery communication port with the communication cable(DB9 interface or RJ45 interface).
Set the baud rate to 9600.
Click “Search Device”, and the battery BMS will be online automatically.

Then all the battery data can be displayed on the PC software.

SHIPPING, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL

SHIPPING AND STORAGE

• Shipping
  According to the provisions of the product can be used in general means of conveyance, but should avoid throwing, rainfall, strong radiation, and corrosion erosion. during transportation, please prevent the collision and strong vibration.

• Storage
  For storage devices in the indoor storage, the ambient air temperature is 32F to + 113F, and the average monthly relative humidity of not more than 90%, the ambient air without corrosive and flammable and explosive gas; the storage warehouse should be ventilated, free of alkaline, acidic substances, and other corrosive gases, without a strong mechanical vibration, shock, and without strong electromagnetic field and direct sunlight. Capacity was maintained at 50% to 60% stores, and charging the battery every 6 months.

WARNING AND DISPOSAL

When the ALM lights and battery have been alarmed or protected, please check fault reasons and take corresponding measures. Table 5.1 below is the main alarm condition.
Table 5.1 The main alarm and protection

charger
Over-current protection| ALM| Stop charge, check the settings and limitation
Temperature protection| ALM| Stop charge, wait for the temp recovery
Discharging| Low voltage protection| ALM| Stop discharge, turn to charge mode
Over-current protection| ALM| Stop discharge, check if there is an overload
Temperature protection| ALM| Stop discharge, wait for the temp recovery

COMMON FAULTS AND SOLUTIONS

Common faults and solutions are shown in table 5.2.
Table 5.2 Common fault and solution

Maintenance or replacement
3| The battery can not be charged to full| Power system DC output voltage falls below the minimum charge voltage| Regulating DC output voltage of power supply to battery suitable charging voltage
4| ALM LED always lights| Power line connection short circuit| Disconnect the power cable and check all cables
5| The battery output voltage is unstable| Battery management systems do not operate normally| Press the reset button to reset the system, then reboot the system
6| Communication lost or data fault| Communication settings fail| Check the communication settings and correct it

Caution： If the battery cannot operate normally, please do not disassemble the battery without technical instructions.

SAFETY, SYMBOLS, AND CAUTIONS

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Symbol Definition
DO NOT dispose of battery in a fire.
Recycle or dispose of Lithium batteries in accordance with local laws/regulations.
DO NOT dispose of the battery in the trash.

PRECAUTIONS

Please read and comply with the following conditions of installation and use of the battery, incorrect installation using the battery may cause personal injury or damage to the product.

1. DO NOT throw the battery into the water. Store batteries in a cool and dry environment when not in use.
2. DO NOT put the battery on fire or heat the battery, so as to avoid an explosion or other dangerous events.
3. When charging the battery please choose specialized charging equipment, and follow the correct procedures, do not use unqualified chargers.
4.  DO NOT reverse positive and negative terminals, and do not connect the battery directly to AC power to avoid a battery short circuit.
5. DO NOT use batteries from different manufacturers or different kinds, or types together, and do not mixed-use old batteries and new batteries.
6. DO NOT use the battery when it becomes hot, bulges deforms, or leaks.
7. DO NOT puncture the battery with a nail or other sharp objects; Do not throw, stamp on, impact, or hit the battery.
8. DO NOT open or try to repair the battery when it is defective. Warranty invalid if the battery is repaired or disassembled.
9. Batteries are 75% charged before shipment, Don’t use the battery if it’s hot, bulged, or smells abnormal, and so on, and report to after-sale dept. immediately.
10. If you need to store the battery for a long time, please charge and discharge the battery every three months to ensure the best performance, and the best state of charge for storage is between 50%~60%.
11. Please use the battery in the temperature range defined in the manual.
12. The state of charge of batteries is 50% before shipment, please charge the battery before using.

Note: If you have some special technical problems which are not mentioned above, please contact technical staff.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

1130 Como Street S.
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
This is to certify that| BATTERIES FOR USE IN STATIONARY AND MOTIVE
AUXILIARY POWER APPLICATIONS – COMPONENT
See Addendum Page for Product Designation(s).
Have been investigated by UL in accordance with the component requirements in the Standard(s) indicated on this Certificate. UL Recognized components are incomplete in certain constructional features or restricted in performance capabilities and are intended for installation incomplete equipment submitted for investigation to UL LLC.
Standard(s) for Safety:| ANSI/UL 1973 Standard for Batteries for Use in Stationary, Vehicle Auxiliary Power, and Light Electric Rail (LER) Applications
Additional Information:| See the UL Online Certifications Directory at https://iq.ulprospector.com for additional information

This Certificate of Compliance does not provide authorization to apply the UL Recognized Component Mark.
Only the UL Follow-Up Services Procedure provides authorization to apply the UL Mark.
Only those products bearing the UL Recognized Component Mark should be considered as being UL Certified and covered under UL’s Follow-Up Services.
Look for the UL Recognized Component Mark on the product.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

This is to certify that representative samples of the product as specified on this certificate were tested according to the current UL requirements
USR – Battery Module(s) for Use in Stationary Applications, Model(s)
PPS-ME21-51.2V100Ah, EG4-LifePower4 Lithium Battery 48V100AH.

Bruce Mahrenholz, Director of North American Certification Program
UL LLC
Any information and documentation involving UL Mark services are provided on behalf of UL LLC (UL) or any authorized licensee of UL. For questions, please contact a local UL Customer Service Representative at http://ul.com/aboutul/locations/

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