[RE-wrenches] Older OB and lithium

Tue Aug 11 07:50:14 EDT 2020

Jay,
Thanks for this info.
BI considers the battery dark (0% SOC) at 48.0 volts. My customers system LCBO is set at 48.0 / 6 secs. As long as AGS is enabled and working, the voltage won't drop that low using the parameters in this screenshot. Extra caution indeed for Outback to not recommend the older FX model for these batteries based on easily adaptable programming.

These AGS and charging set points auto start the genny @ 7-8% SOC, off @ 68-70% every time. Observing the  Egauge, the 2hr start voltage is the one tripped to start. Talking BI LFP, 24kwh capacity total.

Blue did give me a recommended set point chart, which was not totally relevant, but it was enough to tweak them for this application.

On 8/10/2020 11:15:27 PM, Jay <jay.peltz at gmail.com> wrote:
I talked with a senior tech from OB this am. 

The issue why OB doesn’t recommend the FX and non A radians has to do with the LBCO is non adjustable for time. It’s set at 6 minutes. You can change the voltage of course. Reading between the lines they are worried that you will get battery shutdown before the time is up. 
Of course setting the LBCO a bit higher will take care of that. 

And there is an odd rebulk issue that might come into play for those doing grid charging. 

But the charge parameters and all that work just fine. 

Jay

Peltz power. 

On Aug 10, 2020, at 5:56 PM, Jerry Shafer <jerrysgarage01 at gmail.com> wrote:

Kirk
I would be interested in your amended programming with outback and blue planet
Jerry

On Mon, Aug 10, 2020, 6:43 AM Kirk Herander <vtsolar at icloud.com [mailto:vtsolar at icloud.com]> wrote:

http://outbackpower.com/downloads/documents/appnotes/lithium_app_note.pdf [http://outbackpower.com/downloads/documents/appnotes/lithium_app_note.pdf]

This doesn't explain it, just omits older FX inverters from the Outback compatible list.

In terms of programming, I did not use Blue Planet's BI setpoints verbatim in the BI 2.0 (48v) system I set up with FXR inverters. They are definitely to be used as guidelines. I was able to get the backup genny to start almost PRECISELY at an 8% SOC and turn of at 70% according to the e-gauge, and easily do further tweaking remotely through the Mate3s via REoptics. I can share my setpoints if anyone is interested.

This is a remote site, at least 2 miles from grid power, but I have reliable internet using a Verizon jetpack cell modem/router (and you can also pull and use the verizon Sim card in 3rd party verizon-compatible devices).

In this application, the charging efficiency(and ability to use the entire kwh capacity of the bank) is outstanding compared to the old wet cell LA bank. BI-LFP bank has been installed 6 mos and genny has run a total of 55 hrs, compared to at least 250+ same time last year. 

I will say that Blue Planet definitely needs to expand and re-write their documentation. You will find gaps for sure which might leave you head-scratching the first time around. IMO this especially relates to battery combiner box design and recommendation. If you have more than one cabinet they need to parallel together safely using off-the-shelf components, properly rated and protected. Especially in the high voltage system I am about to install, 1MWH @ 850 vdc. They really ought to sell a listed combiner with the system. I have almost weekly tech meetings with them getting all the details straight.
On 8/9/2020 8:30:04 PM, Jay <jay.peltz at gmail.com [mailto:jay.peltz at gmail.com]> wrote:
Hi Kirk,

Can you explain why it wouldnt work?

Just setpoints. 

Jay

On Aug 9, 2020, at 4:13 PM, Kirk Herander <vtsolar at icloud.com [mailto:vtsolar at icloud.com]> wrote:

For some reason (that I never got an answer to from Outback or Blue Planet) older FX inverters are not compatible with Blue Ion LFP batteries. The newer FXR series are.
Considering one only needs to change slightly charge voltages, duration, etc. to meet BI recommendations, it's a mystery why Outback states that older FX inverters are not compatible. 
Outback  states this in a tech note about using LI batteries.

On 8/9/2020 5:40:39 PM, drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org [mailto:drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org] <drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org [mailto:drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org]> wrote:
P.S. The system consists of an old Outback FX inverter and an MX60, with
a 2600 W array.

---

On 2020-08-09 13:12, drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org [mailto:drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org] wrote:
> Hello Wrenches,
>
> What is the best Li-Ion battery to use with an off grid system?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Drake
> Athens Electric
>
> --
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