[RE-wrenches] Energy Storage and Working Spaces for Other Equipment

[Jeff Clearwater]

Hey Jason,

I've installed a few systems now using Fortress eVaults.  I like them as 
they are a nice 18.5 KW increment and the BMS seems hardy - nice 
interface screen showing SOC on each battery.

However, call Fortress and discuss the status of their closed loop 
communications (and talk to Sol-Ark about it too).  The tech at Fortress 
told me that less than 4 eVaults the closed loop communication is more 
trouble than it's worth between batteries.  That appears to be because 
they simply have not employed a soft-start resistor and the batteries 
shut down when exposed to cap loading during inverter start-up.  They 
said relying on the individual battery BMSs works fine.  I've found that 
to be true so far - no drift in SOC from battery and Sol-Ark.

Their eFlex system is supposed to be totally closed loop communication 
between batts and with a Sol-Ark.  It's a bit of a small increment for 
large systems but may be worth it.

I imagine they will offer an upgrade for eVaults or a new model soon 
with full closed loop.  Sol-Ark tech said they were still working with 
them on that.

Hope that helps!

Best,

Jeff

> Jason Szumlanski <mailto:jason at floridasolardesigngroup.com>
> January 31, 2021 at 11:27 AM
> I'm seeing a lot of pictures of LiPO battery systems and people are 
> mounting equipment above them like load centers, inverters with 
> disconnects, and other serviceable enclosures. Some of these battery 
> systems are 24 inches deep or more. This seems to violate NEC 110.26 
> requirements for the other serviceable equipment, but the pictures are 
> proudly displayed as models of success. Even slender Tesla Powerwalls 
> stick out significantly when stacked 2 or 3 deep and would be more 
> than 6 inches deeper than a standard load center. Sure, the battery 
> cabinets make great places to rest tools while working, but does 
> anyone else see this as problematic?
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Florida Solar Design Group
>
>
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