DISCOVER ELEMENT - Charging Procedures; Closed-Loop Charging; When to Charge the Battery Module

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NOTICE
Storing or leaving the battery module at 0% SOC will lead to irreversible damage and
void the warranty.
10.3 Charging
Each electrical system will have different characteristics and balance-of-system
components. Charger settings may require modifications to optimize system
performance.
NOTICE
• Always confirm that the charging device cannot produce transient spikes that exceed
the published terminal voltage limits for the battery module.
• Always confirm the charging curve meets the battery module’s charging requirement.
• Never charge a visibly damaged or frozen battery module.
• If the battery module is stored in a cold environment, it may become frozen and
may not accept a charge. Be aware of the supported Charge Temperature range
(refer to Section 3.3, Environmental Specifications) for your battery and recharge before it
approaches 0% SOC.
10.3.1 Closed-Loop Charging
Closed-loop charging is a method whereby the battery module communicates
with a charger and sends the charge voltage and current. Closed-loop charging is
available with compatible chargers directly connected to the LYNK port or through
the LYNK II Communication Gateway. Closed-loop charging reduces charge time
and increases balancing efficiency when compared to open-loop charging.
Refer to the appropriate Application Note available from
www.discoverbattery.com for the set up of closed-loop parameters and integration
with specific brands of solar inverter-chargers, solar charger controllers, mobile
inverter-chargers, and industrial chargers.
10.3.2 When to Charge the Battery Module
• Opportunity charging is OK. Charging the battery module after every use will not
reduce its cycle life.
• Partial State-of-Charge is OK. If the battery module SOC is greater than 10% at
the end of discharge, it does not require an immediate charge.
• Charge if below 10% SOC. If the battery module has been discharged below 10%
SOC, it must be charged within 24 hours to avoid permanent damage to the
battery module. Otherwise, irreversible damage to the battery module cells will
occur in a very short period of time.
• Low charge current extends life. Charging at 50% of nominal current or lower
helps extend the battery module cycle life.
• Charge within the proper temperature range. Ensure that charging is within
the charge temperatures specified in Table 3-3, ELEMENT ESS Environmental
Specifications.