When considering ESS batteries like our Eve version, you may have some questions about its use. There are plenty of things to think about, so this buyer’s guide is especially for you. Please do take a look at this and our FAQ to answer some general queries you may have.
What are these batteries?
These batteries are high quality ESS storage that can hold a large volume of power. This is why individually or in groups, they can power spaces from caravans to a home and even businesses. Thinking about it more technically, they are a collection of 15 Grade A certified EVE lithium-ion prismatic cells. Within each “battery” these cells are all connected in series to provide the nominal 48VDC. Each individual cell is monitored by the internal BMS and looks after them by way of balancing, under voltage, over voltage and over current etc.
How do these batteries power a home?
Usually there is a connection to an inverter/charger that feeds the charge into your home supply. We recognise that when powering a home, you need a reliable supply and that is a way that using our batteries can be more reliable than using, for example, just a solar supply. You can use these batteries for more than just home use though. You can use them for any application that matches the specifications.
What size lithium-ion battery will be right for my home?
We recommend taking up professional advice to properly calculate your home usage such as www.howetec.co.uk. It is important to get this right at the beginning to set-up your system properly and is worth taking the time to get right. It can also be quite technical if you do not know what you are doing. However, as a guide, calculate how much energy (in watts) you use on a daily basis. Then you will need to purchase enough batteries to give you the capacity for storage and recharge that will work for you. You will need to decide how much of the capacity you want to use from each battery. Be aware that deeper discharge from an individual battery will reduce the battery life. It is also important to check the specifications on temperature, charge/discharge & the depth of discharge.
Are these lithium-ion batteries rechargeable?
Yes, any lithium-ion charger will charge them if its output is within the specification for charging the batteries.
How do battery energy storage systems work?
Simply put, you charge the batteries with energy that is cheaper than a general supplier offers for peak-time energy. Then you use it when you want. Our blog explains this in greater detail to give you a good understanding.
How are they different from regular batteries?
Our lithium-ion batteries have a much larger capacity than average batteries. The round-trip efficiency of our batteries is greater than 95% in comparison to 80% with lead acid/gel batteries. This means more of your energy is useable and less is turned into gas or heat when charging. They have a higher density to lead acid to hold more energy per weight, not to mention that the recommendation for lead acid discharging is only 50% before a recharge. In comparison, our batteries can go down to an 80% discharge without issue.
Can I use more than one battery if I need more power?
Parallel connection is absolutely fine, and many batteries can be in use together in this way. This will increase the capacity, but the voltage will stay the same.
Are these lithium-ion batteries sustainable?
Lithium-ion batteries have a longer life span than lead batteries. Also, iron is more abundant and safer than lead. You can use these batteries in combination with solar energy, which is more sustainable than fossil fuels. You can also recycle these batteries. However, there is rapid development for this type of technology. in the future it may be possible to both reuse and recycle these batteries.
How and when do I charge my lithium-ion battery
This battery typically has a connection to a combi inverter/charger. This design allows it to both charge and discharge the battery bank. The inverter converts the 48V DC (in this case) to 240V AC with a high efficiency pure sine wave inverter. Charging can be timed for off-peak energy or can use excess solar if part of the process.
What are lithium-ion batteries made from?
These batteries are LiFePO4 which means Lithium Iron Phosphate, so they contain (among other composites) lithium, iron, plastics, phosphates and some metals for the connections.
Why should I get these batteries?
Batteries are one of the key components in the system for the storage of energy. Good quality batteries are quite an expensive part of the system but also can last many, many years with the correct monitoring and when you use them to the specifications. Cheaper batteries like lead-based gel or even old forklift wet batteries mostly need fortnightly maintenance and are normally only recommended to discharge 50%. Our batteries do not need this and discharge down to 20%.
How do I know if these are the right batteries for me?
It is important to get the right batteries for your set-up. If you are unsure seek professional advice from a system designer like www.howetec.co.uk. You can also ask us any additional questions you like. Be sure they are right for you before you purchase.