24VDC Li Expander Pak 1300 Operator Manual
June 2020
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Solar Stik® Inc.
12
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Optimizing the Battery Configuration
A hybrid power system will function most efficiently when proper balance is achieved within
the System’s architecture (Energy Storage, Power Management, and Power Generation). The
foundational component in the Solar Stik System architecture is the battery (Expander Pak).
Generally, the amount of energy storage (battery capacity) required for any System will be directly
proportional to the amount of load and power generation that is required for 1-2 battery cycles per
day; however, two other system factors may also play a role in determining the necessary capacity:
• Application (external factors such as logistics and operation climate)
• Capabilities (internal factors such as system composition, including generation, AC/DC power
management, distribution, etc)
Power Management Components that are connected to the battery bank must be able to pull and
push enough current (amps) to/from the batteries to support their individual functions. This requires
the establishment of a “minimum” capacity for proper system operation.
For example, PRO-Verters can require extremely high current (amperage) from the batteries when AC
loads require power from the inverter, but they can also push high current into the battery when it is
in charge mode.
Each Expander Pak has a built-in circuit breaker that will limit the amount of current available from
the individual batteries. In most System configurations where Expander Paks are used, the combined
values of the Expander Pak circuit breakers must be greater than the rated demand of the connected
power management/distribution equipment.
Connecting an insufficient number of Expander Paks (energy storage modules) will result in a
situation where the following may occur:
• Circuit protections may unnecessarily engage
• Inaccurate voltage readings falsely trigger voltage-related functions in the system
• Battery state of health and overall life expectancy is degraded due to excessive cycling
Refer to the “Minimum Battery Capacity Recommendations” in the System manuals or on relevant
I-Plates to ensure trouble-free operation.
Determining Proper Battery Capacity for a System
Inherent to the HPS architecture is the ability to “scale” components to meet the System
requirements, and a properly scaled battery bank is essential for successful operation of any HPS.
Two general guidelines should be followed when scaling Expander Paks for proper capacity:
1. Power generated for a system must be equal to or greater than the total load requirement, so the
battery bank must be able to store the requisite power.
2. A properly sized battery bank will cycle 1–2 times per day.
The “total load” in a 24-hour period can be used to baseline the energy storage capacity for a
System. For example, if the total load requirement over 24 hours is 10 kWh, then the energy storage
capacity can usually be scaled to that same metric.