1. Background and Problem Overview
The Battery Augmentation Process was initiated to address two recurring issues in residential energy storage systems:
1. Sudden jumps in the battery's State of Charge (SOC).
2. Inability of the battery system to discharge when the SOC is low.
These issues often occur due to the unsynchronized integration of new battery modules. This guide explains how to properly augment battery modules and resolve issue caused by incorrect augmentation.
2. Important Notes Before Augmentation
Before proceeding with battery augmentation, ensure the following:
1. Check the new battery pack's SOC. (Factory default: SBR = 27%, SBH = 40%)
2. Match the SOC of the old battery system to the new pack by charging or discharging the existing battery
3. Add the new pack to the existing system to make up an new battery system.
3. Manual Battery Augmentation (SHRT and SHT)
Manual augmentation involves physical connection and SOC balancing. Steps:
1. Verify pack production using the serial number as shown picture below .
2. Note that new pack's SOC. (Factory default: SBR = 27%, SBH = 40%), and the default SOC of the new pack will slowly discharge (~1% per month).
3. Charge or discharge the existing system to match the new pack SOC.
4. Turn off the MCB in the switch gear, and connect the new module to the system.
Note:
> The SOC of a new battery pack can only be estimated based on its self-discharge rate.
> SHRT or SHT Inverter support 8 pack SBR batteries. (SBR256)
4. Battery Augmentation via iSolarCloud App for SHRS only
From iSolarCloud Web
1) Open iSolarCloud → Go to "Device Information" and click on the options menu
2) Enter Target SOC and Starting Time, then click “Get” and input the new battery pack’s Serial Number and Starting Time.
3) Click “Apply Settings” and wait while the system automatically discharges or charges to reach the target SOC.
4) Once the old system's SOC matches the target SOC, the app will notify you that the process is completed.
5) Turn off the MCB of the old battery system → Add the new battery pack → The BMS will send confirmation to the PCS that the task is successfully completed.
5. Abnormal Augmentation Scenarios
5.1 Abnormal Scene 1: Voltage of New Pack is Lower Than Existing Modules (Old SOC 90%, New SOC 25%
Problem: The new module has a significantly lower voltage compared to other connected modules, leading to SOC inconsistencies.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Set SOC Limits to 0%:Change the SOC lower limit, discharge cut-off SOC, and emergency charge SOC all to 0%.Then discharge the entire system to 0%. The system will automatically recharge to 10% and stop.
2. Remove the Abnormal Module:Physically disconnect the new/abnormal battery module.
3. Repeat the Discharge Cycle:Again, discharge the system to 0%. It will automatically recharge to 10% and stop.
4. Reinstall the Module and Restore Settings:Reconnect the module and restore settings:
o SOC lower limit = 5%
o Discharge cut-off SOC = 5%
o Emergency charge SOC = 3%
5.2 Abnormal Scene 2: Voltage of New Pack is Higher Than Existing Modules (Old SOC 10%, New SOC 25%)
Problem: The new battery module has a much higher voltage than the existing modules, which can disrupt system balance
Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Fully Charge the System to 100% SOC.
2. Remove the Abnormal Module from the system.
3. Discharge the System to 90% SOC to allow for recharging capability.
4. Charge the System Back to 100% SOC.
5. Reinstall the Abnormal Module after the system is fully balanced.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What causes battery SOC to jump?
A: Typically caused by mismatched SOC levels between new and old battery modules.
Q2: Why can't the battery discharge after augmentation?
A: It may be due to the new pack having too low or too high SOC compared to the old system.
Q3: Can this be done remotely?
A: The iSolarCloud platform allows remote SOC alignment and configuration before physical installation.