What do I charge a module to?
Charge CC/CV on a LiFePO₄ profile and stop at 41V per module (about 3.42V per cell). The cell’s absolute maximum is 3.6V, or 43.2V per module, but stopping lower costs little usable capacity and adds life. Standard charge is 20A (1C). The cells allow up to 80A (4C) in a module, though slower is kinder.
How low can I discharge?
The cell rating is 2.0V, which is 24V per module. We recommend a low-voltage cut-off of 30V per module (2.5V per cell). LiFePO₄ falls off a cliff near empty, so there is very little energy below that.
How much current can a module deliver?
400A continuous and 960A peak (8 cells in parallel × 50A each). Parallel strings multiply that. The BAE label lists a 2,250A short-circuit current, so size fuses and cables for the fault, not just the load.
Can I put modules in parallel?
Yes. Bring the modules to within about 0.5V of each other first, join them with equal-length cables, and fuse each string. Modules from the same pack are the best match.
What BMS do I need?
A LiFePO₄ BMS that can monitor and balance all 12 cell groups in each module, or one per module. Some modules still carry the original BAE monitoring board; ask which version you are getting. That board talks to the original pack controller, so it is not a drop-in BMS by itself.
Can I build a 48V solar battery from these?
Not from whole modules: 12 × 3.3V is 39.6V, and two in series is 79V. A 16S bank (about 52.8V) is built from sorted loose cells, and we can do that as a custom build. For high-voltage battery inverters, stacking modules works well. Check your inverter’s DC window, then use the builder above to land inside it.
Do the modules come balanced?
Each group’s voltage and the spread between groups are recorded on the test sheet. Plan to top-balance before first use.
Do they all have the monitoring board?
Our photos show modules with the green monitoring board attached and some with it removed. We will tell you which version you are getting when we quote.
How heavy are they, and can they ship?
18 lb each as we weigh them (BAE’s sheet lists 19.55 lb), so 288 lb for the 16 in a pack. Pickup in York Region is the default. Lithium shipping has rules, so ask before ordering.
How are they tested?
Voltage and capacity are measured on our bench and logged on a test sheet for each unit. A module has to reach at least 80% of rated capacity to be sold as tested. See the
process page.
Can I charge them in a cold garage?
The cells are rated for −30°C to 55°C, but for the longest life we advise not charging below 0°C. Keep the pack above freezing while it charges.
Can you build the pack for me?
Yes. Send the configuration (the builder link works) and we assemble modules or sorted cells to your voltage and capacity, with bus bars, enclosure and BMS wiring. Ask for a
quote.