Is there a way to install Lithium batteries to a hybrid inverter that according to the specs only supports lead acid (Vented, AGM and Gel)?

 

Depends on a couple variables... do you mind posting the battery and inverter models? There are Axperts that don't have settings for lithium's but they can work just fine and there are batteries with a BMS capable of making AGM work, so it depends on what you got.

57 minutes ago, Psy said:

Depends on a couple variables... do you mind posting the battery and inverter models? There are Axperts that don't have settings for lithium's but they can work just fine and there are batteries with a BMS capable of making AGM work, so it depends on what you got.

Thanks Psy. The inverter model is the Replus SineON IH3KW-48-V. Have not chosen a battery make yet as needed to ascertain which, if any, it is possible to install with it.

Attached the spec. Tried to get support from manufacturers, but no luck.

Replus-SineON-IH3KW-48-V-TDS-High-Res-compressed.pdf

Thanks for clarifying, sadly this isn't an inverter I am very familiar with but it looks like one of the Axperts and it integrates with WatchPower. However, when checking the manuals it seems as if there isn't any mention of a "User Defined" battery type. So the battery type dictates the voltages etc used for charging and if you cannot set these points the chances of overvolting is quite high...

If you can set the unit up without a battery for now and open WatchPower, check what battery settings you have control over with this unit and take it from there. 👍 

2 hours ago, Psy said:

Thanks for clarifying, sadly this isn't an inverter I am very familiar with but it looks like one of the Axperts and it integrates with WatchPower. However, when checking the manuals it seems as if there isn't any mention of a "User Defined" battery type. So the battery type dictates the voltages etc used for charging and if you cannot set these points the chances of overvolting is quite high...

If you can set the unit up without a battery for now and open WatchPower, check what battery settings you have control over with this unit and take it from there. 👍 

Never used WatchPower so will have to school up on that before I can assess whether there is any ability to make changes to the voltage charge settings, but my understanding from what I have managed to glean from various searches is that this is not the case which is why it does not support lithium battery addition.

That looks like an Infinisolar clone. Appears to be similar to what I have (just different brand/colour).

I've been running it since April 2021 with a Hubble AM-2. You will need the software called SolarPower to configure the inverter initially, but thereafter I would recommend SolarAssistant because it acts as a sort of bridge between Inverter and battery.

 

13 hours ago, Mier said:

That looks like an Infinisolar clone. Appears to be similar to what I have (just different brand/colour).

I've been running it since April 2021 with a Hubble AM-2. You will need the software called SolarPower to configure the inverter initially, but thereafter I would recommend SolarAssistant because it acts as a sort of bridge between Inverter and battery.

 

Thanks Mier. Definitely looks to be an Infinisolar clone. Found link to WatchPower and SolarPower software 

Found the manual as well and it shows that the charging voltages can be changed (although not sure whether this will allow for those required by Lithium batteries as never installed one)

 

 

Edited December 14, 20222 yr by RVFmal
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I obviously can't gaurantee that your inverter is 100% identical (may even have different FW), but I'm happy to give some pointers (or inverter manual, screenshots etc).

This inverter can start up without battery (some Axpert inverters can't). Before I had my battery or installed the inverter, I made up a simple cable to connect the inverter to a standard 3-pin plug outlet, just to check for out-of-box failure and to test the SW etc.

There are a few things to be aware of with this inverter, such as the need for an external Earth/Neurtral bond relay. You can check out my install here, if you like 

 

44 minutes ago, Mier said:

I obviously can't gaurantee that your inverter is 100% identical (may even have different FW), but I'm happy to give some pointers (or inverter manual, screenshots etc).

This inverter can start up without battery (some Axpert inverters can't). Before I had my battery or installed the inverter, I made up a simple cable to connect the inverter to a standard 3-pin plug outlet, just to check for out-of-box failure and to test the SW etc.

There are a few things to be aware of with this inverter, such as the need for an external Earth/Neurtral bond relay. You can check out my install here, if you like 

 

Knowing my luck, it probably isn't, but will have to start it up to ascertain what I can and cannot do with it.

What gauge cable did you use for the 3-pin supply for testing?

Will probably have to get a certified electrician in for actual install as I am a bit of a noob.

You're not going to be connecting any load or battery to it. The inverter itself uses less than 60W< so you really don't need a very think cable to power it. 3 core, 1.5mm should do it. It's about as complex as fitting a 3-pin plug, but rather get someone to help if you are unsure.

For actual installation and wiring into your DB / Battery, definately get an electrician if you have any doubt. You must get it CoC'd anyway to ensure saftely and avoid issues with your issurance if things go wrong.

2 hours ago, Mier said:

You're not going to be connecting any load or battery to it. The inverter itself uses less than 60W< so you really don't need a very think cable to power it. 3 core, 1.5mm should do it. It's about as complex as fitting a 3-pin plug, but rather get someone to help if you are unsure.

For actual installation and wiring into your DB / Battery, definately get an electrician if you have any doubt. You must get it CoC'd anyway to ensure saftely and avoid issues with your issurance if things go wrong.

Will attach a short extension lead to it.

In terms of installation, if it is viable, will get a registered sparky to do the install and issue CoC. I am great at network installs, not as proficient at electrical.

As an side, seems exactly the same as yours. Will check on FW shortly. Did you connect by USB or RS232?

 

USB. I got a cable in the box.

 

(Even the first digits of the serial numbers are similar  )

Edited December 14, 20222 yr by Mier
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11 minutes ago, Mier said:

USB. I got a cable in the box.

 

(Even the first digits of the serial numbers are similar  )

Yep, got same cable and a filter. Will toy around tonight.

Noticed that too, so crossing fingers the FW allows for voltage changes to support the LifePo 😁

(I tossed that filter in the bin...  )

26 minutes ago, Mier said:

(I tossed that filter in the bin...  )

😂 Then to recycling it will go.