Jump to content

Two batteries,different brands connected to one inverter


JoeMobstarr28

Recommended Posts

Avid follower of the forum and have learned tons from the valuable information and advice.

So, I currently have a GROWATT ES5000 paired with a 5.09 kwh SVolt battery and four 545W panels. I also have a 2.4 kwh battery(Chinese made, with a Zulu name🙄), previously connected to the GROWATT and now lying idle and would like to add it to my system. The specs of the two batteries are below-:

 

SVolt LifePO4  : 5.09 kwh -106Ah                       Ikwenkwezi  LifePO4 : 2.4 kwh-50Ah

                               : 15S - 48V                                                                                    : 15S - 48V

                               : PACE BMS                                                                                  : PACE BMS

                               : 1C rated                                                                                       : 0.5C rated

                               : Pin connectors                                                                         :10mm lugs

The smaller rated battery was used for a couple of months, before upgrading to the SVolt and only has about 200 cycles.

I have previously asked on this forum if it was possible to add the 2.4 kwh rated battery and the answer was that it was definitely possible. I still have some more questions regarding this set-up, before proceeding and hope for more advice from forum members.

I have an installer who suggests that we can run all four cables from the batteries through the battery fuse disconnector(160A) . Is this allowed or safe and compliant with regulations? My layman knowledge tells me NO and I am not comfortable with this, but he assures me it shouldn’t be an issue. My understanding is that he would hook up the battery cables from the 2.4 kwh battery with the ones from the SVolt, all four(2 positive and 2 negative) into the fuse disconnector and only two cables going into the inverter.  The installer has been trying to source the correct pin connectors, for the SVolt end with no success thus far, hence the suggestion above. 

Surely there must be another way or am I being overly cautious?

The other question is regarding battery communication, would it be possible with both batteries connected or should I opt for voltage control? My other concern is the different charging parameters, 52.5 V for the SVolt and 54V for the other one, would this be an issue? I must also state that both batteries are able to communicate with the GROWATT.

Apologies for the longish thread and look forward to the advice of forum members.

 

 

SVolt.jpg

Inkwenkwezi.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If space between Batteries and Isolator is at a premium - due to the trunking used - then just connect the two batteries in parallel with a hacked Pylontech to 8mm lug (+ & -) - make sure they are of equal length.

Then from Svolt +(positive terminal) a red Pylontech to 8mm lug cable  to the one side of the Isolator (assuming Isolator has a 8mm bolt - adjust if necessary) and from the Inkwenkwesi  - (Negative terminal) a black cable with 8mm lugs both ends to the other side of the isolator. These 2 cable must also be of same length. Set up dip switches as per manual. Not sure, but I would define the newer battery as the master, or the one with the latest firmware.

Link the 2 batteries with a Ethernet cable, which should have been included in the batteries. From the righthand side RS485 of the SVolt (any one of the two) to the righthand side RS485 of the Inkwenkwesi (any of the two).

 

Cable size & fuses as per Growatt/battery manual.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

40 minutes ago, Sidewinder said:

 

Then from Svolt +(positive terminal) a red Pylontech to 8mm lug cable  to the one side of the Isolator (assuming Isolator has a 8mm bolt - adjust if necessary) and from the Inkwenkwesi  - (Negative terminal) a black cable with 8mm lugs both ends to the other side of the isolator. These 2 cable must also be of same length.

 

Cable lengths don't have to be the same for wiring like that.

Edited by Tinbum
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...