Hi there all. 2 years ago we bough a house that had a 8kw DEYE inverter and 2 Hubble AM2 batteries. I also own a 5kw Kodak inverter and 2 LBSA batteries. I know the 2 batteries uses different technologies and charge at different rates and voltages so I cant just hook them all up together.

The LBSA batteries are no1 5 years old and no2 around 3 years . LBSA changed their design between the 1st battery (the long black box) to a new version (more square with a digital display). Since new the 2 batteries of LBSA shows the same voltage but different SOC, I have emailed them and they say it is because they use different BMS controllers. The New battery can be connected via canbus to the inverter but the old batteries cant.

They changed the design again about a year ago and the packs now look different again but the BMS is apparently the same as the new one I have.

So here is my question if this was yours, will you sell the 2 LBSA batteries and purchase 2 new Hubble AM2 batteries, Or do I send the old battery in and pay R4k to have the cells overpack into a new box with a smart bms.

The LBSA batteries worked very well on my kodak and I never bothered to worry about the SOC because I have set it up to cut off at 50v, but I have now realised that the new pack shows 0% at 50V while the old pack shows around 50% at 50v.

I want to add more batteries because currently my night time draw is around 750 to 1kw without us using any heavy appliances. so the 10kw backup power does not last the full night because I only draw the batteries to 50v for in case we have a loss of eskom. my thinking is to purchase 2 more batteries of either make to ensure I have 20kw of the same brand, But Which brand. I know the Hubble is around R16k and the LBSA is around R25k

Morning Krok,

I have two LBSA batteries since install for over 3 years now and these batteries are inbcredibly robust. So my comment might be a bit biased since I have not used Hubble before.

However, my suggestion is why not try the R4k fix on the LBSA's and see how they perform. Yes. it is R4k but you may well get a simple and relatively cheap fix that gives you a good set of working LBSA batteries.

Let us know whichever way you decide to go.

MdF

@Krokkedil ,

I'm with @MdF on this. Re-use what you got for a smaller price than a replacement battery.

AFAIK, the LBSA batteries use a PACE BMS, the same as the AM-2's, so as a bonus you can always add the refurb LBSA's to your AM-2 stack, if required.

Get yourself a USB to RS232 cable, use BMSTools on the PC, and you should be able to spot which is which. + then you will be able to setup your batteries properly, as the default config on the PACE's needs minor adjustments in any case, specially around the Temp alarms, as we are nowhere near the Sahara or Antarctica!.

The AM2s are NMC vs the LBSA LFPs, they cannot be used together.

Just my 2 c worth, I have DIY batteries so don't have either of these. If this was me I would keep the LBSA batteries, pay the 4k to get the old one sorted out, then purchase LBSA batteries for any new ones. To me the LFP battery chemistry is safer.

Hi there. I got hold of LBSA and we have been communicating. The New pack has a problem where the SOC drops away to fast. the voltage shows 50V but the SOC shows 8%.

I had to send a lot of pictures of it fully charged and under load.

I will drop it off at their shop in cape town in order for them to check.

The old pack cant be converted to the new style because the cells are bigger and wont fit in the new cabinet. I still need to hear from them if the cant add a smart BMS to the old pack.

The Hubble batteries only run n max 52,6v where the LBSA run on 56.2v and as mentioned above uses different technologies.

I will wait until the LBSA is back then sell the Hubble batteries add the difference and get another and then save for another until I have 4.

Hello everyone,

Nive here, I'm the sales manager at Lithium Batteries SA.

I want to thank all the LBSA fans, I see you, for repsonding to @Krokkedil.

The LBSA batteries use the advanced Seplos BMS- not the PACE BMS :)

Unfortunately, the SOC on the old model is based purely on the voltage of the pack which is not as accurate compared to the Seplos BMS SOC.

We do have the option to put the Seplos BMS in your older model LBSA in order for both to communicate with the inverter and the SOC's to match.

Hi There Nive, I am in communication with Mohammed here in Cape Town. My new pack is currently with them, dropped it of Friday for proper inspection and repair, The pack showed that it is at 8% with 50.13v Remaining while my old pack shows 55% at the same voltage.

I also asked him to get me a quote to install the smart BMS into the old pack. He said he will speak to the JHB office on Monday to confirm this and what the cost will be.

I did ask him if my cells can be transferred to a new cell box and he said that the old cells are bigger and will not fit in the new box.