I did try and search to see if this has been a topic of discussion , so if there is and I did not see .. I apologize ..pls send me link if not then please read on.

So I've been in the industry for a few years now and I've seen "installers" come and go and new ones pop up and all but here is a new little thing that has started rearing its head.

There are people selling "used" Lithium batteries as new .. .. Neatly packaged and all. So .. How do we really now the Cycle life of a lithium pack.

are there software / hardware available to do this.

here are some variables: 

1. Battery with Compatible BMS plugged into an Inverter that can "read" the count of cycles including SOH

2. Battery that does not have BMS or not compatible with inverter to give this info.

So my question is. is there such a device/software that one could use to determine the age/status and the SOH of the battery 

May even pull a log of cycle data.

Thanks

 

J

 

Hi J

From a BMS option it can be determined to a degree if you were sold old/used batteries, but this is not fail safe.

There are suppliers selling Second Life batteries, but they do that as such, Second Life batteries. (Price also cheaper etc.)

The issue I believe you are concerned about is being sold old/used batteries as new?

The BMS keep count of the cycles, and this is available via communication, but then again one can either fit a new BMS to VERY OLD batteries, and report will indicate 0 cycles, or even if the supplier has a bit more savvy than the average, he will reset the BMS count to 0, so either way you will be screwed.

R

Thanks Riaan 

My thought process on the same track here. 

Many end users now challenging us as supply and installers as to why our pricing is not on par with the "new" kids on the block.

Even the used or second life batteries .. if you cant determine the actual SOH, how would you know.

There is the old school way .. by doing a physically load test cycle but that takes time.. and most clients not going to "pay" for a pre install service 

Nor would the supplier allow you to test prior to sale ..  Next big scam is on our hands here.  

I just thought maybe someone has a solution. But now you say the counter can be reset. Oh no.