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Batteries Cold Weather

Energy Storage

Last Post by batalto 4 years ago

7 Posts

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Bighorse

(@bighorse)

New Member Member

Joined: 4 years ago

Posts: 3

Topic starter 13/12/2022 6:34 pm [#666]

I have recently had installed solar pv with lithium batteries on/in an agricultural building. During the winter months I have been charging the batteries from grid overnight using cheap tariff. Over the recent cold spell the batteries no longer charge above 40%. On checking the documentation the inverter has an operating range of -20 to +50°C, whereas the battery is only 0-45°C. The installer did not mention this when they sold the system, and knew that they were installing into an unheated building. Do I have any consumer rights against the installer to rectify the battery issue, via replacement or provision of suitable insulation to ensure the battery temperature doesn't drop below zero? Incidentally, the installer never sent the battery datasheet with the system documentation

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batalto

(@batalto)

Noble Member Member

Joined: 6 years ago

Posts: 1092

13/12/2022 9:19 pm

Yeah batteries really don't like being cold. You could build a little insulation box around them and maybe add in a warming pad. Below zero the battery management system will kick in and essentially turn them off to protect them.

As to a discount, refund etc I have no idea. What's in the contract?

12kW Midea ASHP - 8.4kw solar - 29kWh batteries
262m2 house in Hampshire
Current weather compensation: 47@-2 and 31@17
My current performance can be found - HERE
Heat pump calculator spreadsheet - HERE

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HughF

(@hughf)

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Joined: 4 years ago

Posts: 489

13/12/2022 10:20 pm

My 10.6kWh slab of 11 year old LiFePo4 is in an unheated shed, I limit my charge rate to 20a in this temperature and limit my discharge rate too (no electric kettle at the moment for us)...

Off grid on the isle of purbeck
2.4kW solar, 15kWh Seplos Mason, Outback power systems 3kW inverter/charger, solid fuel heating with air/air for shoulder months, 10 acres of heathland/woods.

My wife’s house: 1946 3 bed end of terrace in Somerset, ASHP with rads + UFH, triple glazed, retrofit IWI in troublesome rooms, small rear extension.

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Bighorse

(@bighorse)

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Joined: 4 years ago

Posts: 3

Topic starter 13/12/2022 10:32 pm

@batalto I suppose my question is whether the installer, knowing that that they were installing into an area that would be below zero, sold me an inappropriate solution, or at least didn't ensure that the battery was insulated to mitigate - is that unreasonable to ask them to rectify now?

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batalto

(@batalto)

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Joined: 6 years ago

Posts: 1092

14/12/2022 8:05 am

@bighorse if it's cold and unheated they should know better than to just stick it in a shed. It's all over the documents and usually on the battery itself somewhere about operating temps. So I'd say yes, they messed up and should fix it. It's unable to function for a good portion of the year.

The main question would be did you demand it in that location and did they tell you the operating windows which you accepted - from what you're saying no. But check your documents etc. It might be in the quote they sent you or buried somewhere.

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Bighorse

(@bighorse)

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Joined: 4 years ago

Posts: 3

Topic starter 14/12/2022 8:24 am

@batalto thanks- that's basically what I thought, although I doubt that they will engage now they have my money. Do you have any recommendation for an insulated box - materials, make/model of heating pad?

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batalto

(@batalto)

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Joined: 6 years ago

Posts: 1092

14/12/2022 10:44 am

@bighorse I don't have that experience personally, mine are inside the house. That said I've seen a number of videos on the topic, below is a good DIY example. Personally I don't think its actually too difficult. The batteries will warm up themselves as they charge/discharge. Also if you can add the inverter into the box that'll chuck out loads of heat. I think a few bits of ply and some celotex will probably be totally fine for your needs. What is the make of the batteries/how large are they?