Discover AES LiFePo Battery – 42-48-6650 *

Discover Energy Lithium-Iron Battery, 48 volts, 7.4kWh capacity. Xanbus enabled model.  The 42-48-6650 is a single 48 volt battery, with a rated storage capacity of 7,400 watt-hours. Multiple batteries, up to 10 max, can be tied in parallel for higher capacity battery banks.

Using drastically different chemistry and architecture than traditional battery types, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries provide for a deeper depth of discharge and longer lifespan, all in a smaller package. Unlike previous battery types where a set of batteries is charged and discharged as a single unit, LiFePO4 batteries require management on a per cell basis, often managed by an integrated Battery Management System that is built into the battery. With lower internal resistance than traditional batteries, LiFePO4 batteries can be charged and discharged at much higher rates (higher amperages) than normal. LiFePO4 batteries can also be operated at a partial stage of charge for extended periods without suffering any ill effects. The fast charging and operation at a partial state of charge can allow for shorter generator run times, and convenient charging as getting the battery back to fully charged is not necessary.

The on board Battery Management System (BMS) monitors cell and battery voltage, battery current, temperature, and state of charge. The BMS also performs balancing of the individual cells, micro-managing the charging of each cell individually.  The BMS sounds a buzzer when fault limits are reached, reports a fault, and then will shut the battery down after a delay of 120 seconds.

Schneider/Xantrex meets Discover

Schneider Electric has been working with Discover Energy to build the functionality needed to utilize LiFePO4 into their existing Conext SW and XWPlus product lines. Their close work specifically with Discover has created a solution that allows the Discover batteries (44- and 42- series) to communicate directly with the Schneider Xanbus used by the Schneider products.  The batteries become an integrated component of the SW and XWPlus systems, self-configuring battery charge parameters, and providing the high degree of control and monitoring needed by the lithium ion batteries.  Given our track record with Schneider products, and Discover’s history as a battery manufacturer; Backwoods has chosen this solution as our first offering into the Li-Ion field.

Besides the Xanbus comm port the battery features an AES bus used when putting multiple batteries in parallel.  A serial bus (USB) is also available. A laptop computer with the Discover application can directly monitor the battery, accessing instantaneous performance information as well as long term data logging.  Discover also makes a basic meter that can be used to monitor this port.

Voltage on LiFePO4 batteries holds steady over a wide state of charge, allowing the system to operate at a healthy battery voltage even when the batteries are heavily discharged down to a state of 20% or lower; allowing for a greater amount of usable power in a given package. Caution: At 20% SOC the battery can self-discharge completely within 2 months, and can become non-recoverable. Discover advises storing of batteries at an 80% SOC, where the self-discharge is much slower.

LiFePO4 batteries have a narrower temperature operating range, and are best used in environments at typical room temperatures. The AES LiFePo4 battery will be damaged if charged at temperatures lower than 32°F / 0°C.

Discover warrants the battery to retain at least 60% of its rated storage for 10 years, or a total energy throughput of 38 MWh, or an annual throughput of 3800 kWh.

Charge Temperature: 32°F to 113°F
Discharge Temperature: -4°F to 122°F
Optimized Temperature: 59°F to 77°F

Nominal Voltage: 51.2 volts
Charge Voltage: 54.4 volts
Maximum Voltage: 59.2 volts
Minimum Voltage: 44.8 volts
Nominal Capacity: 130 Ah
Bulk Current: 0.5C or 65 amps recommended, or 130 amps maximum

Dimensions: 18.5″L x 13.3″W x 14.7″H
Weights 192 lbs
Steel case
Cell Chemistry LiFePO4
UN 38.3 shipping certified, Class 9 (Lithium Ion Batteries)
UL 2271, 1973, and IEC 62133