This review dives into the Enervol server rack LiFePO4 battery, a budget-friendly option for solar backup power. We explore its performance, build quality, and ease of use, comparing it to other server rack batteries on the market. Particular attention is paid to its real-world capacity, communication capabilities, and compatibility with existing systems. The review covers the unboxing experience, charge/discharge cycle testing, and integration challenges encountered during setup. We also analyze the battery's construction, highlighting its features and potential advantages for users seeking a cost-effective and reliable energy storage solution.This in-depth assessment examines the value proposition of the Enervol battery, considering its price point and performance characteristics. We discuss the quality of the components, including the JBD grade-A cells and the smart BMS, and evaluate the practicality of its design features such as stacking capabilities and comprehensive cabling. The review culminates in an overall assessment, weighing the pros and cons of this promising yet relatively new product, offering insights for potential buyers considering its suitability for their specific needs and existing infrastructure.
Pros And Cons
- Relatively inexpensive ($770 with discount code)
- Delivered 4.55 kilowatt hours in discharge tests (approximately 89 amp-hours usable through inverter)
- High efficiency (approximately 89% from battery to AC load, potentially closer to 97% accounting for inverter losses)
- Excellent packaging; easy to unpack and handle
- Includes manuals, communication cables, short battery cables for paralleling, brackets for server rack mounting, and brackets for stacking multiple batteries
- Can stack up to four batteries using included brackets
- Features CAN communication, RS45, parallel communication, on/off breaker and switch.
- Uses grade A cells and JBD smart BMS
- Includes covers for all connectors.
- Communication with EG4 batteries requires additional steps (potentially cutting cables), not easily compatible.
- New company, long-term customer service and reliability are uncertain.
- Made in China; US-based customer support is unknown.
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Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Enervol battery arrived in exceptional packaging. Unlike other server rack batteries I've reviewed, the box was designed for easy upright handling. The foam insert protected the battery perfectly; simply lift and remove. This made unboxing significantly easier and safer than wrestling with awkwardly packaged alternatives.
Performance Testing: Kilowatt-Hours and Amp-Hours
I performed two 100% charge/discharge cycles using a highly efficient Victron inverter. Each time, the battery delivered around 4.55 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to a 1080-watt load (a charger for my other 48V system). This translates to approximately 89 amp-hours (Ah) of usable capacity at the AC side, factoring in the inverter’s 92% efficiency. This real-world performance is excellent, considering the battery's 5.21 kWh rating. A subsequent DC-side test with a shunt will refine these figures.
Construction and Features
The battery features high-quality JBD grade-A cells and a smart BMS. Inside, the cells are well-protected with putty and foam padding between them. The robust construction, including double cables on the negative and single on the positive, demonstrates quality build. The unit includes CAN, RS485 communications and parallel connection capabilities, plus an on/off breaker and switch. Covers are provided for all connections and ports.
Stacking is another standout feature. The inclusion of mounting brackets enables stacking up to four batteries, simplifying system expansion without requiring a dedicated server rack. Extra long and short battery cables are included for parallel setups and connections to the inverter.
Compatibility Testing: EG4 Power Pro Integration
I attempted to integrate this Enervol battery into an existing system with EG4 Power Pro batteries using CAN and RS485 communication. Initially, communication attempts failed, leading to an inverter shutdown. Consultation of the manual revealed the need to connect to communication port B, successfully integrating the battery after making this adjustment. However, native communication with the EG4 system proved challenging, requiring potential cable modification.
Additional testing and configuration are needed to finalize communication compatibility, especially between different manufacturers' products. This is an area for further investigation in a future video.
Overall Conclusion and Value
The Enervol server rack LiFePO4 battery offers exceptional value at $770, especially with the discount code. The real-world performance is impressive, exhibiting high usable capacity. The packaging and included accessories enhance its practicality and ease of use. However, compatibility with some systems might require additional setup or modifications.
While the quality and performance are high for the price, the new company and its customer service support, particularly from a US perspective, remain a factor to consider. Overall, it's a strong contender for budget-conscious users needing a reliable server rack battery solution but full compatibility testing requires further investigation.