This article explores the crucial compatibility issues between lithium batteries and inverters, focusing on preventing premature shutdowns caused by low-voltage cutoffs. Many users encounter problems when the battery management system (BMS) in lithium batteries shuts down due to deep discharge, a scenario often missed by standard inverters designed for lead-acid batteries. This guide helps you understand the differences in discharge characteristics between these battery types and explains how this incompatibility can lead to system failure. We'll detail practical solutions for restarting a BMS-locked lithium battery and highlight the importance of choosing the right inverter to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your system.This compatibility guide emphasizes the importance of selecting inverters with higher voltage cutoffs and pure sine wave output to avoid premature BMS shutdowns. We'll examine the behavior of different inverters during deep discharge, using examples to illustrate the impact on various lithium battery brands, specifically highlighting the features and advantages of MaxMol lithium batteries, including their Smart series with its convenient reset functionality and dedicated SMPS charger. The article provides practical advice and solutions to help you prevent these issues and maintain a reliable power system.
Pros And Cons
- Can be used with any inverter without significant problems.
- May experience permanent shutdown if the inverter's low voltage cut-off is set too low (below 10 volts).
- Voltage remains fixed, unlike lead-acid batteries, preventing self-recovery after deep discharge.
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Lithium Battery and Inverter Compatibility Issues
Many users experience low-voltage cutoff problems when using lithium batteries with standard inverters. When the battery deeply discharges, the inverter might not detect the low voltage, leading to a premature shutdown by the Battery Management System (BMS) within the lithium battery.
This BMS shutdown prevents both current discharge and recharge, leaving the inverter unable to charge the battery. Understanding this interaction is crucial for preventing this problem and ensuring the longevity of your battery and inverter system.
The issue arises from the difference in how lead-acid and lithium batteries behave during discharge. Lead-acid batteries show a gradual voltage drop, while lithium batteries maintain a relatively constant voltage until the cutoff point. This difference can cause the inverter to fail to recognize the need for shutdown before the BMS kicks in.
Troubleshooting a BMS Shutdown
If the BMS shuts down, restarting it requires a simple procedure. You need a secondary 12V battery (regardless of charge level), connecting it to the main lithium battery using jumper wires (positive to positive, negative to negative).
Ensure both inverters connected to the battery are switched off to prevent further discharge of the main battery by the connected inverter. Then connect the jumper wires from the secondary battery to the lithium battery terminals.
A slight current flow should be enough to reactivate the BMS. After successful reactivation, charge the primary battery with the inverter or wall power, then your system should be back in operation.
Inverter Selection and Deep Discharge
Avoid using inverters with low voltage cutoffs (below 10V). These can trigger the BMS shutdown prematurely, even with lithium batteries from reputable manufacturers like MaxMol.
Directly running high-current DC appliances (like fans) off the lithium battery risks deep discharge and BMS shutdown. A pure sine wave inverter is recommended for optimal performance and battery protection.
The video demonstrates how different inverters react to deep discharge: a quality inverter may show voltage recovery after shutdown while a lower quality inverter may result in permanent BMS shutdown.
MaxMol Lithium Battery and its Advantages
The video focuses on MaxMol lithium batteries, highlighting their generally good compatibility with most inverters. However, even MaxMol batteries are susceptible to BMS shutdown if the voltage drops too low due to inverter issues or deep discharge.
MaxMol's Smart series batteries feature a smart BMS that can be easily reactivated with a simple switch toggle, unlike other lithium batteries requiring the external battery workaround.
MaxMol also offers a dedicated SMPS charger capable of reactivating a permanently shut-down battery, adding an extra layer of convenience and reliability.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Lithium Battery and Inverter
Selecting a compatible lithium battery and inverter is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Prioritize inverters with higher voltage cutoffs and pure sine wave output.
While MaxMol batteries generally perform well, their compatibility depends on avoiding deep discharges and using a suitable inverter. The MaxMol smart series, with its easy BMS reset, offers a considerable advantage over other lithium batteries.
The availability of a MaxMol SMPS charger further enhances the user experience by providing a convenient way to recover from BMS shutdowns.