Victron Energy Lithium Smart batteries are Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) and are available in 12.8 V or 25.6 V in various capacities. This is the safest of the mainstream lithium battery types and is the battery chemistry of choice for very demanding applications. They can be connected in series, parallel and series/parallel so that a battery bank can be built for system voltages of 12V, 24V or 48V DC. The maximum number of batteries in one system is 20, which results in a maximum energy storage of 84 kWh in a 12 V system and up to 102 kWh in a 24 & 48V system.

The Victron Lithium Smart batteries come equipped with an integrated balancing, temperature, and voltage control (BTV) system. This eliminates the need for individual BMS units for each battery, as only one external BMS is required for the entire battery system. The BTV continuously monitors the voltage and temperature of each individual battery cell, ensuring that the cell voltages are balanced. In the event of high or low cell voltage or temperature, the BTV generates an alarm signal. This signal is then transmitted to the external BMS (sold separately), which then takes appropriate action such as shutting off loads or chargers to prevent damage to the battery system.

The external BMS provides the advantage of less internal limitations on the battery’s charge and discharge current. Victron Lithium Smart batteries typically have a 2C Maximum Charge rating and a 2C Maximum Discharge rating. This means that on a 12.8V 100Ah battery, it can be charged at up to 200Amps, allowing for a rapid charge from flat to full in under an hour. Additionally, the maximum discharge rating of 200A enables the battery to power devices up to a 2000W inverter. This flexibility in current handling makes the battery suitable for high-power applications and allows for quick recharging, making it a highly efficient and versatile power source.

What models do the Victron Lithium Smart Batteries come in?

Victron Small BMS: BMS400100000

For 12, 24 or 48 V systems without inverter/chargers.

Victron VE.Bus BMS V2: BMS300200200

For 12, 24 or 48 V systems with inverter/chargers and a GX device.

Victron Lynx Smart BMS 500: LYN034160200

For 12, 24 or 48 V systems with digital integration and with the need to have a safety relay to disconnect DC loads and/or inverters or inverter/chargers, like is the case in yachts or recreational vehicles. Available in two different versions: 500 A (M8 busbar) and 1000 A (M10 busbar).

Victron Smart BMS CL 12-100: BMS110022000

For 12 V systems with an alternator.

Victron Smart BMS 12/200: BMS210055000

For 12 V systems with an alternator and DC loads and an inverter or inverter/charger.

There are 5 things to consider when purchasing or designing a Victron Lithium Smart system.

Battery Monitoring

The Victron Lithium Smart batteries are equipped with built-in Bluetooth monitoring to oversee the cell voltage and temperature of the internal lithium cells. However, to obtain overall state of charge monitoring, a shunted battery monitor such as the Victron BMV-712 or Victron Smartshunt is necessary. These additional monitoring devices will provide comprehensive oversight of the battery’s status, ensuring a thorough understanding of its performance and health.

Battery Protect

A Battery Protect is an essential component for protecting batteries from over-discharge. It serves as a low voltage disconnect, shutting down DC loads when the battery reaches a critically low level. This proactive measure safeguards the battery from damage and extends its lifespan. By shutting down DC loads before the battery management system activates (BMS), Battery Protects ensure that the battery chargers can still effectively recharge the battery.

Lithium Compatible Chargers

The Victron Lithium Smart Batteries require specific charging methods to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Depending on your application, you will need a 240 AC Charger for mains power or generator use, a DC-DC Charger for vehicle alternator charging, or a Solar Charger such as an MPPT. It’s important to note that Victron equipment is already lithium compatible, but older equipment may need to be replaced or upgraded to maintain the warranty on the batteries.

Battery Bank

Sizing the battery bank is a critical step in the design of an effective energy storage system. It is important to create a comprehensive list of all electronic loads and the number of hours each load will be operating to estimate daily energy consumption. A load table can be a helpful tool for this process. While lithium batteries can discharge down to 80% depth of discharge, it is recommended to minimize draw to prolong their life. Careful sizing and design based on specific application and loads is essential for optimal performance.

BMS

The Victron Smart Lithium batteries utilize an external BMS, setting them apart from most other lithium batteries. The use of an external BMS means that only one is required for the entire battery bank, allowing for multiple batteries to be connected in parallel or series with just one BMS. This also enables the batteries to discharge and recharge at a higher rate, reducing internal resistance. Victron offers a range of BMS options to accommodate various applications.

For more information or pricing contact DPA Solar today

Email: sales@dpasolar.com.au

Phone: 03 9696 1119