Kunwer Sachdev: Founder of Su-Kam and Mentor at Su-vastika known as Inverter Man of india. 1. Background and Founding of Su-Kam: Kunwer Sachdev, an Indian entrepreneur and mentor, founded Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd. in 1998. Hailing from a middle-class family, Sachdev identified the critical need for reliable power backup solutions in India, driven by frequent electricity outages. Starting with a small workshop in Delhi, Su-Kam grew into a leading manufacturer of inverters, UPS systems, and solar power products, revolutionizing the power backup industry with innovative, affordable technology. 2. Su-Kam's Profile and Impact: Su-Kam became synonymous with power inverters in India, capturing over 35% market share at its peak. The company expanded globally, operating in 70+ countries, and diversified into solar energy solutions. Sachdev's emphasis on R&D and customer-centric approaches earned Su-Kam accolades, including the "D&B India Top Indian Company" award. 3. Challenges at Su-Kam: In the mid-2018 Su-Kam faced financial challenges and consortium of banks took the company to NCLT from where Mr. Sachdev's journey of troubles started in which he was embroiled into the legal cases and fight the battle with the banks from tooth to nail and tried to save the company, but company went for insolvency and sold to third party. These issues led to Sachdev's eventual exit from active management, though he remained a respected figure in the industry. 4. Transition to Su-vastika: Post-Su-Kam, Sachdev took on a mentorship role at Su-vastika, a newer company founded by his wife Khushboo Sachdev who stood by his husband like a solid rock in his bad times. Su-vastika focuses on advanced energy solutions, including solar hybrid inverters, lithium-ion batteries, and energy storage systems, aligning with global renewable energy trends. Kunwer's role involves strategic guidance, leveraging his 3 decades of experience to navigate market challenges and innovate in sustainable technologies. 5. Su-vastika's Focus: Unlike Su-Kam's traditional inverter base, Su-vastika emphasizes green energy and smart grid technologies, targeting both residential and industrial sectors. The company aims to address India's energy transition needs, with products like solar storage solutions with large Lithium-ion battery banks for which they have already installed large systems for running hotels, hospitals,large offices and Industry to run completly on Lithium Energy Storage Systems replacing large generators and save pollution also designed Lift Inverter/UPS systems and EV charging solutions. Legacy and Philosophy: Kunwwer Sachdev is celebrated for his entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. His journey from a small entrepreneur to an industry leader, followed by reinvention as a mentor, underscores his adaptability. He advocates for innovation and sustainability, principles now embedded in Su-vastika's mission. Key Points: Foundational Impact: Transformed India's power backup sector with Su-Kam. Mentorship at Su-vastika: Guides a forward-looking energy company focused on renewables. Industry Recognition: Received awards like "Entrepreneur of the Year" (2012) for his contributions. Kunwer Sachdev's story reflects both the challenges of scaling a business and the evolving landscape of energy solutions in India, positioning him as a pivotal figure in the country's tech-driven sustainability efforts.
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What is an Inverter?

What is an Inverter? An inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity when the power fails. It converts AC into DC when the power is available to charge the battery. It is a power device that powers the house, office, or any building with the help of batteries when power is unavailable. It stores the power in the batteries when the grid power is available. This storage device stores the power in the battery through the grid or solar power and can provide power in case of power outages.https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inverter 

Inverter picture
inverter with lithium battery

The Inverter can be defined as a DC to AC converter with no charger, but nowadays, the Inverter comes with the charger, so there is an AC to DC circuit as well to make the charger. The technology adopted to manufacture them is Bi-directional Technology with the isolation transformer, which is the most stable and reliable factor for all the developing countries.

Different waveforms are available in the Inverter, but the best is the Pure Sinewave Inverter, which should be the first criterion for choosing the Inverter for any usage.https://www.kunwersachdev.com/technology/why-charging-section-is-the-most-critical-area-of-a-ups/16/

Inverters are used in a variety of applications, including:

    • Power backup: Inverters can provide backup power during power outages. In all developing countries, power cuts are happening all the time, so the Inverter is an essential product to run the appliances and lights and fans, etc., so that the power backup can be given through the battery backup.
    • Off-grid and On-grid solar power: Inverters are essential for using solar panels to generate electricity. They convert the DC output of the solar panels into AC power that can be used to power homes and businesses. So there could be power given through the battery in case of an off-grid solar system, and in case of A grid feed solar Inverter, we don’t need to install the battery, and power can be fed into the grid directly through the grid feed inverter without any battery back up.
    • UPS systems: Inverters are used in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems to provide clean, uninterrupted power to sensitive electronic equipment where there is very little switching time so that computers and other sensitive equipment work without any interruption time.
    • Telecom: Inverters are used in telecommunications networks to convert DC power from batteries to AC power in the telecom towers to run the Aircondioners, etc., in case of power failure. The Telecom towers and telecom centres have 48Volts DC battery banks, which are of very high capacity to give the backup in DC to the telecom equipment so the same battery bank can be used to convert it into AC power through the Inverter.

The main components of an inverter are:

  • A rectifier converts AC electricity to DC electricity.
  • A controller controls the operation of the Inverter.
  • A switching device: switches the DC electricity from the rectifier to the output AC.
  • A filter is there to make it a Sinewave output to give pure power.
solar hybrid inverter system
solar hybrid system

Inverters are available in a variety of sizes and power ratings. An inverter’s size and power rating are determined by the application it is being used for.

Inverters are versatile and essential devices that are used in a wide range of applications. They are becoming increasingly popular as renewable energy sources, such as solar power, become more widespread.

The name “inverter” comes from the fact that it reverses the connections of a converter. A converter converts AC to DC, while an inverter converts DC to AC. So, an inverter is an “inverted converter.”

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Is lithium battery good for Inverter/UPS

Lithium inverters are a type of inverter that uses lithium-ion batteries as its power storage source. The AC to DC conversion for charging and DC to AC conversion for giving back up through the Lithium battery in case of a power outage. The Lithium battery is a C1 battery compared to the Tubular Lead Acid battery, which is a C20 battery that is made for smaller loads back up. The concept of C20 and C1 is the major difference to understand before buying a battery for inverter/UPS, as the C20 battery can draw smaller wattage for running smaller loads, and the C1 battery is meant for running higher loads.https://suvastika.com/tubular-battery-is-c20-and-c10-and-lithium-battery-is-c1-capacity/

The lithium-based Inverter/UPS is called a battery Energy Storage system, which is specially made for lithium batteries only and comes with inbuilt and external Lithium battery configurations.

ESS
ESS with Lithium battery

They offer many benefits over traditional inverters that use lead-acid batteries, including:

  • Longer battery life: Lithium-ion batteries have a much longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries, typically lasting 2,000 to 3,000 cycles. This means you can expect your lithium inverter to last 10 to 12 years without replacing the battery. At the same time, the tubular lead Acid battery needs to change every 2 to 3 years.
  • Faster charging: Lithium-ion batteries can be charged much faster than lead-acid batteries. This is important if you need to restore power after a power outage quickly. The Tubular batteries take at least 15 hours to charge, and the Lithium battery can be charged in 2 hours maximum.
  • Lighter weight and smaller size: Lithium-ion batteries are much lighter and smaller than lead-acid batteries. This makes them easier to transport and install.

. This can lead to lower operating costs.

Overall, lithium inverters offer many advantages over traditional inverters. A lithium inverter/UPS is a good option if you want an inverter with a long lifespan, fast charging, and lightweight design.https://suvastika.com/difference-between-tubular-and-lithium-battery/

Here are some additional benefits of lithium inverters:

  • Reduced maintenance: Lithium-ion batteries require very little maintenance, unlike lead-acid batteries, which must be regularly checked and topped up with water. Tubular battery needs regular water topping, and the biggest challenge is getting distilled water from the market to refill the battery.
  • After the water is filled in, the battery spillage on the Acid battery floor is another challenge that most users face, and the floor is permanently spoiled.
  • Environmentally friendly: Lithium-ion batteries are more environmentally friendly than lead-acid batteries, as they do not contain lead or other harmful chemicals. But Tubular lead batteries emit lead fumes that harm kids and older people.
  • Wide temperature range: Lithium-ion batteries can operate in a wider temperature range than lead-acid batteries, making them a good choice for applications in extreme climates. At the same time, the Tubular battery needs an ATC(Automatic Temperature Compensation) feature in the Inverter/UPS to run properly in extremely cold or hot temperatures.https://suvastika.com/maximize-battery-life-in-ups-inverter-by-having-atc-feature-for-charging-lead-acid-batteries/

If you are considering purchasing a lithium inverter, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

  • The cost of lithium inverters is typically higher than traditional inverters. However, the higher upfront cost can be offset by the lower operating costs and longer lifespan of lithium-ion batteries. As the Lithium battery is a C1 battery and the Tubular battery is a C20 battery, you need to use a lower capacity battery than the Tubular battery, which is also a strong factor and saves the cost. So Lithium is cheaper than a Tubular lead Acid battery if you want to run higher loads.
  • The size and weight of lithium inverters can vary depending on the battery’s capacity. Make sure to choose an inverter that is the right size for your needs.
  • Lithium inverters/UPS require a different charging algorithm than Lead Acid batteries, so you need to buy the Inverter/UPS, which has the feature or option of lithium battery charging.

Overall, lithium inverters/UPS  offer many advantages over traditional inverters. A lithium inverter/UPS is a good option if you want an inverter with a long lifespan, fast charging, and lightweight design.

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What is Solar Inverter

A solar inverter is a device that converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the type of electricity used by most homes and businesses.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_inverter

The Inverter is a critical component of a solar power system, as it allows the solar panels to generate electricity that can be used to power your home or business.

Generate DC electricity without an inverter, which can be used as DC power through the Solar charge controller to run the DC appliances. In the DC solar System, no Inverter is used.

There are different types of Solar Inverters having different applications to use this Solar Inverter:

  1. Solar On Grid Inverter: Grid-tied Solar Systems generate electricity for your home or business and route the excess power into the electric utility grid for compensation from the utility company having the solar panels and Grid-tied Inverter. These inverters work on the principle of Grid synchronization and feed the electricity made into the internal Grid of the home office or wherever they are installed. If the power generated by the solar Inverter is more than the consumption of the internal Grid, then this power is exported to the external Grid. The Net meter or Bi-directional meter is required rather than the normal meter to calculate the power exported through the Solar Inverter. If the Grid power is unavailable, this Solar System does not function. Hence, the system has an anti-islanding feature, which stops the power from feeding into the Grid. This is a disadvantage in case of a power failure. No electricity can be made to run the power in home, office or any factory wherever these systems are installed.

  1. Off-grid solar Inverter where the utility power is unavailable, the Solar System needs an independent system comprising Solar panels, inverters and batteries to store the solar power and use it during the day and at night through the storage system as there is no grid available in those areas. When Grid is not available, this system is called a stand-alone system. It has an Inverter and a Solar Charge controller, which stores the solar power in the battery, and the Inverter runs the load by drawing power through the Solar panels and the battery. These stand-alone Inverters are used where there is no grid at all.https://suvastika.com/what-is-solar-off-grid-system/
off grid solar system
Off-grid solar PV system
  1. Solar Hybrid Off Grid Inverter/Solar Hybrid PCU: This system has utility power available. The solar power is stored in the battery through the Grid power as well through the solar power, and the grid power is bypassed when the power is available. Solar power is utilized to run the power when the battery is completely charged or when the grid power fails, then the stored power in the battery is utilized. This Solar system is called a Hybrid Solar PCU as well. Hybrid Solar Power Conditioner.https://suvastika.com/what-is-hybrid-solar-pcu-solar-hybrid-off-grid-system/

Solar Hybrid PCU 1500 12V MPPT

  1. Hybrid Solar On-Grid and Off-Grid Inverter: This is the system that combines the On-grid and off-grid features where Solar PV power generated can be fed into the Grid and can be stored in the battery as well to provide power when solar PV power is not available or when there is a power cut in the Grid than the stored power in the battery can be used. These are most popular these days as they are cost-effective. In the future, solar power storage will be an expensive concept, so in this system, one can feed the solar power into the Grid and use a smaller or bigger battery system as per the requirement and use the power in case of grid failure or in case the peak power in the evening time the storage system can power the house etc.https://suvastika.com/hybrid-solar-system-the-best-of-both-on-grid-and-off-grid/

Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing a solar inverter:

  • The size of your solar power system: The size of your solar power system will determine the capacity of the Inverter you need. 
  • The type of solar panels you are using: The type of solar panels will affect the output voltage and current of your solar power system, which will also affect the size of the Inverter you need.
  • The location of your solar power system: The location of your solar power system will affect the amount of sunlight it receives and the amount of electricity it generates.
  • Your budget: Solar inverters can be of different sizes and types, so that the cost will depend on the type of Inverter and sizing.

It is important to consult with a solar installer to help you choose the right solar Inverter for your needs.

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How to check the Lithium Battery Cell Specifications

The important parameters of a lithium cell are:

  • Nominal voltage: The nominal voltage is the average voltage of the cell when it is fully charged and discharged. For most lithium-ion cells, the nominal voltage is 3.2 or 3.7 volts, depending upon the lithium cell chemistry.
  • Capacity: The capacity is the amount of energy the cell can store. It is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh) or Ampere-hours (Ah). It’s in mAh for smaller cells, and bigger lithium cells, it’s in Ah called Ampere Hour.
  • Energy density: The energy density is the amount of energy the cell can store per unit mass or volume. It is measured in watt-hours. This energy can be converted into simple wattage terms by multiplying the cell voltage with the cell capacity. say 3.2 volts multiplied by 100 Ah if the cell has 100 Ah, which comes to 320 Watt capacity.
prismatic cell Lithium pack
  • Power density: The power density is the amount of power the cell can deliver per unit mass or volume. It is measured in watts per kilogram (W/kg) or per litre (W/L). So if the 100 Ah cell is 3.2 Volts, then what is the weight of the 320 Watt cell? And that can be converted into the per-watt weight and cell size.
  • Charge rate: The charge and discharge rate is the rate at which the cell can be charged and discharged. These two are very important to understand as the manufacturer specifies the maximum charge rate in terms of the total capacity of the lithium battery cell. Say a 100 Ah cell has a 0.5 charge rate, so one has to understand that the maximum charge we can give is 50% of the capacity of a lithium cell so that we can charge the cell with a 50 Amp charging current.
  • Discharge Rate: This is defined as the nominal or maximum discharge current we can discharge from the Lithium cell, so it’s defined in terms of 1C or 0.5C, 2C or 3C, which means we can discharge the maximum cell current in that capacity only, say 0.5C means we can discharge 50 Amps in one hour from the 100 Ah capacity lithium cell or 1C means 100 Amp we can discharge in 1 hour and so on. This is very important to understand while reading the specifications of the lithium cell.
  • Maximum Charge Voltage: This is important to understand when designing the battery bank and deciding the charger and BMS for the battery bank. What is the maximum voltage specified by the cell manufacturer? We should try to keep 10% below that maximum voltage so that cell life and heating in the cell are controlled. So, for example, if the Lithium LIfePO4 cell specification for 3.2 Volt is 3.6 Volts specified as the maximum voltage, then we should try to keep the maximum charging voltage lower than 3.6 volts which could be 3.58Volts to keep it under the safer voltage limits and the backup time is not affected by such small changes.
  • Maximum charging current: This is also specified by the cell manufacturer as the maximum charging current by which you can charge the cell, and generally, in Lithium, it’s 0.5C, which means we can charge the cell with 50% of its capacity. So if it’s a 100Ah cell, then we can charge with the 5oAmp maximum charging, so we should try to keep it lower than 50% rate so that life and heat can be controlled.
  • Internal resistance: The internal resistance is the cell’s resistance to the current flow. It is measured in ohms. So, generally, internal resistance plays an important role while grouping the cells to make the lithium cell pack. When we charge or discharge them in a battery pack, we can get the cell equalization in voltage under check. If the two cells have different internal resistance, the battery will give less life, and one of the cells might get overcharged over time. The cell IR is generally in milli Ohms, and the IR will increase from the time of cell cycle life. So, we measure two types of IR: the Lithium cell IR value and the Lithium cell pack IR value, which indicates the health of the Lithium cell and Lithium battery pack. As the battery pack goes old after use of maybe three years, one can see the increase in IR value of the total cell pack, which will increase in milli ohm, indicating the battery pack life left.

IR testing
  • Self-discharge rate: The self-discharge rate is when the cell is not in use, neither it’s charged nor discharged. Also, the cell is losing some charge, called the self-discharge rate. Lowering the self-discharge improves the battery cell life as every battery cell has its self-discharge rate at which it will be discharged when not in use. When the lithium cell is made and despatched, reaching the destination takes a lot of time. Then, the cell is stored at a particular temperature, which is generally supposed to be 25 degrees Celsius. So, a better life can be expected by lowering the self-discharge rate of any lithium cell. Every manufacturer specifies the self-discharge rate at a standard 25 degrees Celsius.
  • Cycle life: The cycle life is the number of times the cell can be fully charged and discharged before it reaches a specified capacity level. This denotes the life of a battery, as more cycles mean it has a better life. Generally, the cylindrical cells of LifePo4 of 6 Ah capacity have 2000 cycles, and it has a lot of riders, like the charging rate, discharging rate and the temperature at which it’s kept, etc. So, the cycle life can increase or decrease depending on the variables.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_iron_phosphate#:~:text=Lithium%20iron%20phosphate%20or%20lithium%20ferro-phosphate%20%28LFP%29%20is,iron%20phosphate%20batteries%2C%20a%20type%20of%20Li-ion%20battery.
  • Temperature: This is also one of the most important parameters to check before making a Lithium battery as there is a temperature range defined for any lithium battery cell which needs to be considered while designing the lithium battery bank as temperature plays an important role in the life of the battery and the efficiency of the cell also changes according to the temperature and in certain Lithium cells there can be cell explosion if that particular temperature has not adhered.

These are just some of the important parameters of a lithium cell. Other parameters may be important depending on the specific application of the cell.

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Type of lithium batteries available in the market

There are many types of lithium cells in the market, each with advantages and disadvantages.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_battery#:~:text=Lithium%20battery%20may%20refer%20to%3A%201%20Lithium%20metal,iron%20phosphate%20battery%205%20Lithium%20hybrid%20organic%20battery.

There are different types of Lithium batteries available in the market nowadays, with variations in terms of chemicals and construction of each type of battery type.

          Lithium-ion Battery: A lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable battery that reversibly reduces lithium ions to store energy. The negative electrode of a conventional lithium-ion cell is typically graphite, a form of carbon. The positive electrode is a metal oxide, most commonly cobalt oxide. The electrolyte is a lithium salt dissolved in an organic solvent.

Lithium-ion batteries are used in a wide variety of applications, including:

  • Consumer electronics: cell phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, etc.
  • Power tools: cordless drills, saws, etc.
  • Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2): This is the oldest type of lithium-ion cell and is still widely used in portable electronics such as laptops and smartphones. It has a high energy density but a relatively low cycle life.

    A lithium cobalt battery is a type of lithium-ion battery that uses cobalt oxide as the positive electrode material. Cobalt oxide has a high specific energy, meaning it can store much energy in a small space. This makes lithium cobalt batteries ideal for applications where weight and space are important, such as cell phones, laptops, and electric vehicles.

    However, cobalt oxide also has some drawbacks. It is a relatively expensive material, and it can be not easy to source. Lithium cobalt batteries have a relatively short lifespan and can be prone to safety issues if not properly managed.

    Despite these drawbacks, lithium cobalt batteries are still the most common lithium-ion battery used today. They offer a good balance of performance and cost and are well-suited for various applications.

  • Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNiMnCoO2): This cell type is becoming increasingly popular due to its higher energy density and longer cycle life than LiCoO2 cells. It is also less expensive.

    Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) is a lithium-ion battery cathode material made of nickel, manganese, and cobalt. It is a popular choice for electric vehicles and other applications requiring a high energy density and long lifespan.

    NMC batteries have a higher specific energy than lithium cobalt batteries but have a lower specific power. This means they can store more energy per unit mass but cannot output as much power as lithium cobalt batteries.

    NMC batteries are also more expensive than lithium cobalt batteries but are becoming more affordable as technology develops.

    The chemical formula for NMC is LiNixMnyCo1-x-yO2, where x, y, and (1-x-y) represent the material’s relative nickel, manganese, and cobalt proportions. The most common NMC compositions are NMC111 (1:1:1), NMC532 (5:3:2), and NMC622 (6:2:2).

    The specific energy of NMC batteries depends on the composition of the material. NMC111 has a specific energy of about 200 Wh/kg, NMC532 has a specific energy of about 220 Wh/kg, and NMC622 has a specific energy of about 240 Wh/kg.

    The lifespan of NMC batteries also depends on the composition of the material. NMC111 has a lifespan of about 1,000 cycles, NMC532 has a lifespan of about 1,500 cycles, and NMC622 has a lifespan of about 2,000 cycles.

    NMC batteries are a promising technology for use in electric vehicles and other applications that require a high energy density and long lifespan. However, they are still more expensive than lithium cobalt batteries and have a lower specific power. As the technology develops, NMC batteries are expected to become more affordable and perform better.

    Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNiMnCoO2) cell
  • Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4): This type of cell is known for its safety and long cycle life. It has a lower energy density than other types of lithium-ion cells, but it is still suitable for many applications, such as electric vehicles and solar batteries.

    A lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery is a lithium-ion battery that uses lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material. LFP batteries are known for their high safety, long lifespan, and low cost.

    The chemical formula for LFP is LiFePO4. The iron phosphate compound is non-flammable and does not release toxic gases when exposed to heat or fire. This makes LFP batteries a safer choice than other types of lithium-ion batteries, such as lithium cobalt batteries.

    LFP batteries also have a long lifespan. They can last up to 5,000 cycles, about five times longer than lithium cobalt batteries. This makes them a good choice for applications where the battery will be used for a long time, such as electric vehicles and solar power storage systems.

    LFP batteries are also relatively inexpensive. They are the least expensive lithium-ion battery, making them a good choice for budget-minded consumers.

  • Lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12): This cell type has a very high power density and can be used in applications requiring high currents, such as electric vehicles and power tools. However, it has a low energy density and a relatively short cycle life.

    Lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12), also known as LTO, is a lithium-ion battery anode material. It has several advantages over other anode materials, including:

    • High specific energy: LTO is about 120 Wh/kg, higher than graphite, the most common anode material.
    • Long lifespan: LTO can last up to 10,000 cycles, much longer than graphite.
    • Excellent cycling stability: LTO does not suffer from the capacity fade common in graphite.
    • Good high-temperature performance: LTO can operate at temperatures up to 180°C, which makes it a good choice for applications where the battery will be exposed to high temperatures.
    • Safe and non-flammable: LTO is not flammable and does not release toxic gases when exposed to heat or fire.

    However, LTO also has some disadvantages, including:

    • Low specific power: LTO has a lower specific power than graphite, which means it cannot output as much power as graphite.
    • High cost: LTO is more expensive than graphite.

    Overall, lithium titanate is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries. It offers a good balance of performance and cost, and it is well-suited for applications where high specific energy, long lifespan, and safety are important considerations.

    Lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12) cell
  • Lithium polymer: This cell type is made with a polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte. This makes it more flexible and lightweight than other types of lithium-ion cells. However, it has a lower energy density and a shorter cycle life.

    A lithium polymer battery is a type of lithium-ion battery that uses a polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte. The polymer electrolyte is a solid material of polymer chains embedded with lithium ions.

    Lithium polymer batteries have several advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, including:

    • Higher energy density: Lithium polymer batteries can store more energy per unit volume than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This makes them a good choice for applications where weight and space are important, such as laptops and smartphones.
    • Lighter weight: Lithium polymer batteries are lighter than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This makes them a good choice for applications where weight is a major concern, such as wearable devices and drones.
    • More flexible: Lithium polymer batteries can be moulded into different shapes, making them a good choice for applications where the battery needs to fit into a specific space.
    • Safer: Lithium polymer batteries are less likely to leak or catch fire than traditional lithium-ion batteries.

    However, lithium polymer batteries also have some disadvantages, including:

    • Higher cost: Lithium polymer batteries are more expensive than traditional lithium-ion batteries.
    • Less mature technology: Lithium polymer batteries are a newer technology than traditional lithium-ion batteries, so they are not as widely available, and their performance is not as well-established.
    • More sensitive to temperature: Lithium polymer batteries are more sensitive to temperature than traditional lithium-ion batteries. They should not be exposed to extreme temperatures, which can damage the battery.
    Lithium polymer cell

    A lithium-air battery is a type of metal-air battery that uses lithium metal as the anode and oxygen from the air as the cathode. It can potentially be a much more energy-dense battery than traditional lithium-ion batteries, with a theoretical specific energy of up to 11,140 Wh/kg.

    However, lithium-air batteries also have some challenges that must be addressed before being commercially viable. One challenge is that lithium metal is very reactive and can easily form dendrites, which can short-circuit the battery. Another challenge is that the electrolyte in a lithium-air battery must be able to conduct lithium and oxygen ions. Still, it must also be stable and prevent the formation of dendrites.

    Researchers are developing new electrolytes and designs for lithium-air batteries that can overcome these challenges. If these challenges can be addressed, lithium-air batteries could revolutionize the battery industry and make it possible to create electric vehicles with much longer ranges.

    Here are some of the advantages of lithium-air batteries:

    • High energy density: Lithium-air batteries have the potential to be much more energy-dense than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This means they could store more energy per unit weight or volume, benefiting applications such as electric vehicles and drones.
    • Low cost: Lithium is a relatively abundant element, which could make lithium-air batteries more affordable than other types of batteries.
    • Environmentally friendly: Lithium-air batteries do not use toxic materials, making them a more environmentally friendly option than other types of batteries.

    Here are some of the challenges of lithium-air batteries:

    • Safety: Lithium metal is very reactive and can easily form dendrites, which can short-circuit the battery. This can be a safety hazard.
    • Electrolyte stability: The electrolyte in a lithium-air battery must be able to conduct lithium ions and oxygen ions, but it must also be stable and prevent the formation of dendrites. This is a challenge that researchers are still working to overcome.
    • Cycle life: Lithium-air batteries have a relatively short cycle life, so they can only be recharged a few times before degrade. This is another challenge that researchers are working to overcome.

    Overall, lithium-air batteries have the potential to be a breakthrough in the battery industry. However, some challenges still need to be addressed before they can be commercially viable.

    Lithium Sulpur battery:

    A lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is a rechargeable battery that uses lithium as the anode and sulfur as the cathode. It can potentially be a much more energy-dense battery than traditional lithium-ion batteries, with a theoretical specific energy of up to 2600 Wh/kg.

    However, lithium–sulfur batteries also have some challenges that must be addressed before being commercially viable. One challenge is that sulfur is a relatively poor conductor of electricity, making it difficult to achieve a high power output. Another challenge is that sulfur can react with the electrolyte in the battery, forming polysulfide intermediates that can damage the battery.

    Researchers are developing new electrolytes and designs for lithium–sulfur batteries that can overcome these challenges. If these challenges can be addressed, lithium–sulfur batteries could revolutionize the battery industry and make it possible to create electric vehicles with much longer ranges.

    Here are some of the advantages of lithium-sulfur batteries:

    • High energy density: Lithium–sulfur batteries have the potential to be much more energy-dense than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This means they could store more energy per unit weight or volume, benefiting applications such as electric vehicles and drones.
    • Low cost: Lithium is a relatively abundant element, and sulfur is a relatively inexpensive material, which could make lithium–sulfur batteries more affordable than other types of batteries.
    • Environmentally friendly: Lithium–sulfur batteries do not use any toxic materials, which makes them a more environmentally friendly option than other types of batteries.

    Here are some of the challenges of lithium-sulfur batteries:

    • Poor conductivity of sulfur: Sulfur is a relatively poor conductor of electricity, making it difficult to achieve a high power output.
    • Reactivity of sulfur: Sulfur can react with the electrolyte in the battery, which can lead to the formation of polysulfide intermediates that can damage the battery.
    • Low cycle life: Lithium–sulfur batteries have a relatively low cycle life, which means they can only be recharged a limited number of times before they start to degrade.

    Overall, lithium–sulfur batteries have the potential to be a breakthrough in the battery industry. However, some challenges still need to be addressed before they can be commercially viable.

    Lithium-ion flow battery :

    A lithium-ion flow battery (LIBF) is a type of flow battery that uses lithium ions as the charge carrier. The electrolyte in a LIBF is a liquid solution of lithium salts, and the electrodes are made of porous materials capable of storing lithium ions.

    LIBFs have several advantages over other types of flow batteries, including:

    • High energy density: LIBFs can store more energy per unit volume than other types of flow batteries. This makes them a good choice for applications where weight and space are important, such as electric vehicles and grid energy storage.
    • Long lifespan: LIBFs can last for thousands of cycles, much longer than other types of flow batteries.
    • Scalability: LIBFs can be scaled up to store large amounts of energy. This makes them a good choice for applications such as grid energy storage.
    • Low maintenance: LIBFs require very little maintenance. This makes them a good choice for applications where maintenance is difficult or expensive.

    However, LIBFs also have some disadvantages, including:

    • High cost: LIBFs are more expensive than other types of flow batteries.
    • Toxic materials: The electrolyte in a LIBF contains toxic materials, which can be a safety hazard.
    • Slow charging: LIBFs have a slow charging speed, which can be a limitation for some applications.

    Overall, LIBFs are a promising technology for energy storage. They offer a good balance of performance, cost, and safety. However, some challenges still need to be addressed before they can be commercially viable.

     Lithium Silicon Battery :

    A lithium-silicon battery is a type of lithium-ion battery that uses silicon as the anode material. Silicon has a much higher theoretical specific capacity than graphite, lithium-ion batteries’ most common anode material. Lithium silicon batteries can store more energy per unit weight or volume.

    However, silicon also has some drawbacks. It is a very reactive material that can swell and shrink as it is cycled, damaging the battery. Researchers are developing new silicon anode materials and battery designs to overcome these challenges.

    Here are some of the advantages of lithium silicon batteries:

    • High energy density: Lithium silicon batteries have the potential to be much more energy-dense than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This means they could store more energy per unit weight or volume, benefiting applications such as electric vehicles and drones.
    • Low cost: Silicon is a relatively abundant element, which could make lithium silicon batteries more affordable than other types of batteries.
    • Environmentally friendly: Lithium silicon batteries do not use toxic materials, making them a more environmentally friendly option than other types of batteries.

    Here are some of the challenges of lithium silicon batteries:

    • Reactivity of silicon: Silicon is a very reactive material, and it can swell and shrink as it is cycled, which can damage the battery.
    • Cycle life: Lithium silicon batteries have a relatively short cycle life, so they can only be recharged a few times before degrade.
    • Poor conductivity of silicon: Silicon is a relatively poor conductor of electricity, making it difficult to achieve a high power output.

    Overall, lithium silicon batteries have the potential to be a breakthrough in the battery industry. However, some challenges still need to be addressed before they can be commercially viable.

    Thin Film Lithium Battery :

    A thin-film lithium battery is a type of battery that uses thin films of materials to make the electrodes and electrolytes. This makes the battery much thinner and lighter than traditional lithium-ion batteries.

    Thin-film lithium batteries have several advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, including:

    • Thinness and lightness: Thin-film lithium batteries are much thinner and lighter than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This makes them a good choice for applications where weight and space are important, such as wearable devices and drones.
    • Flexibility: Thin-film lithium batteries can be made in flexible sheets, making them a good choice for applications where the battery must conform to a specific shape, such as wearable devices and flexible electronics.
    • Scalability: Thin-film lithium batteries can be scaled up to produce large batteries for applications such as grid energy storage.

    However, thin-film lithium batteries also have some challenges that need to be addressed before they can be commercially viable, including:

    • Low energy density: Thin-film lithium batteries have a lower energy density than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This means they can store less energy per unit volume.
    • High cost: Thin-film lithium batteries are more expensive to manufacture than traditional lithium-ion batteries.
    • Low cycle life: Thin-film lithium batteries have a lower cycle life than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This means they can only be recharged a limited number of times before they start to degrade.

    Overall, thin-film lithium batteries are a promising technology for energy storage. They offer many advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, but they also have some challenges that must be addressed before they can be commercially viable.

    Here are some of the applications where thin-film lithium batteries are being considered:

    • Wearable devices
    • Drones
    • Flexible electronics
    • Grid energy storage
    • Medical devices
    • Military applications

    Lithium Hybrid Organic battery

    A lithium hybrid organic battery (LHO battery) is a type of rechargeable battery that combines lithium-ion batteries with organic polymers. Organic polymers are used as the electrolyte, and they can improve the battery’s performance in several ways.

    LHO batteries have several advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, including:

    • High energy density: LHO batteries have a higher energy density than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This means they can store more energy per unit weight or volume.
    • Long cycle life: LHO batteries have a longer life than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This means they can be recharged many times before they degrade.
    • Safety: LHO batteries are safer than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This is because the organic polymers are less flammable than the liquid electrolytes used in traditional lithium-ion batteries.

    However, LHO batteries also have some challenges that need to be addressed before they can be commercially viable, including:

    • High cost: LHO batteries are more expensive to manufacture than traditional lithium-ion batteries.
    • Low power density: LHO batteries have a lower power density than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This means they cannot output as much power as traditional lithium-ion batteries.
    • Low conductivity: The organic polymers used in LHO batteries are not as conductive as the liquid electrolytes used in traditional lithium-ion batteries. This can limit the performance of the battery.

    Overall, LHO batteries are a promising technology for energy storage. They offer several advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, but they also have some challenges that must be addressed before they can be commercially viable.

    Lithium tetrachloroaluminate Battery (LiAlCl4) :

    It is a white, hygroscopic, crystalline solid. It is a salt of lithium and aluminium chloride. It is soluble in water and ethanol.

    Lithium tetrachloroaluminate is a strong Lewis acid and can react with water to release hydrogen chloride gas. It is also a strong oxidizing agent and can react with organic materials to produce fire or explosion.

    Lithium tetrachloroaluminate is used in a variety of applications, including:

    • As a catalyst in organic synthesis
    • As a reagent in analytical chemistry
    • As a precursor to other lithium compounds
    • In the production of solar cells
    • In the production of batteries

    Lithium tetrachloroaluminate is a hazardous material and should be handled with care. It should be stored in a cool, dry place and kept away from water and organic materials.

    Here are some of the safety precautions that should be taken when handling lithium tetrachloroaluminate:

    • Wear gloves, goggles, and a lab coat when handling lithium tetrachloroaluminate.
    • Avoid contact with water and organic materials.
    • Store lithium tetrachloroaluminate in a cool, dry place.
    • Dispose of lithium tetrachloroaluminate properly.

    If exposed to lithium tetrachloroaluminate, immediately flush the affected area with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

    All kinds of Lithium batteries have different types of cell specifications that need to be checked before using them so that BMS can be selected for them.https://suvastika.com/how-to-check-the-lithium-battery-cell-specifications/?preview_id=13142&preview_nonce=6186326a45&post_format=standard&_thumbnail_id=6430&preview=true

The best type of lithium cell for a particular application will depend on the specific requirements of that application. For example, if the application requires a high energy density, then a LiCoO2 cell may be the best choice. If the application requires a long cycle life and safety point of view, then a LiFePO4 cell may be the better option.

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Latest BMS technology for Lithium Inverter/UPS

The BMS for lithium inverter/UPS or Battery Energy Storage systems is a new concept; we will discuss this topic in this article.

The importance of BMS in Electric vehicles and inverters/UPS or storage solutions is a very different need comparatively. The Inverter/UPS has a built-in charger and discharger, so the limits of charging and discharging are already known. The major function of the Battery Management System is to control the charging voltage and charging current limits and the discharging current and low voltage battery cutoff. Fast charging may not be an important parameter in inverter/UPS and storage solutions. In solar storage solutions, the charging can be done in 3 to 4 hours, which is much faster than the Tubular lead Acid battery, which takes a minimum of 12 hours to charge. Lithium Cell balancing is a major challenge in most Battery Management Systems as it’s either done with Active or passive equalization.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_balancing

The major challenge the Lithium battery faces is the equalization of cells in a battery pack, as each time we charge the battery pack and discharge the battery pack, there is an equalization imbalance. So, at Su-vastika, we worked for three years to understand this phenomenon and filed three technology patents by which we have learnt the mechanism to control the equalization of lithium cells through the charging mechanism only.

As we charge the lithium pack each time, we try to charge the battery pack at a SOC level where each time we make the cells non-equalize and then try to equalize them continuously, which might decrease the cell life and the BMS power is also wasted and the maintenance of equalization keep increasing over the period. As the battery cells’ IR values will differ over time, the BMS need to equalize the cells more and more, for which BMS need to be designed accordingly. But if we keep the cell voltages to the level where there is no equalization required and we get 93 to 95% output wattage of the cell, then the life of cells and battery pack will increase comparatively. So we did a lot of experiments on cells and realized that if we charge the cells to a particular voltage with a special method of charging, then the cells are charged up to the 93 to 95% level rather than overcharging them by charging the cells according to the limits provided by the cell manufacturer the cells do not get equalization problem at all. We can achieve the equalization between 1mv to 2mv level, which is impossible to get through the BMS that constantly tries to equalize the cell balancing. When trying to balance the cells through an equalization process, the difference between each cell is difficult to maintain. The equalization process of cells is tedious, and the energy wasted is drawn from the battery bank only.https://www.kunwersachdev.com/thoughts/personal/balancing-the-batteries-is-now-easy-with-the-active-bms-equalization-technology/16/

We can achieve three things by this method: reducing heat while charging. In the last stage, charging heat is the main reason for cell destruction.

The cell can never be overcharged as most lithium pack manufacturers prefer to keep the battery charged to 90 and 95% of its capacity.

The Low battery cut is also kept at a higher level so that the cell is not discharged beyond a level that increases its life. The Lithium cell of most types has hardly any energy to give beyond a particular voltage, which has been a well-established fact.

We do not try to charge the battery by 50% of its capacity, which the cell manufacturer recommends in its specification sheet, which can further damage it, as the charging has to be in at least three to 4 hours. Once the heat is minimized inside the battery, life is guaranteed.

The cooling period is provided during the charging process as per different types of lithium chemistry cells.

The absorption stage is another important factor we have given importance to while charging the battery. The algorithm adopted for charging the different types of Lithium cells plays a major role in maintaining the equalization and controlling the heat inside the battery. We cut off charging or discharging to the battery pack in case heat in any cell increases beyond the specification provided by the cell manufacturer.

Most of the Lithium cell manufacturers are giving extra wattage if we charge the cell according to the voltages prescribed by them, which can lead to lower life expectancy from the cell as the competition between the cell manufacturers is increasing day by day, everyone tries to give maximum power in the same sizing of lithium cell which can be lethal for the life of the battery cell if charge the cell to the level to get the extra wattage from that particular cell.

Maintaining equalization is the most important in any Battery Management system, which any user does not give importance to as their ultimate goal is to fast charge and discharge the battery to get the maximum wattage from the lithium battery pack. The lithium battery fails because of overcharging one or more cells in the battery pack, which is created by the imbalance during the charging process only.

We have designed our Life cycle tester for testing the battery pack life, and we have established that our battery pack will last more than 2,000 cycles for cylindrical LifePo4 cells, as the manufacturer claims in the data sheet on the full load discharge capacity. We still use the same cell pack for the charge-discharge cycle and have completed more than 2100 cycles. We believe it to last more than 20 to 30% of the life cycle compared to the datasheet specification and can get almost 95% capacity of the lithium cell by this method.https://suvastika.com/lithium-battery-bank-life-cycle-tester-with-graphs-and-printer/

We are doing these tests on the cylindrical and Prismatic cells, and very soon, we will publish our papers in the technical journals once we have established the results on different types of lithium cells.

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Benefits of Solar PCU with Lithium battery

Benefits of Solar PCU with Lithium battery

A solar PCU (Power Conditioning Unit) is a device that converts DC solar energy into AC Electricity with the help of a battery, solar charge controller and Inverter. Solar energy is stored in the battery and used when the grid fails, or the battery is completely charged, and solar power is still available. This is a hybrid off-grid system where grid and solar sources are there in the system. So when the grid is available, the grid is bypassed to run the Load, and when the grid fails, the battery and solar run the Load. The battery is charged through solar. It can be used to power your home or business or to provide backup power during power outages. So far, lead acid batteries are used in the Solar PCU systems, which take a minimum of 12 to 15 hours to charge completely, which restricts the number of panels that can be installed with the Solar PCU system. The next challenge is the C rating of these batteries is either C20 or C10, which reduces the backup time in case higher loads are run on them. Another challenge user faces is the electricity bill, which is not reduced by these systems as solar power only charges the battery through solar power and sometimes when solar is not available or solar is much less than the battery is charged through the Grid power as well which increases the power bill of a user. Another challenge is the Lead Acid battery’s life, which lasts 2 to 3 years. The Tubular battery is used, which has a cycle life of 500 cycles if the user tops up the battery water properly in time.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378775309023441

Let us define the challenges faced by the Solar PCU installed with the Lead Acid batteries and how the Lithium battery solves these challenges:

  1. The solar panels with the solar PCU can be designed according to the size of the Lead Acid battery, so let us take the example of a 200 Ah battery in a 12 Volt solar system of a 1,000Watt solar PCU System. The battery of 200 Ah can take 10% of the charging only so that we can charge the Solar Lead Acid battery by 20 Amps maximum in the case of 200 Ah Lead Acid battery. So the solar panel sizing is restricted to 20 multiplied by 17 as the solar panel VOC is 17 Volts, so a maximum 340 Watt panel can be used for this system to charge the 200 Ah Lead Acid battery. Now, if we use a 100 Ah Lithium battery, we can charge this with 50% charging current, so we can charge this battery with 50Amps multiplied by 17, which is 850 watts of solar panels and which can charge the battery in 2 hours and can save a lot of electricity bill. In this case, we do not need to charge the battery to 100%, and we charge the battery to 25%, cut the grid and start using solar power to run the loads rather than charging the battery with solar power and wasting the solar power to charge the battery. Since the Lithium battery can be charged very fast rather than fully charging the lithium battery, we can charge it partially and then shift the Solar PCU to power the Load through the Solar power and Lithium battery, which will reduce the electricity bill substantially.
  2. The next point is the capacity or C rating of the Lead Acid battery, which is a C20 or C10 used in the Lead Acid battery, which reduces the backup time in case higher loads are used with these batteries. One can see this chart, which we have created using the Inverters available in the Indian market. 150 Ah tubular battery data is created on different loads, and the Load is bulbs used to test the capacity of a C20 of 150 Ah tubular Lead Acid battery.
150Ah 12V battery backup on different loads
150Ah 12V battery backup on different loads

One can see the battery capacity deteriorating fast with the increase in Load. Not only will the battery capacity deteriorate, but the life will also reduce if the higher loads are subjected to this C20 battery, as this battery is not designed to run heavy loads.

Backup time of 150Ah/12V Tubular battery
Backup time of 150Ah/12V Tubular battery & Lithium battery.

One can see the comparison of the Tubular Lead Acid battery with the lithium battery capacity required to run the different capacity loads. Since the lithium is a C1 battery, the capacity required to run the higher loads, we need the smaller capacity of the battery.

3. The size and the weight of the Tubular lead Acid battery vs lithium battery is another big advantage as the Tubular battery of 200 Ah is around 64 Kgs. In contrast, the 100 Ah battery, which is almost equivalent to the 200 Ah tubular lead Acid battery, will be less than 10 Kgs. and the size is also one-fourth of the tubular battery.

4. The life cycle of a Lithium battery compared to tubular lead Acid batteries the life cycle in tubular lead Acid battery will depend upon a lot of factors: the charging stages used in the Solar charge controller, the ATC technology used in the solar charge controller and the water topping of the Tubular battery done in time and the right kind of battery distilled water is used or not which is a very tedious process to follow. The Lithium battery has simple charging and no maintenance, which will run for more than 2,500 cycles and can last 4 to 5 times the life of a Tubular lead Acid battery in a Solar PCU if used properly.

Solar Hybrid PCU 1100 12V

Long lifespan: Lithium batteries have a lifespan of up to 10 years, much longer than lead-acid batteries. This means you will have to replace your batteries less often, saving you money in the long run.

No maintenance: Lithium batteries require no maintenance, making them more convenient than lead-acid batteries. You do not need to add water to them, and they are less susceptible to sulfation.

Environmentally friendly: Lithium batteries are more environmentally friendly than lead-acid batteries. The toxic Lead fumes are generated in the Tubular Lead Acid batteries, which harm the health of people around them. At the same time, a Lithium battery is a completely sealed battery and no emission of any gasses.

Overall, a solar PCU with a lithium battery is a good choice for homeowners and businesses who want to save money on their electricity bills, have a reliable backup power source, and reduce their environmental impact.

Here are some additional benefits of using a solar PCU with a lithium battery:

The Bluetooth and Wi-Fi feature is added and can monitor the solar PCU.https://suvastika.com/benefits-of-bluetooth-hybrid-solar-pcu

Mains fail
Mains fail

If you are considering installing a solar PCU system, I recommend keeping the points in mind that I have described in this article.

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What is Solar Tubular Battery

What is a Solar Tubular battery? Is it a battery made for Solar purposes? We will discuss this topic in this article. A solar tubular battery is a lead-acid battery specifically designed with a C10 rating. It has more capacity than a C20 battery, which is generally used for the Inverter/UPS application. It is characterized by its tubular-shaped cells, which comprise a series of lead plates separated by separators and immersed in an electrolyte solution.https://suvastika.com/difference-between-c20-and-c10-tubular-battery/

Solar tubular batteries were launched by making them C10 battery, which means it has more capacity than C20 battery, which is not very helpful in a solar battery. Most people were told that Solar batteries could take more charging current as it’s a C10 battery, and the dealers and resellers believed the same theory. The Solar battery is no different from the ordinary Tubular battery except it has a little more capacity, so if we take the example of a 150 Ah tubular battery, the solar battery with a C10 rating will have 170 Ah capacity. So, in technical terms, there is hardly any difference as it will give slightly more backup.https://medium.com/@alphazee17/what-is-the-difference-between-a-solar-battery-and-a-tubular-battery-872140135ec4

In India, companies started making Solar PCUs with higher capacity solar charge controllers like 40, 50 Amps and 60 Amps so that users can install more solar panels with a smaller battery bank. Solar charge controllers of such high capacity in the Solar PCU are a very dangerous trend as these charge controllers are destroying the life of batteries, and many battery blasts are taking place because the batteries are charged at a very high rate of charge. The Tubular Lead Acid battery will be charged at 10% of its capacity, so a 150 Ah Tubular battery can be charged only with a 15 Amps charging current. Still, nowadays, most branded companies are making solar PCUs with charging currents of 50 and 60 Amps, which are becoming the cause of battery explosions. The battery needs water topping every month as the heat is created inside the battery when the battery is charged with such a high current.

solar panels
solar panels

On the other hand, companies are telling the customer that the Solar charge current is shared between the load and the battery charging. This is another lie: the companies are making fools of people when the Grid is available. There can’t be any charge sharing between the Load and battery charging. It can only happen when the Grid is not available.

The Solar PCU, made in India, keeps charging the battery through the Solar Charge controller. When the battery is fully charged, they cut the gid power and run the load, a very old technology adopted by the manufacturers. The battery life is restricted as the battery is charged and then discharged in each cycle. So, a Tubular battery, which can last for 500 to 600 cycles if charged properly, cannot perform in the Solar PCU system. There are a lot of complaints within two years of functioning, and the culprit is Solar PCU designed for higher charging current to install more panels. Generally, the dealer tells the customer to install 1000-watt solar panels with a 2 KW solar PCU with two Tubular batteries, so 2KW has a 24 V battery system. In this system, the batteries are charged with almost a 40 Amp charging current, creating many problems for the user. Also, people who install Solar PCUs complain their electricity bill has increased rather than reduced as people installing solar PCUs think that their electricity bill will be reduced after installing the solar system. Still, the Solar PCU increases the electricity bill rather than reducing it.

Solar PCU is successful with tubular batteries as an off-grid system with no grid available, or a grid is available for much less time, so in that case, the solar is properly utilized.

In the areas where the Grid is available, and power cuts are not for a longer period, the solar PCU is a failure concept as it increases the power bill and reduces the Tubular battery life.

Now, the real solution is a Lithium battery for the solar PCU systems as this can charge the battery faster as Lithium has the C/2 charging capacity, or we can charge the lithium battery at 50% of its rating in comparison to 10% of its capacity in case of Tubular Lead Acid batteries. The life span of Lithium compared to the Tubular battery is also four times, so this is the ideal solution to install with the Solar PCU.https://suvastika.com/tubular-battery-is-c20-and-c10-and-lithium-battery-is-c1-capacity/

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Can we install the Lithium battery with the existing Inverters

Can we install the Lithium battery with the existing Inverters in the market? The normal inverters installed in the market have different chargers for charging Lead-acid or Tubular batteries. These built-in chargers in Inverter/UPS can damage the Lithium battery, and lithium battery life may be lesser than Tubular battery. Can we install a Lithium battery with existing Inverters?https://techenclave.com/threads/lithium-iron-phosphate-lifepo4-battery-for-inverter-solar-in-india.202904/

As the charging technique for charging the Lead Acid battery is quite different from the Lithium battery, the Lithium battery will not be able to give the life that it’s designed for.

Also, another challenge is that the Lithium battery has built-in BMS, which remains on when the battery of smaller sizes of 12 V and 24 Volts are made, continuously discharging the battery. This is another challenge, as keeping the battery in the store for more than one or two months causes the battery to deep discharge.

Even when the low battery happens in the Inverter, if we don’t get power back for 2 to 3 days, the chances of the lithium battery going into Deep discharge are very high.

We have designed our Lithium battery BMS to go into sleep mode if the low battery happens to save the BMS power so that BMS consumption does not drain the Lithium battery.

 

So we have designed the Lithium battery bank with a BMS, a heavy-duty BMS controlled through the MCB and fan to keep that battery cool. There is a buzzer and LED indications to show the status of the Lithium battery, and this is a patented technology by which this Lithium Life PO4-based battery can be installed with any kind of Inverters available in the market. The charging inside the BMS is regulated according to the Lithium battery requirement and can give a life of 10 years.https://suvastika.com/benefits-of-lithium-battery-in-inverter-ups/

The Lithium battery weight is 8 Kgs compared to 62 Kgs of 150 Ah tubular battery, which requires two people to carry the battery. The transportation of tubular batteries is a big headache, especially when they are being installed or replaced.

It would be best to have a trolley to keep the battery, which always gets damaged over time due to the heavy weight of batteries and inverters. This Lithium battery comes in a matching metal box, which can be installed with the existing Inverter and does not need any trolley.

The existing Inverter with a Tubular battery emits Lead fumes, which is dangerous for the whole family, especially kids and older people. This Lithium battery is completely safe as no such fumes emit from the batteries as they are completely sealed.

It doesn’t require space, and no water refilling or maintenance is required.

The existing Inverters can easily charge the Lithium battery in 4 to 5 hours compared to the 15 hours to charge the Tubular battery.

1. So the result is that Su-vastika designs the Lithium battery with BMS to run with any local Inverter/UPS in 12/24/48 Volt configuration.

2. The lithium LifePO4 battery is a very lightweight and good-looking Product in a small package. It has all the electronic controls with an LED display fan and MCB, which looks like a sophisticated Electronic product.

3. This is a pollution-free and no-maintenance lithium battery pack.

4. Can be charged in 4 to 5 hours compared to Tubular Lead Acid battery, which takes 15 hours to charge completely.

So, in this article, we have clearly described that the new Lithium battery designed by Su-vastika can be installed with any brand or type of Inverters/UPS.

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Inverter/UPS Computer based Testing Tool

An inverter/UPS computer-based automatic software testing tool can be used with our AI-based Inverter/UPS range of products. This can only be used with Su-svastika-made Pure Sinewave UPS with ATC, Lithium-based battery Energy Storage Systems, Lift Inverter/ERD and Heave Duty UPS range. https://suvastika.com/first-ai-based-inverter-ups-made-in-india/It can measure a variety of parameters, such as:

Output voltage and current at the battery mode.
Input Voltage and Output Frequency: On the Mains mode and the battery mode.
THD (total harmonic distortion): At the battery mode.
Overload message, Short circuit message at the battery mode.
MCB down in case of Overload and short circuit at Mains Mode.
Battery percentage mode at the charging mode
The load percentage and battery voltage at battery mode.
Charging time
Load Wattage
Runtime on battery
Ambient time
Digital Warranty
Model details
System Status
battery type
Low battery voltage settings
Low battery message
Buzzer On/Off
Software testing tool for inverter/UPS

 

The testing tool can be used to identify any problems with the inverter or UPS, such as:

Low output voltage
High current draw
Low efficiency
High THD
Overloading
Low battery voltage
Slow charging
Short runtime on battery

The testing tool can also be used to verify the performance of the inverter or UPS, such as:

Making sure it can output the required voltage and current
Checking its efficiency
Ensuring it has low THD
Overloading it to test its capacity
Checking the battery voltage and capacity
Measuring the charging time
Testing the runtime on battery

There are two main types of inverter/UPS testing tools:

Manual testing tools: These tools are relatively simple and can be used to measure basic parameters. However, they can be time-consuming to use and may not be able to measure all of the important parameters for inverters and UPSs.
Automatic testing software-based tools: These tools are more complex but can measure a wider range of parameters more quickly. Manufacturers often use them to test their products before they are released.https://www.ni.com/en/support/downloads/software-products/download.inverter-test-system-software-suite.html#439602

If you are looking to buy an inverter/UPS testing tool, it is important to consider the following factors:

The features that you need: Make sure the tool can measure the parameters that are important to you.
The price: Automatic Inverter/UPS testing tools are unavailable, so the price is difficult to anticipate.
The ease of use: If you are uncomfortable using complex tools, you may choose a manual testing tool.
The warranty: This software-based tool has a two-year warranty, and updates are free.https://www.ni.com/en/support/downloads/software-products/download.inverter-test-system-software-suite.html#439602
Inverter/UPS Computer-based Testing Tool is innovative for the Inverter/UPS industry.https://suvastika.com/new-automatic-testing-machine-for-inverter-ups-ensures-safety-accuracy-and-reliability/

Written by Kunwer Sachdev https://g.co/kgs/JFLwWN