1. Introduction
The Heltec Active Equalizer Balancer is designed for efficient battery management, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of your battery packs. This device actively balances the voltage across individual cells in a battery pack, preventing overcharge and over-discharge of specific cells. It is suitable for a wide range of battery chemistries including ternary lithium, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), and lithium titanate (LTO).
The balancer operates on a working voltage range of 1.8V-4.5V per cell. Its working principle involves a capacitor fit that transfers charge, initiating equalization once connected to the battery. Featuring ultra-low internal resistance MOS and a 2OZ copper thickness PCB, it ensures reliable operation. The equilibrium current ranges from 0-5.5A, adjusting based on the battery's balance state. A manual sleep switch allows for low power consumption (less than 0.1mA in sleep mode). The balance voltage accuracy is maintained within 5mV. It is recommended for battery capacities between 60-300AH. The device also includes under-voltage sleep protection, automatically stopping operation if the voltage drops below 3.0V, with standby power consumption less than 0.1mA.
2. Specifications
General Product Properties
- Brand Name: Heltecbms
- DIY Supplies: Electrical
- Certification: CE
- Battery Type: Ternary lithium/Lifepo4/LTO Active Balancer
- Model Name: 3s-16s Active Balancer
- High-concerned chemical: None
Technical Index Table
| Technical Index | Product Model | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4S | 6S | 8S | 14S | 17S | 21S | |
| Applicable string number | 3S-4S | 4S-6S | 6S-8S | 9S-14S | 13S-17S | 17S-21S |
| Applicable battery type | NCM/LFP/LTO | |||||
| Working range of single voltage | NCM/LFP: 3.0-4.2V LTO: 1.8-3.0V | |||||
| Voltage equalization accuracy | 5mv (typical) | |||||
| Balanced mode | The whole battery participates in the active equalization of energy transfer at the same time | |||||
| Equalizing current | 0.08V differential voltage 1A balance current. The differential voltage is bigger that the balance current is bigger. The maximum allowable balance current is 6A | |||||
| Under voltage protection sleep voltage | NCM/LFP: 3.0V LTO: 1.8V | |||||
| Static working current | 13mA | 8mA | 8mA | 15mA | 17mA | 16mA |
| Product size (mm) | 66*46*16 | 69*69*16 | 91*70*16 | 125*80*16 | 125*91*16 | 145*130*18 |
| Working environment temperature | -10°C~60°C | |||||
| External power | No need for external power supply, relying on the internal energy transfer of the battery to achieve the whole group balance. | |||||
Smart 4S 2A Active Balancer (Specific Model)
- Support: 4 strings of battery packs
- Balance Accuracy: Pressure difference between single cells after balance is ≤ 5mV
- Single Voltage Range: 1V~5V, accuracy: ± 5mV
- Supported Battery Types: Ternary battery and lithium iron phosphate
- Equalizing Current: Independently set within 0.1~2A, independent of single battery pressure difference
- Communication: Bluetooth function with APP for real-time cell status check
- Diagnostics: Checks resistance of equalizing line to detect abnormal contact
- Power Supply Range: 8V~20V
- Protection: Low voltage shutdown function to prevent battery damage
- Working Temperature Range: -30℃~70℃
- Power Consumption: Balanced state 55mA@20V, unbalanced state 40mA@20V
3. Setup and Installation
Careful wiring is crucial for the correct and safe operation of the active equalizer balancer. Please follow the diagrams below for your specific battery configuration.
Battery Type Configuration (LTO vs. NCM/LFP)
For 3S-4S models, only ternary lithium/LiFePO4 batteries are supported. For other models supporting LTO batteries, a specific welding modification is required if you are using LTO batteries. By default, the balancer is configured for NCM/LFP. To switch to LTO, disconnect points 2 and 3, then connect points 1 and 2 by welding.
Wiring Diagrams
Connect the balance wires to your battery pack according to the appropriate diagram for your cell count. Ensure all connections are secure and correctly polarized (B1+, B2+, etc.).
4. Operation
Once the balancer is correctly wired to your battery pack, it will automatically begin the equalization process. The capacitor-based active balancing system works by transferring charge between cells to minimize voltage differences.
- Automatic Equalization: The equalization board continuously monitors cell voltages and transfers energy from higher voltage cells to lower voltage cells.
- Equilibrium Current: The balancing current can reach up to 5.5A. The current will naturally decrease as the battery cells become more balanced.
- Manual Sleep Switch: The balancer features a manual sleep switch. Activating this switch will put the device into a low power consumption mode (less than 0.1mA), useful for storage or when balancing is not required.
- Under-Voltage Protection: The device includes an under-voltage sleep protection feature. If any cell voltage drops below 3.0V (for NCM/LFP) or 1.8V (for LTO), the balancer will automatically stop operation to prevent further discharge and potential damage to the battery.
Demonstration Video
5. Maintenance
The Heltec Active Equalizer Balancer is designed for durability and minimal maintenance. However, following these guidelines will help ensure its long-term performance:
- Environmental Conditions: Operate and store the balancer within the specified working environment temperature range of -10°C to 60°C. Avoid extreme temperatures or high humidity.
- Cleanliness: Keep the board clean and free from dust, dirt, and moisture. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents.
- Connection Integrity: Periodically inspect all wiring connections to ensure they remain secure and free from corrosion. Loose connections can impair balancing performance.
- Under-Voltage Protection: Rely on the built-in under-voltage protection to safeguard your batteries. Avoid intentionally discharging cells below their safe voltage limits.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Heltec Active Equalizer Balancer, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:
- No Balancing Activity:
- Check all wiring connections for proper polarity and secure contact. Refer to the wiring diagrams in Section 3.
- Ensure the battery pack voltage is within the operating range (above the under-voltage protection threshold).
- Verify that the manual sleep switch is not activated. - Slow Balancing:
- Large capacity battery packs naturally take longer to balance. Allow sufficient time for the process.
- Ensure the differential voltage between cells is significant enough to trigger higher balancing currents. - Incorrect Battery Type Setting (for LTO models):
- If using LTO batteries and balancing is not effective, verify that the welding points on the board are correctly configured for LTO as described in Section 3. - Unusual Odors or Sounds:
- Immediately disconnect the balancer from the battery pack.
- Inspect the board for any visible damage, burnt components, or loose connections. Do not attempt to repair if you are not qualified.
For persistent issues, please contact Heltecbms customer support.
7. User Tips
- For optimal balancing, especially with new battery packs or packs with significant cell voltage differences, allow the balancer to operate for an extended period.
- Always double-check wiring before connecting the balancer to avoid damage to the device or battery.
- Consider using the Bluetooth APP function (for Smart 4S 2A model) to monitor cell status in real-time, which can help in diagnosing issues or understanding the balancing progress.
8. Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or contact Heltecbms directly through their official channels. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
