GROWATT HELIOS 3600W Portable Power Station User Manual

1. Introduction

The GROWATT HELIOS 3600W Portable Power Station is a versatile and robust power solution designed for various applications, including home backup, emergency power, outdoor camping, RV use, and mitigating power outages. Featuring a 3686Wh LiFePO4 battery and a 3600W AC output (expandable to 4500W with Watt+ technology), it supports a wide range of appliances. This manual provides essential information for safe and efficient operation, setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your power station.

2. Important Safety Information

Please read and understand all safety instructions before operating the GROWATT HELIOS 3600W Portable Power Station. Failure to follow these instructions may result in electric shock, fire, serious injury, or property damage.

• Do not disassemble, repair, or modify the unit. Incorrect reassembly may cause fire or electric shock.
• Do not expose the unit to fire or high temperatures.
• Do not use or store the unit in direct sunlight or in hot environments.
• Keep the unit away from water, moisture, and corrosive substances.
• Ensure proper ventilation during use and charging to prevent overheating.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Use only recommended accessories and charging methods.
• In case of fire, use a dry powder fire extinguisher. Water may cause electric shock.

3. Product Overview

The GROWATT HELIOS 3600W is designed for portability and high performance, featuring a durable construction and multiple output options.

3.1. Components and Features

Figure 3.1: Front view of the GROWATT HELIOS 3600W Portable Power Station, showcasing the main display, USB ports, AC outlets, and DC power options.

• High Capacity Battery: Equipped with a 3686Wh LiFePO4 battery for long-lasting power.
• Powerful AC Output: Provides 3600W AC output, with Watt+ technology boosting it to 4500W for demanding appliances.
• Versatile Ports: Features 16 output ports, including USB-A, USB-C (100W), DC, 120V AC, and 240V AC (NEMA TT-30).
• Integrated Display: Clear digital display shows input/output wattage and battery percentage.
• Portable Design: Features enlarged wheels and an ergonomic handle for easy transport.

Figure 3.2: The power station's easy on-the-go design, highlighting its wheels and retractable handle for convenient mobility.

3.2. Input/Output Ports

Figure 3.3: Detailed view of the input and output ports on the GROWATT HELIOS 3600W, including USB-A, USB-C, DC, 120V AC, and 240V AC (NEMA TT-30) outlets.

• USB Power: Multiple USB-A (Fast Charge) and USB-C (up to 100W) ports for charging mobile devices.
• DC Power: Includes a 12V car outlet and two DC5521 ports.
• 120V AC Power: Standard household outlets for various appliances.
• 240V AC Power: A NEMA TT-30 outlet for higher power demands.
• Input Ports: Dedicated ports for AC charging, Anderson input (solar/car charging), and expansion battery port.

4. Setup

4.1. Unpacking and Initial Inspection

Upon receiving your GROWATT HELIOS 3600W, carefully unpack all components. Verify that all included items are present: the power station, AC charging cable, car charging cable, solar charging cable, 5-year Service Card, User Manual, and two rubber feet. Inspect the unit for any signs of damage during transit. If any damage is found or parts are missing, contact customer support immediately.

4.2. Initial Charging

It is recommended to fully charge the power station before first use. The unit typically arrives with a partial charge (e.g., 50%).

1. Connect the AC charging cable to the AC input port on the power station.
2. Plug the other end of the AC charging cable into a standard wall outlet (120V).
3. The display will show the input wattage and battery charging status. A full charge from 0% takes approximately 3 hours at 120V.

For faster charging, consider using multiple charging methods simultaneously or a 240V source if available (up to 3600W, 1.5 hours).

4.3. App Setup (myGro APP)

The myGro APP allows for advanced control and monitoring of your power station, including customizing power strategies and monitoring energy usage.

• Download the myGro APP from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).
• Follow the in-app instructions to connect your power station via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• Once connected, you can monitor battery status, adjust charging speeds, and set up energy management strategies.

Figure 4.1: The myGro App interface, demonstrating smart power management features to optimize energy use and potentially lower electricity bills.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1. Powering On/Off

Press and hold the main power button on the unit to turn it on or off. The display will illuminate upon activation.

5.2. Charging Methods

The GROWATT HELIOS 3600W offers multiple flexible charging options:

• Wall Charging: Connect to a standard AC wall outlet (120V for 3 hours, or 240V for 1.5 hours at 3600W max).
• Solar Charging: Connect compatible solar panels (up to 2000W, 2.8 hours for full charge).
• Car Charging: Use the car charging cable to charge from your vehicle's 12V outlet (up to 192W).
• EV Charger: Supports charging from EV chargers (up to 3600W, 1.5 hours).
• Vehicle Alternator: New feature supporting up to 400W charging from a vehicle's alternator.
• Other Generators: Can be charged by other types of generators.

Figure 5.1: Overview of the multiple charging methods available for the GROWATT HELIOS 3600W, detailing charging times and maximum wattages for each.

5.3. Output Usage

Activate specific output sections (USB, DC, AC) using their respective power buttons on the unit. The display will show the output wattage.

Figure 5.2: The GROWATT HELIOS 3600W providing 120V/3600W output, capable of powering up to 99% of common household appliances, including large ones like refrigerators and ovens.

5.4. Scalable System for Whole-Home Power

The HELIOS 3600 can be expanded to create a powerful 240V battery system for whole-home energy needs.

• To achieve 240V output (7200W/36kWh), two HELIOS 3600 units and one split-phase connector are required.
• This setup can power your entire home for 4-7 days and connect to a transfer switch for seamless integration.
• Expandable capacity up to 18kWh with 4 expansion batteries or up to 36kWh when in a split-phase parallel connection.

Figure 5.3: Illustration of the scalable system, demonstrating how multiple HELIOS 3600 units can be combined to achieve higher power output and capacity for various scenarios, including whole-home power.

5.5. Emergency Power Supply (EPS)

The unit functions as an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) with a switch-over capability of less than 20ms, ensuring critical appliances remain powered during outages.

Figure 5.4: The power station providing reliable continuous power, highlighting its less than 20ms switch-over time for essential devices during power interruptions.

5.6. Quiet Charge Mode

For undisturbed work or rest, activate the quiet charge mode, which ensures silent operation with noise levels as low as 30dB.

Figure 5.5: The power station operating in quiet charge mode, maintaining a low noise level of only 30dB for a peaceful environment.

5.7. Cold-Start Feature

The creative cold-start feature ensures reliable battery performance even in extreme cold weather, down to -22°F (-30°C).

Figure 5.6: The power station's ability to operate in extreme cold, down to -22°F, ensuring performance in harsh winter conditions.

6. Maintenance

6.1. Battery Care

The GROWATT HELIOS 3600W utilizes EV-class LiFePO4 battery cells, known for their longevity and safety.

• The battery is designed for over 4000+ charge cycles, providing a 10-year lifespan.
• For optimal battery health, avoid prolonged storage at 0% or 100% charge. Aim for a storage charge of around 50-80%.
• Recharge the unit at least once every 3-6 months if not in regular use.

Figure 6.1: Illustration of the internal LiFePO4 battery structure, emphasizing its reliability and long lifespan of over 4000 cycles.

6.2. Cleaning and Storage

• Clean the exterior of the unit with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Ensure all ports are free of dust and debris.
• Store the power station in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• If storing for extended periods, ensure the battery is charged to approximately 50-80% and recharge periodically.

7. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter. For more detailed troubleshooting or persistent problems, please refer to the full user manual or contact customer support.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

9.1. Warranty Information

The GROWATT HELIOS 3600W Portable Power Station comes with a 5-year warranty. Please refer to the included 5-year Service Card for detailed terms and conditions of the warranty.

9.2. Customer Support

For any questions, technical assistance, or warranty claims, please contact GROWATT customer support. You can typically find contact information on the official GROWATT website or through the retailer where the product was purchased. Look for the "Customer Support" link or section on the product page or packaging.

For more information, visit the GROWATT Store on Amazon.