1. Product Overview
The GoKWh 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery is a high-performance deep cycle battery designed for various applications including RVs, trolling motors, and solar systems. It features LFP pouch cells and an advanced Battery Management System (BMS) for enhanced safety and longevity.
Image Description: A comparison chart highlighting 5 advantages of GoKWh LiFePO4 batteries over traditional lead-acid cells and other LiFePO4 batteries. Advantages include higher power (1280W vs 600W/<1000W), longer cycle times (4000-15000 vs 200-500/1000-2000), longer lifespan (8-10 years vs 1-3 years/2-4 years), lighter weight (1/3 of lead acid), smaller size (2/3 of lead acid), 100% DOD, and being green.
Key Features:
- Longer Lifetime & Deep Cycle: Offers 4000-15000 cycles, significantly more than lead-acid batteries.
- Built-in 100A BMS Protection: Protects against overcharge, over-discharge, over-current, short circuit, and high temperature.
- Lighter Weight & Compact Design: Approximately 1/3 the weight and 2/3 the size of comparable lead-acid batteries.
- Connect for Larger Capacity: Can be connected in parallel (up to 4P for 400Ah) or in series (up to 4S for 48V/51.2V).
- Widely Use: Suitable for home storage, off-grid systems, RVs, boats, and outdoor activities.
- Integrated LCD Display: Allows convenient checking of battery performance without a multimeter.
2. What's in the Box
Upon opening the package, you will find the following items:
Image Description: An illustration showing the contents of the GoKWh battery packaging. It includes the GoKWh 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery, M8 Post Bolts, Insulation Caps, and a User Manual. The packaging is designed for secure transportation.
- GoKWh 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery
- M8 Screw (for terminals)
- Insulation Caps (for terminals)
- User Manual
3. Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Name | 12V 100Ah |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Battery Cell Composition | Lithium-Phosphate (LiFePO4) |
| Item Weight | 22 pounds (10 kg) |
| Item Model Number | 12100 |
| Manufacturer | GoKWh |
| Max. Output Power | 1280W |
| Cycle Life | 4000-15000 cycles (6000 cycles @80% DOD, 15000 cycles @60% DOD) |
| BMS | Built-in 100A BMS |
Image Description: A diagram illustrating the dimensions of the GoKWh 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery (L13.19" x W7.28" x H8.46") and its weight (22 lbs). It also highlights the LCD display features: Voltage and Remaining Capacity Display, Low Voltage Alarm Settings, Customize High and Low Voltage Settings, and Customize Settings Automatically Turning off Backlight.
Image Description: An X-ray view of the GoKWh LiFePO4 battery, emphasizing its internal Grade A Blade Pouch Cells. Text indicates 4000-15000 cycle times at different DOD and a 10-year life time, highlighting the battery's durability and performance.
Image Description: A close-up view of the internal Battery Management System (BMS) board within the GoKWh battery. Icons and text describe its comprehensive protection features: Overvoltage and Undervoltage Protection, Charge & Discharge Overcurrent Protection, Discharge Short Circuit Protection, Charge Overtemperature & Undertemperature Protection, Discharge Overtemperature Protection, High Temperature Protection of FET (Built-in), and Balance Function.
4. Setup and Installation
4.1 Unboxing and Initial Inspection
The GoKWh battery is securely packaged in a foam-cushioned box to prevent damage during transit. Upon receiving your battery, carefully remove it from the packaging. Inspect the battery for any visible damage. The battery comes with a protective film on top, which can be removed.
The battery terminals are protected with plastic plugs. Remove these plugs to access the M8 bolt connections. The package includes two M8 bolts for securing your connections.
Image Description: The GoKWh 12.8V 100Ah 1280Wh LiFePO4 Battery, showing its yellow top, black body, and integrated LCD display. It also features a convenient carry handle for portability.
4.2 Connecting for Larger Capacity (Series/Parallel)
The GoKWh 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery can be connected in parallel or series to achieve higher capacity or voltage, respectively. This allows for flexible energy expansion systems.
- Parallel Connection (up to 4P): Connect up to four batteries in parallel to achieve a maximum capacity of 400Ah (5.12 kWh) while maintaining 12.8V.
- Series Connection (up to 4S): Connect up to four batteries in series to achieve a maximum voltage of 48V (51.2V) while maintaining 100Ah capacity (5.12 kWh).
Image Description: Two diagrams illustrating how to connect multiple GoKWh batteries. The top diagram shows four batteries connected in parallel, resulting in 12.8V 400Ah 5.12 kWh. The bottom diagram shows four batteries connected in series, resulting in 51.2V 100Ah 5.12 kWh.
5. Operating the Battery
5.1 LCD Display Functionality
The integrated LCD display provides real-time information about your battery's status. You can view the current voltage (VOL), current (CUR) (showing amps going in or out), and temperature (TEMP) of the battery. The display also shows the battery's state of charge (SOC) as a percentage.
Image Description: A diagram illustrating the dimensions of the GoKWh 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery (L13.19" x W7.28" x H8.46") and its weight (22 lbs). It also highlights the LCD display features: Voltage and Remaining Capacity Display, Low Voltage Alarm Settings, Customize High and Low Voltage Settings, and Customize Settings Automatically Turning off Backlight.
5.2 Charging Methods
The GoKWh LiFePO4 battery can be recharged using various methods suitable for home or outdoor devices:
- Generator: Add a 20A DC to DC charger for approximately 5 hours of charging time.
- Charger: Use a 12V (14.6V) 20A LiFePO4 Battery Charger for approximately 5 hours of charging time.
- Solar Panel + MPPT: Recommend a solar panel with ≥400W within 1 sunny day for optimal charging.
Image Description: An infographic showing three methods to recharge the GoKWh battery: using a generator with a 20A DC to DC charger (5 hours), a dedicated 12V (14.6V) 20A LiFePO4 battery charger (5 hours), and a solar panel with MPPT (recommended ≥400W for 1 sunny day).
5.3 High Output Power Applications
With 1280Wh of usable energy, the GoKWh battery is suitable for powering a variety of home and outdoor devices. Examples include:
- Outdoorsy: Hair Dryer (1875W) for 0.6 hours, Foldable Kettle (700W) for 1.6 hours, Laptop (58.2W) for 20.2 hours, Blender (1000W) for 1.1 hours, Electric Grill (1000W) for 1.1 hours, Portable Freezer (45W) for 26 hours.
- Home Backup: Coffee Maker (1000W) for 1.1 hours, Microwave (700W) for 1.6 hours, Refrigerator (360W) for 3.2 hours, TV (105W) for 11.1 hours, Washing Machine (1200W) for 0.9 hours, Air Fryer (1000W) for 1.1 hours.
Image Description: An infographic demonstrating the 1280Wh usable energy of the GoKWh battery for various applications. It lists estimated run times for common outdoor devices (hair dryer, kettle, laptop, blender, grill, freezer) and home backup appliances (coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, TV, washing machine, air fryer).
6. Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your GoKWh LiFePO4 battery.
- Long-Term Storage: For long-term storage (e.g., during off-season or when not in use), it is crucial to store LiFePO4 batteries with a charge between 40% and 50%. Unlike lead-acid batteries which require 100% charge for storage, storing LiFePO4 batteries at full charge for extended periods can reduce their lifespan.
- BMS Protection: The built-in 100A BMS (Battery Management System) actively protects the battery from common issues such as overcharge, over-discharge, over-current, short circuit, and high temperatures. This system helps maintain the battery's health and safety.
- Regular Inspection: Periodically check the battery terminals for cleanliness and secure connections. Ensure no debris or corrosion is present.
- Temperature: Avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures outside its operating range. The LCD display provides real-time temperature readings.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your GoKWh LiFePO4 battery, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:
- Battery Not Powering On/Display Off:
- Check if the battery is sufficiently charged. The LCD display requires some charge to operate.
- Ensure all connections to the terminals are secure and free of corrosion.
- If the battery has been deeply discharged, it might enter a protective mode. Try connecting it to a compatible LiFePO4 charger.
- Low Voltage Reading:
- Verify the charger output voltage is correct for LiFePO4 batteries (typically 14.6V for 12V systems).
- Check for excessive load on the battery, which might cause voltage sag.
- Overheating:
- Ensure the battery is in a well-ventilated area.
- Reduce the load if the battery is consistently running hot. The BMS will typically shut down the battery if temperatures exceed safe limits.
- BMS Protection Activation:
- If the battery suddenly stops providing power, the BMS might have activated due to overcharge, over-discharge, over-current, or temperature issues.
- Remove the load or charger, allow the battery to rest, and then attempt to restart or recharge.
For persistent issues or advanced troubleshooting, please refer to the official GoKWh support resources.
8. Warranty and Support
GoKWh provides support for its products. For detailed warranty information, product registration, or technical assistance, please visit the official GoKWh website or contact their customer service.
Protection plans may also be available for purchase, offering extended coverage beyond the standard manufacturer's warranty. Please check with your retailer for available protection plan options.
