Renogy Core Series

Introduction

The Renogy Core Series 12.8V 300Ah Mini Deep Cycle Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery is designed for the drop-in replacement of deep-cycle lead-acid batteries with its standard Battery Council International (BCI) group size. Weighing only half of the lead-acid counterparts, the battery can be safely discharged to 100% Depth of Discharge (DOD), delivering twice the energy. Manufactured with automotive grade battery cells, the battery features the highest safety standards and an extended 5000+ cycle life. In addition, the reliable Battery Management System (BMS) provides comprehensive protection to the battery.

Key Features

• Unparalleled Performance: Features a greater energy density, a deeper discharge capability, a higher round-trip efficiency, and a faster charging speed in a smaller size over counterparts in the market.
• Uncompromising Quality: Ensures an exceptional lifespan with more than 5000 cycles (80% DOD), a continuous charge current of 150A and a continuous discharge current of 200A, and a wide range of operating temperatures with the automotive grade battery cells.
• Reliable Protection Mechanisms: Designed with a sturdy internal structure for RV use, and includes multiple levels of protection such as low temperature cut-off and precise balancing through the smart battery management system.
• Equal Capacity in a Compact Size: Provides equal capacity in a more compact size than its counterparts.
• Easy to Expand: Upgrades to lithium batteries seamlessly with the standard BCI group sizes; up to 16 batteries in 4 series and 4 parallels system connection delivering a maximum of 48V (51.2V) 1200Ah with 61.44 kWh.

SKU

What's In the Box?

The following items are included:

• Renogy Core Series 12.8V 300Ah Mini Deep Cycle Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery x 1
• User Manual x 1
• Terminal Bolt (M8*1.25*12 mm) x 2
• Long Terminal Bolt (M8*1.25*16 mm) x 2

ℹ️ Make sure that all accessories are complete and free of any signs of damage.

Required Tools & Accessories

Before installing and configuring the battery, prepare the recommended tools, components, and accessories:

• Wrench (17/32 in)
• Battery Adapter Cables x 2
• Insulating Gloves
• Multimeter

ℹ️ For how to size battery adapter cables, refer to "How to Size Battery Adapter Cables?" in this manual.

Get to Know Deep Cycle Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery

The battery features:

• Negative Terminal (M8)
• Positive Terminal (M8)
• Lift Handles

Diagram Description: An illustration shows the top and side view of the Renogy Core Series battery, highlighting the positive and negative M8 terminals and lift handles.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the battery are:

• Length: 15.12 in (384 mm)
• Width: 7.64 in (194 mm)
• Height: 9.96 in (253 mm)

ℹ️ Dimension tolerance: ±0.2 in (0.5 mm)

How to Size Battery Adapter Cables?

Use appropriately sized Battery Adapter Cables based on expected load. Refer to the table below for copper cable ampacities with different gauge sizes for up to 13 feet (4 m) cables. Cables longer than 13 feet (4000 mm) may require thicker gauge wires to prevent excessive voltage drop in undersized wiring.

ℹ️ The above values are from the NEC Table 310.17 for copper cables rated at 194°F (90°C), operating at an ambient temperature of no more than 86°F (30°C).

Fix the Battery to a Position (Optional)

Securing the battery prevents damage from loose cables and bumps. Recommended components include a battery tray, tie-down strap, and mounting screws.

ℹ️ Alternative mounting methods are allowed to meet the requirements of specific applications.

Installation is recommended on the bottom of the battery, but mounting on sides is also possible, excluding the top side with terminals.

Diagram Description: Illustrations show a battery tray, tie-down strap, and mounting screws. Another diagram shows the battery being secured with a tie-down strap.

Step 1. Plan a Mounting Site

For optimal performance, install the battery in a clean, cool, and dry location, free from water, oil, or dirt. Accumulation of such materials can lead to current leakage, self-discharge, and short-circuiting.

Diagram Description: An illustration shows a battery in an enclosed space with arrows indicating air flow from vents. Clearance requirements are shown: 1.97-3.94 in (5-10 cm) around the sides and ≥ 7.87 in (20 cm) above. Temperature ranges for charging (32°F to 140°F / 0°C to 60°C) and discharging (-4°F to 149°F / -20°C to 65°C) are displayed. Icons represent conditions: KEEP DRY, FRAGILE, VENTILATION.

⚠️ Sufficient air flow must be provided to prevent excessive heat build-up and to minimize temperature variation between connected batteries.

ℹ️ This user manual takes a battery as an example to illustrate how to install the battery.

Step 2. Wear Insulating Gloves

Instruction: Wear insulating gloves before proceeding with installation.

Diagram Description: An image shows a pair of insulating gloves.

Step 3. Remove the Dust Cover

Instruction: Remove the dust covers from the battery terminals.

Diagram Description: An illustration shows arrows indicating the removal of dust covers from the battery terminals.

Step 4. Check the Battery

Inspect the battery for any visible damage, including cracks, dents, deformation, and other abnormalities. Ensure all connector contacts are clean, dry, and free of corrosion.

⚠️ Do not touch the exposed electrolyte or powder if the battery is damaged.

⚠️ If uncovered electrolyte or powder contacts your skin or eyes, flush it out immediately with plenty of clean water and seek medical attention.

Step 5. Install Battery Terminals

Instruction: Attach the battery adapter cables to the battery terminals using terminal bolts.

Diagram Description: An illustration shows a battery adapter cable being connected to a battery terminal with a terminal bolt. The recommended torque is 70.8 in-lbs (8 N·m).

Ensure the cable lug and the top surface of the terminal are in contact, and place the washers on top of the lug. Do not place the washers between the battery terminal and the cable lug to avoid high resistance and excessive heating.

❗ Avoid short-circuiting the battery terminals to prevent irreversible damage to the system and battery caused by current bursts.

❗ Verify polarity before wiring to avoid irreversible battery damage due to polarity reversal.

❗ Do not touch the positive and negative terminals of the battery with your hands.

To ensure safe and reliable operation, follow manufacturer's recommended torque specifications. Over-tightening can result in terminal breakage, while loose connections can lead to terminal meltdown or fire. Use Long Terminal Bolts for multiple cable lugs on a single terminal.

Step 6. Connect the Battery to Other Devices

❗ Please use circuit breakers, fuses, or disconnects appropriately sized by a certified electrician, licensed installers, or regional code authorities to protect all electrical equipment.

Diagram Description: Diagrams illustrate system connections for a single battery, batteries in parallel, and batteries in series. Each configuration shows connections to an Inverter, DC-DC Charger, DC Distribution Panel, Charge Controller, and a Battery Fuse.

How to Connect Renogy Core Batteries in Series or Parallel

The cables between each connected battery should be of equal length to ensure they work equally together. You can connect up to 4 batteries in parallel or 4 batteries in series.

Parallel Connection

Connect batteries in parallel (positive to positive, negative to negative) to increase capacity. For example, four 12.8V 300Ah batteries in parallel result in a 12.8V 1200Ah system.

Series Connection

Connect batteries in series (positive to negative) to increase voltage. For example, four 12.8V 300Ah batteries in series result in a 51.2V 300Ah system.

ℹ️ Long terminal bolts (M8 * 1.25 * 16 mm) should be used to secure battery adapter cables. The recommended torque is 70.8 in•lbs (8 N•m).

❗ Do not connect batteries with different chemistries, rated capacities, nominal voltages, brands, or models in parallel or in series. This can result in potential damage to the batteries and connected devices, and pose safety risks.

❗ Avoid connecting batteries that have been purchased for more than half a year. Over time, batteries can degrade, decreasing performance and potentially leading to safety hazards.

Balance Batteries Prior to Connection

Before connecting batteries in series or parallel, balance them to reduce voltage differences and optimize performance. Follow these three steps:

1. Charge each battery individually to its full capacity using a suitable charger.
2. Use a voltmeter to measure the voltage of each battery. It is best to keep the voltage difference of each battery less than 0.1V.
3. Connect all batteries in parallel and allow them to rest together for 12 to 24 hours.

Diagram Description: Illustrations show a battery being charged by a DC-DC charger, a voltmeter displaying 13.5V, and multiple batteries connected in parallel with a timer indicating 12-24h.

ℹ️ It is recommended to periodically rebalance battery voltages every six months when connecting multiple batteries. Slight voltage differences can occur over time due to factors like battery chemistry, capacity, temperature, and usage patterns.

Series Connection vs. Parallel Connection – Installation Steps

ℹ️ You can choose suitable busbars in series and parallel connections. Busbars help handle high currents and are typically arranged in a parallel or stacked configuration to distribute electrical power efficiently.

ℹ️ Note that the cable connection methods provided below are for reference purposes only, as the optimal approach may vary depending on the specific situation. It is essential to consider various factors, such as cable size, equipment used, and environmental conditions.

Parallel Connection

Diagram Description: Illustrations show the wiring for 2P (two batteries in parallel) and 4P (four batteries in parallel) configurations, using busbars.

Series Connection

Diagram Description: Illustrations show the wiring for 2S (two batteries in series) and 4S (four batteries in series) configurations, using busbars.

Parallel & Series Connection

Diagram Description: Illustrations show combined parallel and series configurations (2P2S, 2P4S, 4P2S, 4P4S) using busbars.

Battery Cell Balancing

The battery employs a bypass circuit to maintain balance between each battery cell group. Each group is connected with a bypass resistor and a switch in parallel. During charging, if the highest-voltage cell group reaches the set balancing voltage and the voltage difference between the highest and lowest voltage groups exceeds the set difference, the switch connected to the highest-voltage cell group closes to shunt charge current around it through the bypass resistor until the voltage difference drops below the set value. To avoid excessive energy loss, battery cell balancing is only performed during the charging process.

Charging/Discharging Parameter Settings

Charge

Discharge

ℹ️ The parameters in the table are applicable to 12V (12.8V) battery packs. Multiply by 2 for 24V (25.6V) packs and by 4 for 48V (51.2V) packs.

Battery Charging and Discharging Logic

The battery may be received at a partial state of charge (SOC). It is crucial to fully charge the battery before initial use. If the battery shuts off due to low SOC, disconnect it from loads and charge it to prevent irreversible damage. Follow the instructions in this manual for proper charging and usage to ensure optimal battery performance and longevity.

Charging Logic

The standard charging process involves charging at a constant current of 150A until the voltage reaches 14.4V, followed by charging at a constant voltage of 14.4V while tapering the current. Charging is complete when the current is less than 15A (tail current). The process typically takes 2.5 hours and requires battery temperatures between 32°F and 140°F (0°C and 60°C). Leaving the battery on float will continue to balance cells without damage.

Diagram Description: A graph illustrates the charging process, showing Current (I/A) on the y-axis and Voltage (U/V) on the x-axis. It depicts a constant current phase (up to 150A) reaching 14.4V, followed by a constant voltage phase with tapering current down to 15A.

❗ Lithium batteries are compatible with various charging methods (MPPT, AC, DC-DC). Set charge, boost, or bulk voltage at 14.4V (±0.2V).

⚠️ Do not overcharge or overdischarge the battery.

⚠️ Do not charge the battery at low temperatures below 32°F (0°C) and discharge at high temperatures above 149°F (65°C).

❗ Only charge with a compatible lithium iron phosphate battery charger or charge controller.

❗ Do not exceed the maximum continuous charge current (150A).

Discharging Logic

During standard discharging, the battery is discharged at a constant current of 200A until the voltage drops to 10V. For safe discharging, the battery temperature should be between -4°F (-20°C) and 149°F (65°C).

ℹ️ To ensure safe and optimal battery usage, pair the battery with discharge equipment featuring a low voltage disconnect (LVD) function.

❗ Do not connect large loads when the battery is running low.

❗ Do not exceed the maximum continuous discharge current (200A).

How to Estimate the Battery SOC?

The SOC values are estimated based on the resting voltage (open-circuit voltage at rest) after the battery has rested for 30 minutes, not in charging or discharging state.

ℹ️ The table is for reference only, as slight variations in battery voltage may occur among different batteries.

Battery Management System

The battery is equipped with a Battery Management System (BMS) that provides warnings and protections against overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, short circuit, high temperature, and low temperature conditions. Refer to the table below for triggering and recovery conditions.

Troubleshooting

ℹ️ For further assistance, contact Renogy technical support service at https://www.renogy.com/contact-us.

Specifications

General

Connection & Operation

Maintenance & Storage

Inspection

Perform regular inspections:

• Examine the external appearance of the battery. The housing and terminals shall be clean, dry, and free of corrosion.
• Check battery cables and connections. Replace any damaged cables and tighten any loose connections.

ℹ️ In certain application scenarios, corrosion may occur around terminals. It is recommended to regularly apply insulation grease to each terminal to form a moisture-resistant seal and protect from corrosion.

Cleaning

Clean the battery at regular intervals:

• Disconnect the battery from the system.
• Clear debris from the battery.
• Clean with a soft, lint-free cloth, dampened with water or mild soap and water if extremely dirty.
• Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Keep the area around the battery clean.
• Reconnect the battery to the system.

Checking Voltage

Periodically check battery voltage to assess health. If the battery is unable to be activated with a charge/discharge current greater than 1A, or is activated with a resting voltage below 10V, it may have been severely overdischarged. Stop using until the fault is corrected and the battery can be charged.

Storage

To ensure the battery emerges from storage in good condition:

• Charge the battery to 30% to 50% SOC.
• Disconnect the battery from the system.
• Store in a well-ventilated, dry, clean area with temperatures between -4°F (-20°C) and 140°F (60°C).
• Do not expose to direct sunlight, moisture, or precipitation.
• Handle carefully to avoid sharp impacts or extreme pressure.
• Charge at least once every 3-6 months to prevent overdischarge.
• Fully charge when taken out of storage.

Important Safety Instructions

Renogy accepts no liability for damage caused by:

• Force majeure (fire, typhoon, flood, earthquake, war, terrorism).
• Intentional or accidental misuse, abuse, neglect, improper maintenance, or use under abnormal conditions.
• Improper installation, operation, or malfunction of peripheral devices.
• Contamination with hazardous substances or radiation.
• Alterations to the product without express written consent from the manufacturer.

General Safety

• Wear proper protective equipment and use insulated tools during installation and operation.
• Do not wear jewelry or other metal objects when working on or around the battery.
• Keep the battery out of the reach of children.
• Do not dispose of as household waste. Comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations, and use recycling channels.
• In case of fire, use a FM-200 or CO2 fire extinguisher.
• Do not expose to flammable or harsh chemicals or vapors.
• Clean the battery regularly.
• It is recommended that all cables should not exceed 10 meters to avoid excessive voltage drop.
• Cable specifications in the quick guide account for critical, less than 3% voltage drop and may not cover all configurations.
• Do not expose to strong electrostatic fields, strong magnetic fields, or radiation.

Battery Safety

• Keep the battery away from water, heat sources, sparks, and hazardous chemicals.
• Do not puncture, drop, crush, burn, penetrate, shake, strike, or step on the battery.
• Do not open, dismantle, repair, tamper with, or modify the battery.
• Do not touch any terminals or connectors.
• Ensure any battery charger or charge controller has been disconnected before working on the battery.
• Do not connect or disconnect terminals without first disconnecting loads.
• Do not place tools on top of the battery.
• Use suitable handling equipment for safe transportation.
• Do not insert foreign objects into the positive and negative terminals.

Renogy Support

To discuss inaccuracies or omissions, visit or contact us at:

• renogy.com/support/downloads
• Email: contentservice@renogy.com

To explore more possibilities of solar systems, visit Renogy Learning Center at: renogy.com/learning-center

For technical questions about your product in the U.S., contact the Renogy technical support team through:

• renogy.com/contact-us
• Phone: 1(909)2877111

For technical support outside the U.S., visit the local website:

• Canada: ca.renogy.com
• Australia: au.renogy.com
• South Korea: kr.renogy.com
• United Kingdom: uk.renogy.com
• China: www.renogy.cn
• Japan: jp.renogy.com
• Germany: de.renogy.com
• Other Europe: eu.renogy.com

Battery Recycling

Proper disposal and recycling of batteries are essential for environmental protection and a circular economy. We encourage correct disposal when batteries become depleted.

You can dispose of used batteries at any Call2Recycle or Earth911 locations that accept Renogy rechargeable Lithium-ion and Lead-acid batteries (AGM&GEL).

• www.call2recycle.org/locator
• search.earth911.com

Enjoy our community's incentive program when you properly dispose of your batteries. You can earn $20 gift cards for products on our website. It's a simple way to be environmentally responsible and be rewarded for recycling.

renogy.com/support

FCC Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

1. Orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your body.

Renogy Empowered

Renogy aims to empower people around the world through education and distribution of DIY-friendly renewable energy solutions. We intend to be a driving force for sustainable living and energy independence. In support of this effort, our range of solar products makes it possible to minimize your carbon footprint by reducing the need for grid power.

Live Sustainably with Renogy

Did you know? In a given month, a 1 kW solar energy system can:

• Save 170 pounds of coal from being burned
• Save 300 pounds of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere
• Save 105 gallons of water from being consumed

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Renogy Power Plus allows you to stay in the loop with upcoming solar energy innovations, share your experiences, and connect with like-minded people changing the world in the Renogy Power Plus community.

• YouTube: @Renogy Solar
• Instagram: @renogyofficial
• Facebook: @Renogy

Manufacturer Information

Renogy reserves the right to change the contents of this manual without notice.

Manufacturer: RENOGY New Energy Co., Ltd

Address: No.66, East Ningbo Road Room 624-625 Taicang German Overseas Students Pioneer Park JiangSu 215000 CN

EC REP: eVatmaster Consulting GmbH, Battinastr. 30, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany, contact@evatmaster.com

Manufacturer: RENOGY New Energy Co., Ltd

Address: No.66, East Ningbo Road Room 624-625 Taicang German Overseas Students Pioneer Park JiangSu 215000 CN

UK REP: EVATOST CONSULTING LTD, Office 101 32 Threadneedle Street, London, United Kingdom, EC2R 8AY, contact@evatost.com

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