Growatt ARK High Voltage Battery System

About this Document

This document describes the installation, electrical connection, operation, commission, maintenance and troubleshooting of the ARK High Voltage Battery System. Before installing and operating the ARK High Voltage Battery System, ensure that you are familiar with product features, functions, and safety precautions provided in this document.

Symbol: ! WARNING - Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death.

1 Product Overview

1.1 Intended Use

The entire ARK High Voltage Battery System includes a HVC 60050-A1 (high voltage controller) and multiple ARK 2.5H-A1 (battery pack). Each ARK 2.5H-A1 consists of 50Ah cells which form a 51.2V voltage battery pack via one parallel and sixteen serial connection (1P16S). Two to ten ARK 2.5H-A1 can be connected in serial to extend the capacity and power of the energy storage system. The ARK battery system powers the loads through PCS at nighttime without solar; when solar becomes available during daytime, solar energy powers the loads as a priority and stores residual solar power into the ARK battery system.

1.2 Appearance

1.2.1 HVC 60050-A1 (high voltage controller)

The high voltage controller is composed of battery control unit, DC breaker, power supply and communication terminals. The appearance of the product is shown below.

Dimensions (unit: mm): 650 x 260 x 185

Ports and Functions:

• PCS: Communication with PCS
• Link-In: Battery system parallel communication entrance
• Pressure relief valve: Pressures inside is released via the vent
• Link-Out: Battery system parallel communication export
• BMU: Communication with battery module
• Ground terminal
• PCS+/PCS-: The output from battery system to the PCS
• USB interface: USB communication interface
• LED: SOC and working status indication of the system
• Breaker: Breaker to turn on/off the whole battery system
• Power button: Wake up the battery system

1.2.2 ARK 2.5H-A1 (battery pack)

ARK 2.5H-A1 consists of a battery module (including cell and mechanical parts), Battery Management Unit (BMU), as well as power and communication terminals. Product appearance is shown below.

Dimensions (unit: mm): 650 x 260 x 650

Ports and Functions:

• Link0: Communicate with the previous module (Link1)
• Link1: Communicate with the next module (Link0)
• Module-: Connect to the positive terminal of the adjacent module
• Module+: Connect to the negative terminal of the adjacent module
• Ground terminal
• Pressure relief valve: Pressures inside is released via the vent
• Ground terminal

1.3 Working Principle and Function

The ARK high voltage battery system is composed of a high voltage controller HVC 60050-A1 and battery packs ARK 2.5H-A1 in series. It contains electrochemical batteries, battery control units, battery management units, power and signal terminals, and mechanical parts. Compared with other battery systems, it has better charging and discharging performance, higher charging and discharging efficiency, more accurate status monitor, and less self-discharge loss. A single cluster system can connect 2 to 10 packs in series to increase the capacity and power of the battery system. The entire battery system communicates with the inverter through CAN communication, and the operation stability is high.

• Monitoring: voltage, current, and temperature detection of both single cells and the battery system.
• Protection and Alarm: protection and alarm when overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, overtemperature, or undertemperature occurs. See Appendix I for details.
• Report: report all alarm and status data to PCS.
• Series connection: support two to ten packs in series connection.
• Power failure triggered by fault: 10 minutes after the battery system and PCS communication is disconnected or 15 minutes after undervoltage protection.

2 Safety

When installing or using a battery system, the safety information contained in this section must always be followed. For safety reasons, it is the installer's responsibility to be familiar with this manual and all warnings before installation.

2.1 Basic Security

The battery system has been designed and tested in accordance with strict rules with international safety certification requirements. Before any installation or use of the battery system, please read all safety instructions carefully and always follow the relevant rules. Growatt is not responsible for any consequences resulting from violation of the following regulations:

• Damage occurred during transportation.
• Incorrect transportation, storage, installation, and use, or customer fails to convey the correct information about transportation, storage, installation, and use to terminal customers.
• Non-professional installation.
• Failure to obey the rules of this operation instructions and safety precautions in this document.
• Unauthorized modifications or removal of the software package.
• The product's tamper label is damaged or the product lacks any parts (except authorized disassembly parts).
• Operation in extreme environments which are not allowed in this document.
• Repair, disassemble, or change packs without authorization and cause failure.
• Damage to shell labels or modifies date of production.
• Packs fail to be charged for more than six months.
• Damages due to force majeure (such as lightning, earthquakes, fire, and storms).
• Warranty expiration.

2.2 Safety Precautions

2.2.1 Environment Requirements

• Do not expose the battery to temperatures above 50°C or heat sources.
• Do not install or use the battery in wet locations, moisture, corrosive gases, or liquids, such as a bathroom.
• Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
• Place the battery in a safe place away from children and animals.
• Battery power terminals shall not touch conductive objects such as wires.
• Do not dispose of the batteries in fire, which may cause an explosion.
• The battery system shall not come in contact with liquids.

2.2.2 Operation Precautions

• Do not touch the battery system with wet hands.
• Do not disassemble the battery system without permission.
• Do not crush, drop, or pierce the battery pack and high voltage controller.
• Dispose of the batteries according to local safety regulations.
• Store and recharge the battery in accordance with this manual.
• Ensure the connection of the ground wire is reliable.
• Remove all metal objects such as watches and rings that could cause a short-circuit before installation, replacement, and maintenance.
• The pack shall be repaired, replaced, or maintained by skilled personnel that has been recognized.
• When storing or handling batteries, do not stack batteries without packaging.
• Do not break the battery; the released electrolyte may be toxic and is harmful to skin and eyes.
• Packaged batteries should not be stacked more than the specified number stipulated on the packing case.
• Do not use damaged, failed, or deformed batteries, which may lead to high temperature or even dangerous accidents. Continued operation of a damaged battery may result in electrical shock, fire, or even worse.

2.3 Warning Labels

Symbols and Descriptions:

• CE: Certification in European union area
• ! (Triangle with exclamation mark): Electric shock hazard
• A (Triangle with explosion symbol): Explosive gas
• A (Triangle with corrosive symbol): May leak corrosive electrolyte
• A (Triangle with falling weight symbol): Heavy enough to cause severe injury
• (Person with child symbol): Keep the Pack away from children
• +/-: Make sure the battery polarity is well connected
• (Fire symbol): Do not expose to fire
• (Manual symbol): Operate as the Manual
• (Recycle symbol): Lithium ion battery can be recycled
• (Trash can symbol): Do not dispose in trash

WARNING:

• Do not disassemble or alter the PACK to avoid heat, explosion, or fire.
• Do not use the PACK beyond specified conditions. It might cause heat generation, damage, or deterioration of its performance.
• Do not throw, drop, hit, drive a nail in, or stamp on the PACK. It may cause heat generation, explosion, or fire.
• In case of electrolyte leakage, keep leaked electrolyte away from contact with eyes or skin. Immediately clean with water and seek help from a doctor.
• Do not put the PACK into a fire. Do not use it or leave it on a place near fire, heaters, or high-temperature sources. It may cause over-temperature, explosion, or fire.
• Do not submerge the PACK in water, or wet the product. It may cause heat generation, explosion, or fire.
• Do not reversely connect the PACK positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.
• Do not short circuit by letting the PACK terminals (+ and -) contact a wire or any metal.
• The unit is heavy enough to cause severe injury.
• Keep out of reach of children or animals.

Battery Pack Information (Example: ARK 2.5H-A1):

• Model: ARK 2.5H-A1
• Nominal Voltage: 51.2V
• Nominal/Rated Capacity: 50Ah/45Ah
• Nominal/Rated Energy: 2560Wh/2300Wh
• Rated Current: 25A
• Ingress Protection: IP65
• Operating Ambient Temperature: -10°C to +50°C

Battery System Information (Example: ARK 5.1H-A1 to ARK 25.6H-A1):

• System Model: ARK 5.1H-A1 to ARK 25.6H-A1
• Nominal Voltage: 102.4V to 512.0V
• Nominal Energy: 5.12kWh to 25.6kWh
• Rated Energy: 4.608kWh to 23.04kWh
• Rated Power: 2.56kW to 12.8kW
• High Voltage Controller Model: HVC 60050-A1
• Protective Class: IP65
• Rated Current: 25A
• Nominal/Rated Capacity: 50Ah/45Ah
• Ingress Protection: IP65
• Operating Ambient Temperature: -10°C to +50°C

Notice: The performance will be limited when the temperature is below 0°C.

2.4 Emergency Responses

Manufacturer takes foreseeable risk scenarios into consideration and is designed to reduce hazards and dangers. However, if the following situations occur, do as below:

3 Storage and Transportation

3.1 Storage Requirements

• Place the product following the identification on the packing case during storage.
• Do not put the product upside down or sidelong.
• The defective product needs to be separated from other products.
• The storage environment requirements are as follows: Place the product in a dry, clean, and well-ventilated place.
• The storage temperature for a short week (7 days) is between -20°C to 50°C.
• If you store the product over a long period of six months, the storage temperature is between -20°C to 40°C, relative humidity: 5%~95%RH.
• Place the product away from corrosive and organic substances (including gas exposure).
• Free from direct exposure to sunlight and rain.
• At least two meters away from heat sources (such as a radiator).
• Free from exposure to intensive infrared radiation.
• If the battery is stored for more than six months, the battery pack shall be recharged to 40% SOC every six months using a charger.

Notice: If not following the above instructions for long-term storage, the battery cycle life will be reduced or even damaged.

3.2 Transportation Requirement

Battery packs have been certified in UN38.3 (Section 38.3 of the sixth Revised Edition of the Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods: Manual of Tests and Criteria) and SN/T 0370.2-2009 (Part 2: Performance Test of the Rules for the Inspection of Packaging for Exporting Dangerous Goods). Battery packs are classified as category 9 dangerous goods.

• The battery pack shall not be transported with other inflammable, explosive, or toxic substances.
• Ensure the original package and label are complete and recognizable.
• Prohibit direct exposure to sunlight, rain, condensing water caused by temperature difference, and mechanical damages.
• Prohibit to pile up more than six battery packs.
• There will be a drop in capacity during transportation and storage.
• Transportation temperature is between -20°C to 40°C, relative humidity: 5%~95%RH.

4 Installation

WARNING: The installation and use of batteries involve a lot of expertise. Therefore, please ensure that technicians have obtained relevant technical certificates before operation.

• Ensure to read the Guidance before installation in order to understand product information and safety cautions.
• Operators should be well-trained technicians and fully understand the whole photovoltaic system, grid network, battery system, working principle, and national regional standards.
• Installers must use insulating tools and wear safety equipment.
• Device damages caused by failure to comply with storage, transportation, installation, and use requirements specified in the Guidance are not covered by warranty.
• Do not install or use the battery near explosive or inflammable substances.
• Use the battery in a well-ventilated environment with temperatures ranging from -10°C to 50°C.
• Maintain a minimum level of dust and dirt in the environment.
• Do not install the battery in highly humid areas such as bathrooms.
• Please make sure that all battery packs connected in series are from the same batch, the same model, and the same manufacturer. Do not mix old batteries with new batteries. A battery pack that does not exceed 300 cycles is defined as a new battery.
• Before installing in series, make sure that the voltage difference of the battery packs must be less than or equal to 0.5V.
• When installing the batteries, we recommend that the manufacturing date of batteries in the same system should be within 3 months. The manufacturing date of batteries can be interpreted through the barcode (refer to Appendix 1).

4.1 Installation Environment

The battery system can be installed indoors or outdoors. The following conditions are allowed:

• Wall Mounted Installation: Minimum distance of 300mm between the wall and bracket; minimum distance of 500mm between bracket and ground.
• Floor Standing Installation: Minimum distance of 300mm from the wall and ground.

Notice: Do not place the battery pack upside down.

WARNING: When installing outdoors, it is necessary to install sunshades and rain shelters to avoid direct exposure to sunlight and rain.

4.2 Installation Required Tools

The following tools are required to install the battery system:

• Drill
• Screw Driver
• Wrench
• Pencil
• Tap Measure
• Multimeter

It is recommended to wear the following safety gear when dealing with the battery system:

• Insulated Gloves
• Safety Goggles
• Safety Shoes

4.3 Installation Procedures

4.3.1 Pre-installation Check

• Check the PACK package before opening it. If any abnormality is detected, do not open the package and contact your distributor.
• Check the quantity of all parts inside according to the package list. If there is any part missing or damaged, please contact your distributor.

4.3.1.1 Check the list of HVC 60050-A1

• HVC60050-A1 x1
• Warranty card x1
• Quick installation Manual x1
• Power cable (to battery) x1
• Plug x1

4.3.1.2 Check the list of ARK 2.5H-A1

• ARK 2.5H-A1 x1
• Serial cable x1
• Warranty card x1

4.3.1.3 Check the battery base and wall bracket

Notice:

• The high voltage controller (HVC 60050-A1) and the battery pack (ARK 2.5H-A1) are standard accessories; please be sure to purchase both. A battery system only needs one high voltage controller (HVC 60050-A1), and battery packs (ARK 2.5H-A1). You can freely match the number within 2 to 10.
• The battery base is only used for floor installation, and the wall bracket is only used for wall installation. The battery base and wall bracket are optional accessories, not standard accessories.
• You need to separately purchase the connection cable from the high voltage controller (HVC 60050-A1) to the PCS.
• If you want to install the same battery system in two lines, you need to purchase an extension cable separately for connection.
• The installation method can be selected as wall-mounted installation or floor-standing installation as required.

4.3.2 Wall Mounted Installation

Steps:

1. Please make sure that the weight capacity of the wall should exceed 150kg.
2. Put the bracket on the wall and mark drilling spots. Keep a minimum distance of 300mm between the wall and bracket; a minimum distance of 500mm between bracket and ground.
3. Choose an alloy drill with a diameter of 8mm, and drill at least 60mm mounting holes in the wall. Clean the soil and insert the expansion tube into the hole, then screw in the screws to fix the wall mount.
4. Fix the battery on the wall mount, make sure that the battery will not shake, and then lock the safety screw.

Notice:

• The number of wall-mounted installations should not exceed 4 (including high voltage controllers).
• If there are more than 4, please install them in two lines, and the spacing should be greater than or equal to 300mm.

4.3.3 Floor Standing Installation

Steps:

1. Place the battery base in the area to be installed, and mark the position of the installation hole with a marker. The minimum distance between the wall and the battery is 300mm.
2. Select an alloy drill with a diameter of 10mm and drill a mounting hole at least 60mm deep in the wall. Insert the expansion pipe into the hole and screw in the screws to secure the anti-roll-over plate.
3. Stack the battery on the base, connect the fixed connecting strip between the battery packs.
4. Make sure the battery will not shake, and then lock the safety screw.

Notice:

• If more than 4 batteries are used, base mounting is recommended.
• For floor installation with a base, the maximum stack number of the battery is ten. But if the battery number is greater than six, we recommend stacking them in two lines.
• The safety part needs to be installed at the top battery; however, once the number of battery packs is higher than 7, one more safety part should be installed in the middle battery, which is shown in the last step.

4.4 Electrical Connection

Notice: Do not forget to wear ESD wrist strap and gloves, safety gloves, and goggles.

4.4.1 Definition of RJ45 communication port pin

Communication port definition of HVC 60050-A1:

Communication port definition of HVC 60050-A1:

4.4.2 System connection diagram

Notice:

• When connecting the power line, it must be the same color terminal to connect; otherwise, there may be dangers such as short circuit.
• A DC circuit breaker has been installed in the high voltage controller. If you want to install a DC circuit breaker between the battery system and the PCS, you need to purchase it yourself according to the following specifications:
  a. Voltage: 750Vdc/1000Vdc
  b. Current: 63A

4.4.2.1 System connection diagram

Note:

• The battery is not allowed to be installed in the running state. Turn off the system power before installation.
• To ensure system security, do not forget to install the ground wire.
• Don't forget to connect the communication plug of the last battery pack, otherwise it will cause system failure.
• When installing in two rows, please purchase the extended serial cable.
• The cable connecting PCS can be purchased from GROWATT.

4.4.2.2 Electrical wiring connection

A. HVC 60050-A1 (High Voltage Controller) wiring

1. Insert the power cable into the corresponding port, then there is a click sound indicating the connection is okay.
2. Insert the communication cable into the "PCS" port and "BMU" port, and then tighten the communication terminal clockwise. ("PCS" port connects to the PCS. "BMU" port connects to the adjacent battery pack.)
3. Connect to the PCS and adjacent battery pack using a 6mm² grounding wire through the grounding terminal.

Notice:

• For a single battery system, the "Link-in" and "Link out" ports of the High Voltage Controller don't need to be connected; they are only used for parallel connection of the battery systems.
• Please pay attention to the connector color when connecting the power line. Only the same color of the connector could be connected together.
• To ensure system security, do not forget to install the ground wire.

B. ARK 2.5H-A1 (Battery module) wiring

1. Insert the power cable into the corresponding port, then there is a click sound indicating the connection is okay.
2. Insert the communication cable into the "Link0" and "Link1" port, and then tighten the communication terminal clockwise. ("Link0" connects to "Link1" of the previous module. For the battery adjacent to the high voltage controller, "link0" is connected to the "BMU" of the high voltage controller. "Link1" connects to "Link0" of the next module.)
3. Insert a plug into the "Link1" port of the last battery module. The plug is an annex of HVC 60050-A1 (high voltage controller).
4. Connect to the adjacent battery pack using a 6mm² grounding wire through the grounding terminal.

Notice:

• The battery module furthest from the HVC 60050-A1 (high voltage controller) is defined as the last battery module.
• Please pay attention to the connector color when connecting the power line. Only the same color of the connector could be connected together.
• The power lines between the battery modules are connected in series. Be careful not to short-circuit the battery modules during the connection process.

5 Power on/off Battery system

Notice:

• The installation and use of batteries need to be operated by professional technicians.
• Do not contact any positions with potential difference.
• Prohibition sign should be hung on the battery: "Non-professionals, do not touch."
• If any abnormalities occur during the startup phase, power off the system immediately. After the problem is confirmed, proceed again.
• Make sure the inverter is turned off before checking the battery system.

5.1 Power on Battery system

Before turning on the battery, please check if the cable is properly connected.

Power on the battery system by pressing the power button (t>5S).

5.2 Power off

Turn the DC breaker of the HVC 60050-A1 (High Voltage Controller) to "Off" to turn off the entire battery system.

6 Maintenance Guide

6.1 Preparation

Before maintenance, please make sure that the battery system is powered off and the DC circuit breaker is off.

6.2 Battery pack or high voltage controller replacement

• Wear safety gloves.
• Close the breaker and power off the battery system.
• Disconnect power lines and CAN communication lines of the battery system.
• Uninstall the safety screws on both sides of the battery pack or high voltage controller. Lift up the battery pack or high voltage controller.
• Put the battery pack or high voltage controller into the packing box according to the repair procedure and transport the battery pack or high voltage controller to the designated repair site.
• Install a new battery pack or high voltage controller based on the procedure specified in Section 4.

Notice:

• Before replacing the battery, use the charger to charge the new battery and the existing battery to full (SOC 100%).
• If the battery is not used, it is recommended to charge and discharge the battery every 3 months to activate the chemical characteristics, and the maximum interval shall not exceed 6 months.

6.3 System Failure Information List and Troubleshooting Suggestions

7 Technical Specifications

7.1 System Data

Notice: Method for calculating rated capacity: Rated capacity of the measured module: 45 Ah. Number of modules connected in series: 2~10. Calculated rated capacity (Ah) = 45 Ah * 1 = 45Ah. The performance will be limited when the temperature is below 0°C.

7.2 Battery System designation

Appendix I

7.3 HVC 60050-A1

7.4 ARK 2.5H-A1

Barcode coding rules:

Bar code number position:

XXX X XXXX XXXX XXXX

1. The 1st to 3th digits indicate the product code: refer to the product naming table and code correspondence table for details.

2. The 4th represents the software version code, refer to GROWATT controlled "Software code history table".

3. The 5th to 8th digits represent the supplier code. GROWATT is 0000, the supplier D is 0001, and other outsourced suppliers are 0002/0003..., and so on, please refer to the corresponding relationship table of the supplier code.

4. The 9th to 12th digits represent the production date, which is represented by 4 digits, the year is represented by the first 2 digits, and the week is represented by the last 2 digits, for example, the 38th week of 2013 is 1338.

5. The 13th to 16th digits represent the serial number, 34 base, represented by 4 digits, and the characters 0 to Z are used. I and O in the letters are discarded.

For example, the product number is SD00.0002100, the product code is ARJ, the software version is 0, the supplier D is 0001, the production date is 21th week in 2021, and the first barcode of the work order is ARJ0000121210001.

P/N: SD00.0002100

S/N: ARJ0000121210001 D0

Appendix II

LED indication Control Mechanism