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FranklinWH•aPower

Analysis by Marcus & Team

FranklinWH aPower: Reduced Backup Duration Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting reduced backup time on FranklinWH aPower. Check battery health, settings, and system configuration. Prioritize safety and NEC compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the current State of Health (SOH) of the battery according to the monitoring app?

Obtain the SOH value from the FranklinWH monitoring app or installer portal.

•What is the total power consumption (in Watts) of the loads connected to the backup system during a power outage?

Measure the AC current on each circuit using a clamp meter and calculate the total power consumption.

•What is the ambient temperature around the FranklinWH aPower unit?

Use a thermometer to measure the ambient temperature and check for proper ventilation.

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Marcus leads the technical research department at Storage Faults. Together with a team of systems analysts, he specializes in translating complex solar storage error codes into actionable diagnostic steps for the US market.

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Technical Overview:

The FranklinWH aPower system consists of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery modules, a Battery Management System (BMS), a bidirectional inverter for DC-AC conversion, and grid synchronization circuitry. The BMS monitors cell voltages, temperature, and current to calculate State of Charge (SOC) and State of Health (SOH). The inverter manages power flow between the battery, the grid, and the home load. Backup duration is determined by the usable battery capacity, the load demand, and the inverter efficiency.

Symptoms:

The FranklinWH aPower system provides backup power for a shorter duration than expected based on the calculated load and battery capacity. This is observed during grid outages or simulated power loss tests.

Pro Tip:

Access the installer settings in the FranklinWH monitoring app to view detailed battery cell voltage data. Significant cell voltage imbalance (greater than 50mV) can indicate a faulty battery module and contribute to reduced backup duration.

Safety Warning:

The FranklinWH aPower system operates at high DC voltage. Always disconnect the DC input from the solar panels and the AC input from the grid before performing any maintenance or troubleshooting. Follow NEC 706 guidelines for rapid shutdown. Only qualified electricians should perform work on this system to avoid electrical shock and arc flash hazards. Lithium-ion batteries pose a fire risk if mishandled or damaged. Ensure adequate fire suppression equipment is available.

Recommended Action:

1

Verify the total load connected to the backup system using a clamp meter to measure AC current on each circuit during a simulated outage. Calculate the total power draw in Watts.
2

Check the battery SOH using the FranklinWH monitoring app or installer portal. Compare the current SOH with the original specifications.
3

Review the system configuration parameters in the installer settings, including the low SOC cut-off voltage and maximum discharge current limits.
4

Perform a battery capacity test by fully charging the battery and then discharging it at a controlled rate while monitoring voltage and current. Calculate the actual usable capacity in kWh.
5

Use an infrared (IR) thermometer to check for hotspots on the battery modules and inverter, indicating potential component failures or thermal issues.
6

Verify proper ventilation around the aPower unit to ensure optimal operating temperature. Remove any obstructions that may restrict airflow.
7

Ensure compliance with NEC 706.15 for disconnecting means. All work to be performed by qualified personnel.

Why This Happens:

Significant degradation of battery SOH, reducing usable capacity.
Inaccurate SOC estimation by the BMS due to calibration drift or sensor malfunction.
Higher than expected load demand exceeding the system's backup capacity.
Inefficient DC-AC conversion by the inverter due to component aging or malfunction.
Incorrect system configuration parameters, such as low SOC cut-off voltage.
Thermal derating of battery capacity due to extreme ambient temperatures.

Maintenance Tips:

Perform regular battery capacity tests (every 6-12 months) to track SOH and identify potential degradation.
Monitor the system's performance data (SOC, voltage, current, temperature) using the FranklinWH monitoring app.
Keep the system firmware updated to the latest version to ensure optimal BMS performance and accurate SOC estimation.
Avoid deep discharges (below 20% SOC) to prolong battery life.
Ensure proper ventilation around the battery and inverter to prevent overheating.