FranklinWH aPower: Air Conditioning Not Supported -... | storagefaults.com

Critical Safety Precautions:

High DC voltage is present in the battery system. Improper handling can result in electric shock, arc flash, or thermal runaway. Always disconnect the DC power before performing any maintenance or repairs. Follow NEC Article 706 guidelines for battery safety and disconnect procedures. Only qualified electricians should work on the system. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, insulated gloves, and arc-rated clothing.

Observed Symptoms:

The FranklinWH aPower battery system is unable to supply sufficient power to operate the air conditioning unit. The AC unit may fail to start, trip breakers, or exhibit reduced performance when the battery is the primary power source. Confirmed AC unit operational when grid power is available.

Common Causes:

Insufficient State of Charge (SOC): The battery may not have enough stored energy to meet the AC unit's power demand. A low SOC can result from incomplete charging cycles or excessive energy consumption.
Overload Condition: The combined load of the AC unit and other appliances may exceed the inverter's maximum output capacity. This can trigger an overload protection mechanism and shut down power to the AC unit.
Battery Degradation (SOH): Over time, the battery's capacity and power output capability may degrade, reducing its ability to support high-power loads like AC units.
BMS Fault: A malfunctioning BMS can misreport the battery's SOC or incorrectly limit the discharge current, preventing the AC unit from starting.
Inverter Fault: A fault within the inverter could limit its output power or prevent it from supplying the necessary surge current for the AC unit.
Loose Connections/Wiring Issues: High resistance connections in the DC or AC wiring can limit current flow and voltage, preventing the AC from operating correctly.

Step-by-Step Fix:

1

Verify Battery SOC: Check the battery's SOC via the FranklinWH monitoring app or the BMS interface. Ensure it is above the minimum recommended level (typically >20%) for supporting high-power loads. Note the voltage of the battery bank.
2

Check for Overload: Disconnect non-essential loads to reduce the overall power demand on the system. Monitor the inverter's output power using a clamp meter to see if it exceeds its rated capacity when the AC unit attempts to start.
3

Inspect Battery Connections: Visually inspect all battery terminals, wiring, and connections for any signs of corrosion, looseness, or damage. Use a multimeter to measure the voltage drop across connections under load to identify high-resistance points.
4

Analyze BMS Data: Access the BMS data logs (if available) to check for any error codes, abnormal cell voltages, or temperature readings. Consult the FranklinWH documentation for interpreting these codes.
5

Test Battery Capacity: If SOH is suspected, perform a battery capacity test using a calibrated discharge tester to determine its actual usable capacity. Compare the results to the manufacturer's specifications.
6

Verify Inverter Operation: Use a multimeter to measure the AC output voltage and frequency of the inverter under load. Ensure they are within the specified ranges (e.g., 240V ±5%, 60Hz ±1%).
7

Consult FranklinWH Support: Contact FranklinWH technical support for assistance with troubleshooting and diagnosing complex issues. They may have specific diagnostic procedures or firmware updates to address the problem.

Technical Recommendation:

Check the FranklinWH inverter's event log for specific fault codes related to overload or low voltage during AC startup. These codes can provide valuable clues about the root cause of the problem. Cycle the DC disconnect switch to attempt a system reset, which may clear temporary errors in the BMS or inverter.

How It Works:

The FranklinWH aPower system is a residential energy storage solution that integrates with the grid and solar panels. It utilizes a lithium-ion battery pack, a bidirectional inverter for DC-AC conversion, and a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS monitors cell voltage, current, temperature, SOC, and SOH to ensure safe and efficient operation. The inverter controls the power flow between the battery, the grid, and the home's electrical load. The system has defined charge and discharge current limits, AC output power limits, and protection mechanisms against overloads, over-voltage, and over-temperature conditions. Air conditioning units typically require a high surge current upon startup, which can exceed the battery's discharge capacity or inverter's output limits.

Preventative Care:

Regularly monitor the battery's SOC and SOH through the FranklinWH monitoring app.
Avoid consistently deep discharging the battery, as this can accelerate degradation.
Ensure proper ventilation around the battery system to prevent overheating.
Keep the battery terminals and connections clean and free of corrosion.
Schedule periodic maintenance checks by a qualified electrician to inspect the system's wiring, connections, and components.
Apply firmware updates as recommended by FranklinWH to improve performance and reliability.

FranklinWH aPower: Air Conditioning Not Supported

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery?

•Is the AC unit's power consumption within the inverter's output limits?

•Are there any error codes displayed on the inverter or BMS?

Related questions

Critical Safety Precautions:

Observed Symptoms:

Common Causes:

Step-by-Step Fix:

Technical Recommendation:

How It Works:

Preventative Care:

Critical Safety Precautions:

Observed Symptoms:

Common Causes:

Step-by-Step Fix:

Technical Recommendation:

How It Works:

Preventative Care: